Comprehensive analysis of genotoxic effects & antioxidative defence mechanisms in plant test system exposed to 1800 MHz EMR: a root chromosomal aberration & FTIR spectroscopy approach

Abstract

Comprehensive analysis of genotoxic effects & antioxidative defence mechanisms in plant test system exposed to 1800 MHz EMR: a root chromosomal aberration & FTIR spectroscopy approach Sharma, S., Sharma, P., Bahel, S. et al. Comprehensive analysis of genotoxic effects and antioxidative defence mechanisms in plant test system exposed to 1800 MHz electromagnetic radiations: a root chromosomal aberration and FTIR spectroscopy approach. Toxicol. Environ. Health Sci. (2023). doi: 10.1007/s13530-023- 00190-9 Abstract Objective The proliferation of wireless communication devices has increased the exposure of living organisms to electromagnetic field radiations (EMF-rs), posing potential risks to various biological systems. The present study was planned to explore the genotoxic effects and oxidative stress responses of 1800 MHz electromagnetic radiations in Trigonella foenum-graecum L. plant test system. The study also pertained to assess the changes in functional groups using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Methods Twenty seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. were placed in Petri plates lined with autoclaved Whatman No. 1 filter paper. The seeds were evenly distributed and maintained at temperature 25 ± 2 °C and relative humidity 55–60%. The seeds were placed in Petri plates along with the exposure apparatus (antenna) and then enclosed within a chamber consisting of two layers of aluminium sheets. The treatment was administered every day for seven days on various parameters. Results The investigation showed that increasing the duration of EMR exposure significantly decreased protein content and increased MDA content in seedlings. However, exposure to EMRs for 4 and 8 h per day led to increased activities of different antioxidant enzymes, including guaiacol peroxidase (POD), glutathione-S- transferase (GST), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The study also calculated the specific absorption rate using the biological heat transfer equation, which revealed harmful effects of the radiations on the test system by interfering with biochemical processes, leading to genotoxic and oxidative stress. Conclusion The findings suggest that electromagnetic radiations induced oxidative stress in T. foenum-graecum L. and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes as a protective mechanism against cellular damage. The study highlights the potential risks associated with EMF radiations on plant systems and underscores the importance of further research in this field. Conclusions The current study revealed that exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiations at 1800 MHz caused genotoxic effects and oxidative stress in Trigonella foenum-graecum L. plant system. The outcomes of the present work indicated that exposure to EMRs of 1800 MHz led to reduced root and shoot length, as well as decreased fresh weight and protein content. The elevated levels of MDA content, a marker of oxidative stress, indicated that EMRs have induced oxidative damage in the plant test system. Furthermore, the present investigation has further shown that the plant has responded to the stress caused by EMRs by increasing their antioxidant defences. Hence, it can be revealed that EMRs at 1800 MHz can cause harmful effects in the living system, and therefore, it is mandatory to reduce the exposure risks in living beings to these non-ionizing radiations in order to avoid the ill health effects. This may include limiting the usage of electronic devices that emit EMRs, such as cell phones and Wi-Fi routers, and taking measures to reduce exposure to other sources of EMRs. By taking such precautions, it is possible to reduce the potential health risks allied with exposure to non- ionizing EMRs. link.springer.com

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Increasing duration of 1800 MHz EMR exposure decreased protein content and increased MDA in seedlings. Exposure for 4 and 8 h/day increased activities of multiple antioxidant enzymes (POD, GST, APX, CAT, GR, SOD). The authors report reduced root/shoot length and fresh weight and conclude EMR caused genotoxic effects and oxidative stress in the plant system.

Outcomes measured

• Genotoxic effects (root chromosomal aberration)
• Oxidative stress (MDA content)
• Antioxidant enzyme activities (POD, GST, APX, CAT, GR, SOD)
• Protein content
• Root length
• Shoot length
• Fresh weight
• FTIR functional group changes
• Specific absorption rate (calculated via biological heat transfer equation)

Limitations

• Exposure source/device characteristics not specified beyond use of an antenna and chamber
• SAR value not reported (only stated as calculated)
• Only a plant test system; generalizability to humans/animals not addressed in the abstract
• Details of exposure groups/durations beyond 4 and 8 h/day not provided in the abstract
• No statistical details (effect sizes, p-values) reported in the abstract

Suggested hubs

• rf-emf-biology (0.85)
  Experimental study of 1800 MHz RF exposure with oxidative stress/genotoxicity endpoints.

{
    "study_type": "animal",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": null,
        "frequency_mhz": 1800,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "Daily exposure for 7 days; exposure durations included 4 and 8 h/day (other durations not specified)"
    },
    "population": "Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) seedlings/seeds (plant test system)",
    "sample_size": 20,
    "outcomes": [
        "Genotoxic effects (root chromosomal aberration)",
        "Oxidative stress (MDA content)",
        "Antioxidant enzyme activities (POD, GST, APX, CAT, GR, SOD)",
        "Protein content",
        "Root length",
        "Shoot length",
        "Fresh weight",
        "FTIR functional group changes",
        "Specific absorption rate (calculated via biological heat transfer equation)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Increasing duration of 1800 MHz EMR exposure decreased protein content and increased MDA in seedlings. Exposure for 4 and 8 h/day increased activities of multiple antioxidant enzymes (POD, GST, APX, CAT, GR, SOD). The authors report reduced root/shoot length and fresh weight and conclude EMR caused genotoxic effects and oxidative stress in the plant system.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Exposure source/device characteristics not specified beyond use of an antenna and chamber",
        "SAR value not reported (only stated as calculated)",
        "Only a plant test system; generalizability to humans/animals not addressed in the abstract",
        "Details of exposure groups/durations beyond 4 and 8 h/day not provided in the abstract",
        "No statistical details (effect sizes, p-values) reported in the abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "1800 MHz",
        "RF-EMR",
        "electromagnetic radiations",
        "Trigonella foenum-graecum",
        "genotoxicity",
        "chromosomal aberration",
        "oxidative stress",
        "MDA",
        "antioxidant enzymes",
        "FTIR",
        "specific absorption rate"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "rf-emf-biology",
            "weight": 0.84999999999999997779553950749686919152736663818359375,
            "reason": "Experimental study of 1800 MHz RF exposure with oxidative stress/genotoxicity endpoints."
        }
    ]
}

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