Exposure to 835 MHz RF EMF induces autophagy in hippocampus but not in brain stem of mice
← Research streamAfter 12 weeks of 835 MHz RF-EMF exposure at SAR 4.0 W/kg, several autophagy-related genes were significantly upregulated in the hippocampus but not in the brain stem. LC3B-II and p62 levels were significantly changed only in the hippocampus, and TEM showed i…
Study snapshot
Abstract
Exposure to 835 MHz RF EMF induces autophagy in hippocampus but not in brain stem of mice Kim JH, Yu DH, Kim HJ, Huh YH, Cho SW, Lee JK, Kim HG, Kim HR. Exposure to 835 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field induces autophagy in hippocampus but not in brain stem of mice. Toxicol Ind Health. 2017 Jan 1:748233717740066. doi: 10.1177/0748233717740066. Abstract The exploding popularity of mobile phones and their close proximity to the brain when in use has raised public concern regarding possible adverse effects from exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on the central nervous system. Numerous studies have suggested that RF-EMF emitted by mobile phones can influence neuronal functions in the brain. Currently, there is still very limited information on what biological mechanisms influence neuronal cells of the brain. In the present study, we explored whether autophagy is triggered in the hippocampus or brain stem after RF-EMF exposure. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 835 MHz RF- EMF with specific absorption rates (SAR) of 4.0 W/kg for 12 weeks; afterward, the hippocampus and brain stem of mice were dissected and analyzed. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis demonstrated that several autophagic genes, which play key roles in autophagy regulation, were significantly upregulated only in the hippocampus and not in the brain stem. Expression levels of LC3B-II protein and p62, crucial autophagic regulatory proteins, were significantly changed only in the hippocampus. In parallel, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed an increase in the number of autophagosomes and autolysosomes in the hippocampal neurons of RF-EMF-exposed mice. The present study revealed that autophagy was induced in the hippocampus, not in the brain stem, in 835 MHz RF-EMF with an SAR of 4.0 W/kg for 12 weeks. These results could suggest that among the various adaptation processes to the RF-EMF exposure environment, autophagic degradation is one possible mechanism in specific brain regions. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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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
After 12 weeks of 835 MHz RF-EMF exposure at SAR 4.0 W/kg, several autophagy-related genes were significantly upregulated in the hippocampus but not in the brain stem. LC3B-II and p62 levels were significantly changed only in the hippocampus, and TEM showed increased autophagosomes and autolysosomes in hippocampal neurons.
Outcomes measured
- Autophagy-related gene expression (qRT-PCR) in hippocampus and brain stem
- LC3B-II and p62 protein expression in hippocampus and brain stem
- Autophagosome/autolysosome counts in hippocampal neurons (TEM)
Limitations
- Sample size not reported in abstract
- Only two brain regions assessed (hippocampus and brain stem)
- Mechanistic/biomarker endpoints reported; functional or behavioral outcomes not described in abstract
View raw extracted JSON
{
"study_type": "animal",
"exposure": {
"band": "RF",
"source": "mobile phone",
"frequency_mhz": 835,
"sar_wkg": 4,
"duration": "12 weeks"
},
"population": "C57BL/6 mice",
"sample_size": null,
"outcomes": [
"Autophagy-related gene expression (qRT-PCR) in hippocampus and brain stem",
"LC3B-II and p62 protein expression in hippocampus and brain stem",
"Autophagosome/autolysosome counts in hippocampal neurons (TEM)"
],
"main_findings": "After 12 weeks of 835 MHz RF-EMF exposure at SAR 4.0 W/kg, several autophagy-related genes were significantly upregulated in the hippocampus but not in the brain stem. LC3B-II and p62 levels were significantly changed only in the hippocampus, and TEM showed increased autophagosomes and autolysosomes in hippocampal neurons.",
"effect_direction": "mixed",
"limitations": [
"Sample size not reported in abstract",
"Only two brain regions assessed (hippocampus and brain stem)",
"Mechanistic/biomarker endpoints reported; functional or behavioral outcomes not described in abstract"
],
"evidence_strength": "low",
"confidence": 0.78,
"peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
"keywords": [
"835 MHz",
"RF-EMF",
"specific absorption rate",
"SAR 4.0 W/kg",
"mouse",
"C57BL/6",
"hippocampus",
"brain stem",
"autophagy",
"LC3B-II",
"p62",
"TEM",
"qRT-PCR"
],
"suggested_hubs": []
}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: 10.1177/0748233717740066
PubMed: Not supplied
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