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Effects of mobile phone radiofrequency waves (RFW) on embryonic stem cells
Author(s) -
Siddiqi Najam,
Heming Thomas
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.753.1
Subject(s) - biology , embryonic stem cell , stem cell , embryo , andrology , histology , anatomy , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , medicine , gene
There is growing concern about the possible effects of radiation associated with mobile phone use on the developing fetus and children. The fetus and children may be more radiosensitive than adults, due to the presence of embryonic stem cells. During the developmental process, embryonic stem cells rapidly proliferate, differentiate, migrate, and undergo apoptosis. Many biological effects of RFW have been reported previously for adult cells. The present study investigated the effects of mobile phone RFW on embryonic stem cells. Fertilized chicken eggs were incubated in a commercial egg incubator and exposed to RFW of a mobile phone (SAR US: 1.10 W/kg head, 0.47 W/kg body) in silent vibration disable mode, for a total of 20 minutes per day. Control embryos were handled identically, but were not exposed to RFW. The embryos were sacrificed at day 10 and 15 post incubation. Embryo wet weight, body dimensions, morphology, and histology were studied. The RFW group at day 10 showed a decrease in wet body weight versus the control. However, at day 15, the RFW group had an increased wet body weight versus control. The same trend was observed for antero‐posterior head‐to‐rump length. Histology revealed cellular necrosis in cardiac muscle and changes in liver tissue of the RFW group. Growth retardation in the RFW group at day 10 could reflect chromosomal aberrations, stress of reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis. The increased weight at day 15 could indicate production of stress proteins and altered calcium influx across cell membranes producing a carcinogenic effect. We conclude that exposure to the RFW associated with mobile phone use has potential cytotoxic and teratogenic effects on embryonic stem cells.