[Effect of 1.8 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on the expression of microtubule associated protein 2 in rat neurons].

Zhonghua lao dong wei sheng zhi ye bing za zhi = Zhonghua laodong weisheng zhiyebing zazhi = Chinese journal of industrial hygiene and occupational diseases · 2006 · Harm · Low evidence

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HarmLow evidencePaper 5133

In cultured rat cortex and hippocampus neurons exposed to 1.8 GHz RF EMF (217 Hz modulation) at SAR 2 W/kg for 24 hours, 34 of 1200 candidate genes were reported as up- or down-regulated. Map2 expression was statistically significantly up-regulated after RF E…

Study snapshot

PublicationZhonghua lao dong wei sheng zhi ye bing za zhi = Zhonghua laodong weisheng zhiyebing zazhi = Chinese journal of industrial hygiene and occupational diseases · 2006

Study typein_vitro

Reported directionHarm

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of gene expression in rat neurons induced by 1.8 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) and to screen for the RF EMF-responsive genes. METHODS: Newly-born SD rats in 24 hours were sacrificed to obtain cortex and hippocampus neurons. The cells were divided randomly into two groups: the experiment group (the irradiation group) and the control group (the false irradiation group). In the irradiation group, after twelve days' culture, neurons were exposed to 1.8 GHz RF EMF modulated by 217 Hz at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 2 W/kg for 24 hours (5 minutes on/10 minutes off) while in the false control group, the neurons were put in the same waveguide as in the irradiation group, but were not exposed to any irradiation. The total RNA was isolated and purified immediately after exposure. The affymetrix rat neurobiology U34 assay was used for detecting the changes in gene expression profile according to the manufacturer's instruction. RF EMF-responsive candidate gene was confirmed by using ribonuclease protection assay (RPA). RESULTS: Among 1200 candidate genes, the expression levels of 34 genes were up or down regulated. Microtubule associated protein 2 (Map2) gene was selected as the candidate and subjected to further analysis. RPA data clearly revealed that Map2 was statistically significantly up-regulated after neurons were exposed to the RF EMF (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The modulation of gene expression and function of Map2 as a neuron specific cytoskeleton protein is crucial to maintain the normal framework and function of neurons. The finding that 1.8 GHz RF EMF exposure increases the expression of Map2 might indicate some unknown effects of RF EMF on neurons.

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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.

Study typein_vitro

Effect directionharm

PopulationPrimary cortex and hippocampus neurons obtained from newly-born SD rats (within 24 hours)

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureRF · 1800 MHz · 2 W/kg · 24 hours (5 minutes on/10 minutes off); after 12 days culture

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Outcomes measured

Gene expression profile changes (Affymetrix rat neurobiology U34 assay)
Map2 (microtubule associated protein 2) gene expression (confirmed by ribonuclease protection assay, RPA)

Limitations

In vitro neuron culture model; findings may not generalize to in vivo exposures
Sample size not reported in abstract
Only one exposure condition reported (1.8 GHz, SAR 2 W/kg, 24 h; intermittent duty cycle)
Limited outcome focus on gene expression; functional/physiological consequences not assessed in abstract

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "in_vitro",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": null,
    "frequency_mhz": 1800,
    "sar_wkg": 2,
    "duration": "24 hours (5 minutes on/10 minutes off); after 12 days culture"
  },
  "population": "Primary cortex and hippocampus neurons obtained from newly-born SD rats (within 24 hours)",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Gene expression profile changes (Affymetrix rat neurobiology U34 assay)",
    "Map2 (microtubule associated protein 2) gene expression (confirmed by ribonuclease protection assay, RPA)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In cultured rat cortex and hippocampus neurons exposed to 1.8 GHz RF EMF (217 Hz modulation) at SAR 2 W/kg for 24 hours, 34 of 1200 candidate genes were reported as up- or down-regulated. Map2 expression was statistically significantly up-regulated after RF EMF exposure (P < 0.05) by RPA confirmation.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "In vitro neuron culture model; findings may not generalize to in vivo exposures",
    "Sample size not reported in abstract",
    "Only one exposure condition reported (1.8 GHz, SAR 2 W/kg, 24 h; intermittent duty cycle)",
    "Limited outcome focus on gene expression; functional/physiological consequences not assessed in abstract"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "1.8 GHz",
    "radiofrequency electromagnetic fields",
    "RF EMF",
    "217 Hz modulation",
    "SAR 2 W/kg",
    "rat neurons",
    "cortex",
    "hippocampus",
    "gene expression",
    "microtubule associated protein 2",
    "Map2",
    "Affymetrix",
    "ribonuclease protection assay"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0.2,
      "reason": "Published in an industrial hygiene/occupational diseases journal, though the experiment is an in vitro neuron study rather than an occupational cohort."
    }
  ]
}

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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: Not supplied
PubMed: 16701035

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