Topic

Investigation of mechanisms of action in cells exposed to the high frequency electromagnetic fields of mobile telephone technology.
C. functions

Start

01.09.2003

End

30.11.2006

Project Management

University of Rostock, Institute for Cell Technology e. V.

Objective

The research project should clarify the impact and the mechanisms involved in biological processes induced by electromagnetic fields in immune relevant cells. The influence of GSM mobile transmissions on cell type specific functions such as phagocytosis activity or free radical production was studied. In addition, the possible influence on cell cycle, apoptosis and protein patterns on cells was studied. Possible target proteins were further analysed with respect to quantity and function.

Results

The present study investigated effects of high frequency electromagnetic fields of mobile telephone technology (GSM 1800) on the function of four immune relevant cell types (primary human monocytes, MM6, primary lymphocytes and K562). Different signal types (continuous wave, 217 Hz, GSM-nonDTX und GSM-DTX) and different SAR values (0,5; 1,0; 1,5; 2,0; 5,0 und 10 W/kg) were tested.

Results showed no significant influence on cell cycle, cell proliferation, apoptosis, phagocytosis and stress related response (Hsp70 induction). No significant differences in free radical production were detected after RF-EMF exposure at SAR values up to 2 W/kg.

Only the GSM-DTX signal at 2 W/kg produced a significant difference in free radical production, but only if compared to the sham, but not if compared to the incubator control, obviously caused by a reduction of free radical production in the sham control. When different signal modulations of the DTX signal were tested, results showed – in sham controls as well as in RF-exposed cells - either increase or decrease of free radical production. An explanation for this “sham effect” has not been found yet.

A protein micro-array analysis in primary human monocytes was performed to detect alterations in protein expressions after RF exposure. The array data indicated a decreased cell metabolism in the sham exposed population and an activation in the RF exposed cells. The significance of the protein array is limited, for only one single array experiment with pooled cells from different donors could be performed.

Investigating the gene expression on certain genes (PIK3R1, CCNC, Raf 1, HPRT) after RF-EMF (GSM-DTX, 2 W/kg, 45 min) in human umbilical cord blood derived monocytes, no effects of RF exposure compared to sham and to incubator control were found.

The final report is available as PDF-file in German (1.194 KB).

References

Lantow M, Simkó M (2004) 1800 MHz RF-EMF do not induce free radical production in different immune relevant cells. 26 Annual Meeting of the BEMS, 2004, Washington DC, USA, Abstract Book

Lantow et al. (2005) Free radical production, Hsp70 expression and protein profiling after 1800 MHz RF exposure in different immune relevant cells. 27 Annual Meeting of the BEMS, 2005, Dublin, Ireland, Abstract Book

Simkó M, Hartwig C, Lantow M, Lubke M, Mattsson MO, Rahman Q, Rollwitz J (2006) Hsp 70 expression and free radical release after exposure to non-thermal radio-frequency electromagnetic fields and ultrafine particles in human Mono Mac 6 cells, Toxicology Letters 161, 73-82

Lantow M., Schuderer, J., Hartwig C, Simko, M (2006) Free Radical Release and HSP 70 Expression in two human immune-relevant cell lines after exposure to 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation, Radiation Research 165, 88-94

Lantow M., Lupke M., Frahm J., Mattson M.O., Kuster N., Simko M. (2006) ROS release and Hsp70 expression after exposure to 1.800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in primary human monocytes and lymphocytes, Radiat. Environ Biophys, DOI 10.1007/s00411-006-0038-3

Conclusion

Since neither alterations in physiological processes such as phagocytosis, cell proliferation, apoptosis and induction of Hsp 70 nor changes of ROS production – with the only exception of the described “sham effect” at 2 W/kg with the DTX-signal in two cell systems - were detected, relevant adverse effects on cell functions can not be recognized. Indications from other studies of induction of reactive oxygen species causing DNA damage or of induction of stress proteins were not confirmed.