Effect of high-frequency electromagnetic fields on trophoblastic connexins.

Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.) · 2009 · Harm · Low evidence

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HarmLow evidencePaper 4953

Study snapshot

PublicationReproductive toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.) · 2009

Study typein_vitro

Reported directionHarm

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

Connexins (Cx) are membrane proteins able to influence trophoblast functions. Here we investigated the effect of high-frequency electromagnetic fields (HF-EMF) on Cx expression and localization in extravillous trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo. We also analysed cell ultrastructural changes induced by HF-EMF exposure. Samples were exposed to pulse-modulated 1817 MHz sinusoidal waves (GSM-217 Hz; 1h: SAR of 2 W/kg). Cx mRNA expression was assessed through semi-quantitative RT-PCR, protein expression by Western blotting, protein localization by indirect immunofluorescence, cell ultrastructure using electron microscopy. HF-EMF exposure significantly and selectively increased Cx40 and Cx43, without altering protein expression. Nevertheless, Cx40 and Cx43 lost their punctuate fluorescence within the cell membrane, becoming diffuse after HF-EMF exposure. Electron microscopy evidenced a sharp decrease in intercellular gap junction-like structures. This study is the first to indicate that exposure of extravillous trophoblast to GSM-217 Hz signals can modify Cx gene expression, Cx protein localization and cellular ultrastructure.

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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 typein_vitro

Effect directionharm

PopulationExtravillous trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureRF · 1817 MHz · 2 W/kg · 1 h

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

In HTR-8/SVneo extravillous trophoblast cells, exposure to pulse-modulated 1817 MHz (GSM-217 Hz) for 1 h at SAR 2 W/kg significantly and selectively increased Cx40 and Cx43 mRNA expression without altering protein expression. After exposure, Cx40 and Cx43 immunofluorescence changed from punctuate membrane staining to a more diffuse pattern, and electron microscopy showed a sharp decrease in intercellular gap junction-like structures.

Outcomes measured

Connexin (Cx) mRNA expression (Cx40, Cx43)
Connexin protein expression
Connexin protein localization (immunofluorescence)
Cell ultrastructure (electron microscopy)
Intercellular gap junction-like structures

Limitations

In vitro cell line study; findings may not generalize to in vivo pregnancy outcomes
Exposure duration limited to 1 hour
Sample size not reported in abstract
Only selected connexins and endpoints assessed

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "in_vitro",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "mobile phone (GSM-like signal)",
    "frequency_mhz": 1817,
    "sar_wkg": 2,
    "duration": "1 h"
  },
  "population": "Extravillous trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Connexin (Cx) mRNA expression (Cx40, Cx43)",
    "Connexin protein expression",
    "Connexin protein localization (immunofluorescence)",
    "Cell ultrastructure (electron microscopy)",
    "Intercellular gap junction-like structures"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In HTR-8/SVneo extravillous trophoblast cells, exposure to pulse-modulated 1817 MHz (GSM-217 Hz) for 1 h at SAR 2 W/kg significantly and selectively increased Cx40 and Cx43 mRNA expression without altering protein expression. After exposure, Cx40 and Cx43 immunofluorescence changed from punctuate membrane staining to a more diffuse pattern, and electron microscopy showed a sharp decrease in intercellular gap junction-like structures.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "In vitro cell line study; findings may not generalize to in vivo pregnancy outcomes",
    "Exposure duration limited to 1 hour",
    "Sample size not reported in abstract",
    "Only selected connexins and endpoints assessed"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "high-frequency electromagnetic fields",
    "HF-EMF",
    "RF-EMF",
    "GSM",
    "1817 MHz",
    "GSM-217 Hz",
    "SAR 2 W/kg",
    "trophoblast",
    "HTR-8/SVneo",
    "connexin 40",
    "connexin 43",
    "gap junctions",
    "immunofluorescence",
    "electron microscopy"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}

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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: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2009.03.010
PubMed: 19490996

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