The Effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Protein Expression of Human Astrocytes

Abstract

Mobile phone and wireless gadgets have become an essential component of daily life. Potentially each individual is exposed to electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation produced by mobile phone or wireless gadgets for at least a few hours per day. The EMFs produced are known as radiofrequency EMF (RF-EMF). The biological effects of RF-EMFs have been demonstrated in numerous in vivo and in vitro studies. In human tissues, a number of researchers have demonstrated the RF-EMFs affect the proliferation of cells and lead to programmed cell death (apoptosis). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is growth and differentiation factor which involve in the development of new neurons and sypnases. It roles in the pathophysiology of brain disease has been implicated.

Aim : In here, we aimed to investigate the effects of 900 MHz and 1.8 GHz of RF-EMFs on the expression of BDNF in cultured normal human astrocytes.

Methodology : We exposed the normal human astrocytes to 900 MHz and 1.8 GHz RF-EMFs for 2 hr, 6 hr, 18 hr, 48 hr and 72 hr. Then, cell proliferation assay (MTS assay) and DNA fragmentation assay were performed. In addition, BDNF protein expression was measured using ELISA.

Results & Interpretation: Our result showed that RF-EMF at frequency 900 MHz and 1.8 GHz affect the proliferation rate of cells but no enough to cause apoptosis. While, olny 48 hr of 1.8 GHz exposure could affect the normal level of BDNF protein expression in normal human astrocytes.