Analysis of the metabolic profile of humans naturally exposed to RF-EM radiation
← Research streamIn 60 participants (30 high exposure; 30 low exposure), 29 urinary metabolites were reported as dysregulated (19 downregulated, 10 upregulated) in association with higher cellular RF-EM exposure. Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism and the TCA cycle pathw…
Study snapshot
Abstract
Analysis of the metabolic profile of humans naturally exposed to RF-EM radiation Rangesh NM, Malaisamy AK, Kumar N, Kumar S. Analysis of the metabolic profile of humans naturally exposed to RF-EM radiation. Metabolomics. 2024 May 18;20(3):55. doi: 10.1007/s11306-024-02121-2. Abstract Introduction: The world is experiencing exponential growth in communication, especially wireless communication. Wireless connectivity has recently become a part of everyone's daily life. Recent developments in low-cost, low-power, and miniature devices contribute to a significant rise in radiofrequency-electromagnetic field (RF-EM) radiation exposure in our environment, raising concern over its effect on biological systems. The inconsistent and conflicting research results make it difficult to draw definite conclusions about how RF-EM radiation affects living things. Objectives: This study identified two micro-environments based on their level of exposure to cellular RF- EM radiation, one with significantly less exposure and another with very high exposure to RF-EM radiation. Emphasis is given to studying the metabolites in the urine samples of humans naturally exposed to these two different microenvironments to understand short-term metabolic dysregulations. Methods: Untargeted 1H NMR spectroscopy was employed for metabolomics analyses to identify dysregulated metabolites. A total of 60 subjects were recruited with 5 ml urine samples each. These subjects were divided into two groups: one highly exposed to RF-EM (n = 30) and the other consisting of low-exposure populations (n = 30). Results: The study found that the twenty-nine metabolites were dysregulated. Among them, 19 were downregulated, and 10 were upregulated. In particular, Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate and the TCA cycle metabolism pathway have been perturbed. The dysregulated metabolites were validated using the ROC curve analysis. Conclusion: Untargeted urine metabolomics was conducted to identify dysregulated metabolites linked to RF-EM radiation exposure. Preliminary findings suggest a connection between oxidative stress and gut microbiota imbalance. However, further research is needed to validate these biomarkers and understand the effects of RF-EM radiation on human health. Further research is needed with a diverse population. Conclusion The purpose of this study was to initiate an exploration using urine metabolomics and 1 H NMR spectroscopy to identify specific dysregulated metabolites associated with RF-EM radiation exposure. The objective was to pinpoint potential biomarkers for future validation. Based on these preliminary findings, there appears to be a possible connection between RF-EM radiation exposure, oxidative stress, and disruptions in the gut microbiota balance. Nevertheless, it’s imperative to stress that additional investigations with a larger and more diverse population are necessary to validate these identified biomarkers and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of RF-EM radiation exposure on human health. Furthermore, individuals with lower levels of radiation exposure exhibited metabolite signatures of a healthier gut microbiota system, indicating a potential association between radiation exposure and microbiota health. However, it is crucial to emphasize that further research is essential for confirmation. Future studies involve conducting a comprehensive study involving individuals with substantial RF-EM radiation exposure alongside a control group of unexposed individuals. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
AI evidence extraction
Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.
Main findings
In 60 participants (30 high exposure; 30 low exposure), 29 urinary metabolites were reported as dysregulated (19 downregulated, 10 upregulated) in association with higher cellular RF-EM exposure. Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism and the TCA cycle pathway were reported as perturbed; ROC analysis was used to validate dysregulated metabolites. The authors describe the findings as preliminary and suggest a possible connection with oxidative stress and gut microbiota imbalance, noting that further research is needed.
Outcomes measured
- Urinary metabolomic profile (untargeted 1H NMR)
- Dysregulated urinary metabolites (up/downregulated)
- Perturbed metabolic pathways (glyoxylate and dicarboxylate; TCA cycle)
- ROC curve validation of dysregulated metabolites
Limitations
- Exposure characterized by micro-environments (high vs low) without reported frequency/SAR details in abstract
- Observational comparison (natural exposure); causality cannot be established from the abstract
- Authors describe findings as preliminary and call for larger, more diverse populations and validation
View raw extracted JSON
{
"study_type": "cross_sectional",
"exposure": {
"band": "RF",
"source": "cellular",
"frequency_mhz": null,
"sar_wkg": null,
"duration": "natural exposure; short-term metabolic dysregulations (as stated)"
},
"population": "Humans in two micro-environments with differing cellular RF-EM exposure (high vs low exposure)",
"sample_size": 60,
"outcomes": [
"Urinary metabolomic profile (untargeted 1H NMR)",
"Dysregulated urinary metabolites (up/downregulated)",
"Perturbed metabolic pathways (glyoxylate and dicarboxylate; TCA cycle)",
"ROC curve validation of dysregulated metabolites"
],
"main_findings": "In 60 participants (30 high exposure; 30 low exposure), 29 urinary metabolites were reported as dysregulated (19 downregulated, 10 upregulated) in association with higher cellular RF-EM exposure. Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism and the TCA cycle pathway were reported as perturbed; ROC analysis was used to validate dysregulated metabolites. The authors describe the findings as preliminary and suggest a possible connection with oxidative stress and gut microbiota imbalance, noting that further research is needed.",
"effect_direction": "mixed",
"limitations": [
"Exposure characterized by micro-environments (high vs low) without reported frequency/SAR details in abstract",
"Observational comparison (natural exposure); causality cannot be established from the abstract",
"Authors describe findings as preliminary and call for larger, more diverse populations and validation"
],
"evidence_strength": "low",
"confidence": 0.74,
"peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
"keywords": [
"RF-EM radiation",
"cellular exposure",
"human",
"urine metabolomics",
"1H NMR spectroscopy",
"dysregulated metabolites",
"TCA cycle",
"glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism",
"oxidative stress",
"gut microbiota",
"ROC curve"
],
"suggested_hubs": [
{
"slug": "mobile-phones",
"weight": 0.72,
"reason": "Exposure described as 'cellular RF-EM radiation' with high vs low micro-environments."
},
{
"slug": "rf-biomarkers-metabolomics",
"weight": 0.78,
"reason": "Untargeted urine metabolomics (1H NMR) used to identify dysregulated metabolites/biomarkers linked to RF-EM exposure."
}
]
}AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.
Identifiers and source
DOI: 10.1007/s11306-024-02121-2
PubMed: 38762651