Radiofrequency Induced Time-Dependent Alterations in Gene Expression and Apoptosis in Glioblastoma Cell Line

Bioelectromagnetics · 2025 · Harm · Low evidence

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HarmLow evidencePaper 6844

In U118-MG glioblastoma cells, 2.1 GHz RF exposure at an average SAR of 1.12 ± 0.18 W/kg altered cell viability, gene expression, and apoptosis in a time-dependent manner. CASP3, CASP8, and CASP9 mRNA levels increased after 24 and 48 h, while apoptotic cell d…

Study snapshot

PublicationBioelectromagnetics · 2025

Study typein_vitro

Reported directionHarm

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

The widespread use of wireless communication technologies has increased human exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs). Considering the brain's close proximity to mobile phones and its entirely electrical transmission network, it emerges as the organ most profoundly impacted by the RF field. This study aims to investigate the potential effects of RF radiation on cell viability, apoptosis, and gene expressions in glioblastoma cells (U118-MG) at different exposure times (1, 24, and 48 h). To achieve this, we designed and implemented an in vitro RF exposure system operating at a frequency of 2.1 GHz, specifically for cell culture studies, with an average specific absorption rate (SAR) of 1.12 ± 0.18 W/kg determined through numerical dosimetry calculations. Results reveal a significant influence of a 48 h exposure to a 2.1 GHz RF field on U118-MG cell viability, gene expression, and the induction of caspase (CASP) dependent apoptosis. Notably, increased CASP3, CASP8, and CASP9 mRNA levels were observed after 24 and 48 h of RF treatment. However, only the 48 h RF exposure resulted in apoptotic cell death and a significant elevation in the BAX/BCL-2 ratio. This observed effect may be influenced by extended exposure durations surpassing the cell's doubling time. The increased BAX/BCL-2 ratio, which acts as a key switch for apoptosis, and the heterogeneous morphology of the astrocyte-derived U118-MG cell line may also play a role in this effect.

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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

PopulationU118-MG glioblastoma cell line

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureRF · 2100 MHz · 1.12 W/kg · 1, 24, and 48 h

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 95% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Outcomes measured

cell viability
apoptosis
gene expression
CASP3 mRNA
CASP8 mRNA
CASP9 mRNA
BAX/BCL-2 ratio

Limitations

In vitro cell-line study
Single cell line studied (U118-MG)
Exposure durations limited to 1, 24, and 48 h
Findings were time-dependent, with effects mainly at longer exposure

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "in_vitro",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "mobile phone",
    "frequency_mhz": 2100,
    "sar_wkg": 1.12,
    "duration": "1, 24, and 48 h"
  },
  "population": "U118-MG glioblastoma cell line",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "cell viability",
    "apoptosis",
    "gene expression",
    "CASP3 mRNA",
    "CASP8 mRNA",
    "CASP9 mRNA",
    "BAX/BCL-2 ratio"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In U118-MG glioblastoma cells, 2.1 GHz RF exposure at an average SAR of 1.12 ± 0.18 W/kg altered cell viability, gene expression, and apoptosis in a time-dependent manner. CASP3, CASP8, and CASP9 mRNA levels increased after 24 and 48 h, while apoptotic cell death and a significant increase in the BAX/BCL-2 ratio were reported only after 48 h exposure.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "In vitro cell-line study",
    "Single cell line studied (U118-MG)",
    "Exposure durations limited to 1, 24, and 48 h",
    "Findings were time-dependent, with effects mainly at longer exposure"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.95,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "RF-EMF",
    "radiofrequency",
    "2.1 GHz",
    "2100 MHz",
    "SAR",
    "glioblastoma",
    "U118-MG",
    "cell viability",
    "apoptosis",
    "gene expression",
    "CASP3",
    "CASP8",
    "CASP9",
    "BAX",
    "BCL-2",
    "in vitro"
  ],
  "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: 10.1002/bem.22543
PubMed: 39810728

Read the original paper →

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