Effects of radiofrequency field from 5G communication on fecal microbiome and metabolome profiles in mice

Sci Rep · 2024 · Harm · Low evidence

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HarmLow evidencePaper 2707

Study snapshot

PublicationSci Rep · 2024

Study typeanimal

Reported directionHarm

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

Category: Epidemiology Tags: 5G, radiofrequency, gut microbiome, metabolome, EMF health risk, mice, exposure DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53842-2 URL: nature.com Overview With the rapid development of 5G networks, there is growing concern about the potential impact of radiofrequency fields (RF) generated by 5G communication devices on human health. This study investigates the effects of long-term exposure to a 4.9 GHz RF field, which is one of the working frequencies of 5G communication, on the fecal microbiome and metabolome profiles in adult male C57BL/6 mice. Methodology - Adult male C57BL/6 mice were divided into a Sham group and a radiofrequency (RF) group. - The RF group underwent whole-body exposure to a 4.9 GHz RF field for three weeks (1 hour per day) at an average power density (PD) of 50 W/m2. - After RF exposure, fecal samples were collected for analysis: - Gut microorganisms were detected by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. - Metabolites were analyzed using the LC-MS method. Findings - Intestinal microbiota composition was altered in the RF group, with reduced microbial diversity and changes in microbial community distribution. - Metabolomics profiling identified 258 significantly differentially abundant metabolites in the RF group, 57 of which were classified to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. - Functional correlation analysis revealed significant associations between changes in gut microbiota genera and changes in fecal metabolites. Conclusion The study concludes that exposure to 4.9 GHz radiofrequency fields, such as those used in 5G communications, is associated with alterations in gut microbiota and metabolic profiles. This highlights an important link between electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure and potential health risks, reaffirming the need for further research into EMF safety.

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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.

Study typeanimal

Effect directionharm

PopulationAdult male C57BL/6 mice

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureRF · 4900 MHz · 3 weeks, 1 h/day

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 95% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Adult male C57BL/6 mice exposed whole-body to 4.9 GHz RF for 3 weeks (1 h/day, 50 W/m2) showed altered intestinal microbial composition, including reduced microbial diversity and changed community distribution. Metabolomics identified 258 significantly differentially abundant fecal metabolites, and changes in gut microbiota genera were significantly correlated with changes in fecal metabolites.

Outcomes measured

Fecal microbiome composition
Microbial diversity
Microbial community distribution
Fecal metabolome profiles
Differentially abundant metabolites
Correlation between gut microbiota genera and fecal metabolites

Limitations

Animal study
Sample size not stated in the abstract
Exposure lasted 3 weeks
Findings are based on fecal microbiome and metabolome profiles rather than direct clinical health outcomes

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "animal",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "5G communication equipment",
    "frequency_mhz": 4900,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "3 weeks, 1 h/day"
  },
  "population": "Adult male C57BL/6 mice",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Fecal microbiome composition",
    "Microbial diversity",
    "Microbial community distribution",
    "Fecal metabolome profiles",
    "Differentially abundant metabolites",
    "Correlation between gut microbiota genera and fecal metabolites"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Adult male C57BL/6 mice exposed whole-body to 4.9 GHz RF for 3 weeks (1 h/day, 50 W/m2) showed altered intestinal microbial composition, including reduced microbial diversity and changed community distribution. Metabolomics identified 258 significantly differentially abundant fecal metabolites, and changes in gut microbiota genera were significantly correlated with changes in fecal metabolites.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "Animal study",
    "Sample size not stated in the abstract",
    "Exposure lasted 3 weeks",
    "Findings are based on fecal microbiome and metabolome profiles rather than direct clinical health outcomes"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.95,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "5G",
    "radiofrequency",
    "4.9 GHz",
    "mice",
    "C57BL/6",
    "gut microbiome",
    "fecal microbiome",
    "metabolomics",
    "LC-MS",
    "16S rRNA sequencing"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "5g-policy",
      "weight": 0.95,
      "reason": "Study examines biological effects of a 4.9 GHz frequency described as a working frequency of 5G communication."
    }
  ]
}

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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: 10.1038/s41598-024-53842-2
PubMed: Not supplied

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