835 MHz RF-EMF decreases expression of calcium channels, inhibits apoptosis, but induces autophagy in mouse hippocampus

Abstract

835 MHz RF-EMF decreases expression of calcium channels, inhibits apoptosis, but induces autophagy in mouse hippocampus Kim JH, Sohn UD, Kim HG, Kim HR. Exposure to 835 MHz RF-EMF decreases the expression of calcium channels, inhibits apoptosis, but induces autophagy in the mouse hippocampus. Korean J Physiol Pharmacol. 2018 May;22(3):277-289. doi: 10.4196/kjpp.2018.22.3.277. Abstract The exponential increase in the use of mobile communication has triggered public concerns about the potential adverse effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted by mobile phones on the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, we explored the relationship between calcium channels and apoptosis or autophagy in the hippocampus of C57BL/6 mice after RF-EMF exposure with a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 4.0 W/kg for 4 weeks. Firstly, the expression level of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs), a key regulator of the entry of calcium ions into the cell, was confirmed by immunoblots. We investigated and confirmed that pan- calcium channel expression in hippocampal neurons were significantly decreased after exposure to RF-EMF. With the observed accumulation of autolysosomes in hippocampal neurons via TEM, the expressions of autophagy-related genes and proteins (e.g., LC3B-II) had significantly increased. However, down-regulation of the apoptotic pathway may contribute to the decrease in calcium channel expression, and thus lower levels of calcium in hippocampal neurons. These results suggested that exposure of RF-EMF could alter intracellular calcium homeostasis by decreasing calcium channel expression in the hippocampus; presumably by activating the autophagy pathway, while inhibiting apoptotic regulation as an adaptation process for 835 MHz RF-EMF exposure. Open access paper: pdf.medrang.co.kr

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

After 4 weeks of 835 MHz RF-EMF exposure at SAR 4.0 W/kg, pan-calcium channel expression in mouse hippocampal neurons was significantly decreased. Autolysosome accumulation was observed and autophagy-related genes/proteins (e.g., LC3B-II) were significantly increased, while the apoptotic pathway was described as down-regulated/inhibited.

Outcomes measured

• Voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) expression in hippocampal neurons
• Autophagy markers/genes (e.g., LC3B-II)
• Autolysosome accumulation (TEM)
• Apoptotic pathway regulation/apoptosis

Limitations

• Sample size not reported in provided abstract/metadata
• Exposure setup details beyond frequency, SAR, and duration not provided (e.g., modulation, daily exposure schedule)
• Findings are from an animal model (mouse hippocampus), limiting direct generalization to humans

Suggested hubs

• mobile-phones (0.9)
  Study examines RF-EMF at 835 MHz, described as emitted by mobile phones.

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