Altered development in rodent brain cells after 900 MHz radiofrequency exposure

Abstract

Category: Neurotoxicology Tags: RF-EMF, radiofrequency, neurodevelopment, rodent, BDNF, synaptogenesis, oxidative stress DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2025.103312 URL: sciencedirect.com Overview Health risks related to 900 MHz 2G frequency exposure remain inconclusive under current regulatory standards. With the increased use of mobile networks and wireless devices, ongoing research is critical to understand potential long-term effects. Methodology This study investigates how non-thermal exposure to 900 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF)—a typical frequency used in mobile phones—affects rodent neurodevelopment. Specifically, both in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted, assessing prenatal and postnatal exposures at 0.08 and 0.4 W/kg specific absorption rate (SAR). Proteomic profiles at postnatal day 0 (PND 0), and key neurodevelopmental biomarkers in the hippocampus and cortex of rat pups, were evaluated at PND 8 and PND 17. Findings - In vivo exposure resulted in decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), reduced proliferation of BrdU+ cells, and disrupted synaptic balance (excitatory/inhibitory synapses). - In vitro exposure at 0.08 W/kg led to increased Ki-67+ cell proliferation, apoptosis, and DNA double-strand breaks in neural stem cells (NSCs). - There was a shift in the cell population of exposed NSCs, with fewer B1 (primary progenitor) cells and more oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and astrocytes. Highlights - Exposure reduced cortex cell proliferation, BDNF, and synapse balance. - Decreased hippocampal synapse density and balance after exposure. - Proteomics revealed dysregulation of proteins essential for synaptic signaling. - In vitro exposure caused a rise in apoptosis, DNA damage, and altered glial differentiation. - Even regulatory-level 900 MHz RF-EMF exposure affects neurodevelopmental processes in rodents. Conclusion The data suggest that RF-EMF exposure at 900 MHz, even at regulatory threshold levels, can disrupt key neurodevelopmental events during early development in rodents. These findings indicate a vulnerability of the developing central nervous system to RF-EMF exposures. Strong consideration should be given to the potential connection between electromagnetic fields and neurodevelopmental health risks.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In vivo pre- and post-natal exposure at 0.08 and 0.4 W/kg SAR was associated with decreased BDNF levels, fewer BrdU+ proliferative cells, and a decreased excitatory/inhibitory synapse balance in rat pups. In vitro exposure at 0.08 W/kg SAR was associated with increased Ki-67+ proliferative cells, increased apoptosis, increased double-strand DNA breaks, and shifts in NSC-derived cell-type ratios (lower B1 cells; higher oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and astrocytes).

Outcomes measured

• Proteomic profile at postnatal day 0 (PND0)
• BDNF levels
• BrdU+ proliferative cells
• Synaptogenesis / excitatory-inhibitory synapse balance
• Oxidative stress (hippocampus and cortex)
• NSC differentiation
• Ki-67+ proliferative cells (in vitro)
• Apoptosis (in vitro)
• Double-strand DNA breaks (in vitro)
• Cell-type ratios: B1 cells, oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, astrocytes (in vitro)

Limitations

• Sample size not reported in abstract
• Exposure duration/timing details not fully specified beyond pre- and post-natal and PND assessment points
• Findings are from rodent in vivo and in vitro models; human health implications not directly assessed in abstract

{
    "study_type": "animal",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "mobile phone",
        "frequency_mhz": 900,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Rodents (rat pups); neural stem cells (NSCs) in vitro",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Proteomic profile at postnatal day 0 (PND0)",
        "BDNF levels",
        "BrdU+ proliferative cells",
        "Synaptogenesis / excitatory-inhibitory synapse balance",
        "Oxidative stress (hippocampus and cortex)",
        "NSC differentiation",
        "Ki-67+ proliferative cells (in vitro)",
        "Apoptosis (in vitro)",
        "Double-strand DNA breaks (in vitro)",
        "Cell-type ratios: B1 cells, oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, astrocytes (in vitro)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In vivo pre- and post-natal exposure at 0.08 and 0.4 W/kg SAR was associated with decreased BDNF levels, fewer BrdU+ proliferative cells, and a decreased excitatory/inhibitory synapse balance in rat pups. In vitro exposure at 0.08 W/kg SAR was associated with increased Ki-67+ proliferative cells, increased apoptosis, increased double-strand DNA breaks, and shifts in NSC-derived cell-type ratios (lower B1 cells; higher oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and astrocytes).",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Sample size not reported in abstract",
        "Exposure duration/timing details not fully specified beyond pre- and post-natal and PND assessment points",
        "Findings are from rodent in vivo and in vitro models; human health implications not directly assessed in abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "900 MHz",
        "2G",
        "RF-EMF",
        "non-thermal",
        "SAR",
        "neurodevelopment",
        "rat pups",
        "hippocampus",
        "cortex",
        "BDNF",
        "BrdU",
        "synaptogenesis",
        "oxidative stress",
        "neural stem cells",
        "Ki-67",
        "apoptosis",
        "double-strand DNA breaks"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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