Effects of 2.4 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) on glioblastoma cells (U -118 MG).

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Mobile phones and Wi-Fi are the most commonly used forms of telecommunications. Initiated with the first generation, the mobile telephony is currently in its fifth generation without being screened extensively for any biological effects that it may have on humans or on animals. Some studies indicate that high frequency electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phone and Wi-Fi connection can have a negative effect upon human health, and can cause cancer, including brain tumour. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of 2.4 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) on the proliferation and morphology of normal (human embryonic kidney cell line Hek-293) and cancer cells (glioblastoma cell line U-118 MG). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cell cultures were incubated in RF-EMF at the frequency of 2.4 GHz, with or without dielectric screen, for 24, 48 and 72h. In order to analyse the influence of the electromagnetic field on cell lines, Cytotoxicity test Cell Counting Kit-8 was performed. To protect cells against emission of the electromagnetic field, a dielectric screen was used. RESULTS: It was found that 2.4 GHz RF electromagnetic field exposure caused a significant decrease in viability of U-118 MG and Hek-293 cells. The impact of the electromagnetic field was strongest in the case of cancer cells, and the decrease in their survival was much greater compared to the healthy (normal) cells of the Hek-293 line. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the study indicate that using a radio frequency electromagnetic field (2.4 GHz) has a clearly negative effect on the metabolic activity of glioblastoma cells. RF-EMF has much less impact on reducing the viability of normal cells (Hek -293) than cancer cells.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Exposure to 2.4 GHz RF-EMF for 24–72 hours significantly decreased viability in both U-118 MG glioblastoma cells and Hek-293 cells, with a stronger reduction reported for the cancer cell line. The authors conclude the RF-EMF had a clearly negative effect on metabolic activity of glioblastoma cells and a smaller impact on normal cells.

Outcomes measured

• Cell viability
• Metabolic activity
• Cell proliferation
• Cell morphology

Limitations

• In vitro cell culture study; findings may not translate to humans or whole organisms
• No SAR or dosimetry details reported in the abstract
• Sample size and exposure intensity not reported in the abstract
• Use and effect of the dielectric screen are mentioned but results by screening condition are not described in the abstract

{
    "study_type": "in_vitro",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "Wi-Fi",
        "frequency_mhz": 2400,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "24, 48 and 72h"
    },
    "population": null,
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Cell viability",
        "Metabolic activity",
        "Cell proliferation",
        "Cell morphology"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Exposure to 2.4 GHz RF-EMF for 24–72 hours significantly decreased viability in both U-118 MG glioblastoma cells and Hek-293 cells, with a stronger reduction reported for the cancer cell line. The authors conclude the RF-EMF had a clearly negative effect on metabolic activity of glioblastoma cells and a smaller impact on normal cells.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "In vitro cell culture study; findings may not translate to humans or whole organisms",
        "No SAR or dosimetry details reported in the abstract",
        "Sample size and exposure intensity not reported in the abstract",
        "Use and effect of the dielectric screen are mentioned but results by screening condition are not described in the abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "2.4 GHz",
        "RF-EMF",
        "Wi-Fi",
        "mobile phones",
        "glioblastoma",
        "U-118 MG",
        "Hek-293",
        "cell viability",
        "metabolic activity",
        "dielectric screen"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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