Pilot Study of the Long-Term Effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation Exposure on the Mouse Brain

Sonia Spandole-Dinu (), Ana-Maria Catrina, Oana Cristina Voinea, Alina Andone, Speranța Radu, Cerasela Haidoiu, Octavian Călborean, Diana Mihaela Popescu, Vladimir Suhăianu, Octavian Baltag, Leontin Tuță and Georgiana Roșu
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Sonia Spandole-Dinu: “Cantacuzino” National Medical Military Institute for Research and Development, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
Ana-Maria Catrina: “Cantacuzino” National Medical Military Institute for Research and Development, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
Oana Cristina Voinea: “Cantacuzino” National Medical Military Institute for Research and Development, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
Alina Andone: “Cantacuzino” National Medical Military Institute for Research and Development, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
Speranța Radu: “Cantacuzino” National Medical Military Institute for Research and Development, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
Cerasela Haidoiu: “Cantacuzino” National Medical Military Institute for Research and Development, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
Octavian Călborean: “Cantacuzino” National Medical Military Institute for Research and Development, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
Diana Mihaela Popescu: “Cantacuzino” National Medical Military Institute for Research and Development, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
Vladimir Suhăianu: “Cantacuzino” National Medical Military Institute for Research and Development, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
Octavian Baltag: Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
Leontin Tuță: Center of Excellence in Communications and Information Technology, Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 050141 Bucharest, Romania
Georgiana Roșu: Department of Military Systems and Equipment, Military Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 050141 Bucharest, Romania

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 4, 1-18

Abstract: The increasing radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation pollution resulting from the development and use of technologies utilizing RF has sparked debate about the possible biological effects of said radiation. Of particular concern is the potential impact on the brain, due to the close proximity of communication devices to the head. The main aim of this study was to examine the effects of long-term exposure to RF on the brains of mice in a real-life scenario simulation compared to a laboratory setting. The animals were exposed continuously for 16 weeks to RF using a household Wi-Fi router and a laboratory device with a frequency of 2.45 GHz, and were compared to a sham-exposed group. Before and after exposure, the mice underwent behavioral tests (open-field test and Y-maze); at the end of the exposure period, the brain was harvested for histopathological analysis and assessment of DNA methylation levels. Long-term exposure of mice to 2.45 GHz RF radiation increased their locomotor activity, yet did not cause significant structural or morphological changes in their brains. Global DNA methylation was lower in exposed mice compared to sham mice. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these effects and to understand the potential effects of RF radiation on brain function.

Keywords: radiofrequency; electromagnetic radiation; behavioral tests; mice; brain; DNA methylation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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