Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

The 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiation of a 3G-mobile phone and the DNA oxidative damage in brain med./bio.

Published in: J Chem Neuroanat 2016; 75 Pt B: 94-98

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The effects of exposure of rats to a 2100 MHz electromagnetic field on oxidative stress and DNA damage in the brain should be investigated.

Background/further details

Female rats were divided into the following groups: 1) exposure to the electromagnetic field for 2 weeks (n=9), 2) sham exposure for 2 weeks (n=6), 3) exposure to the electromagnetic field for 8 weeks (n=9), 4) sham exposure for 8 weeks (n=6). Two days after the last respective (sham) exposure, the rats were anesthetized, killed and examined.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 2,100 MHz
Exposure duration: 6 h/day on 5 consecutive days/week for 2 weeks
Exposure 2: 2,100 MHz
Exposure duration: 6 h/day on 5 consecutive days/week for 8 weeks

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 2,100 MHz
Type
Charakteristic
Exposure duration 6 h/day on 5 consecutive days/week for 2 weeks
Additional info acute exposure
Modulation
Modulation type cf. additional info
Additional info

Digitally modulated 3G signals

Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 12 cm
Chamber plexiglass cage (40 x 25 x 20 cm) in a temperature-controlled and shielded room
Setup signal generator was connected to horn antenna placed at a distance of 12 cm to rats' heads; direction of the field propagation was perpendicular to the plexiglass cage
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Additional info sham exposure was conducted in an inactive exposure set-up
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
electric field strength 16 V/m - measured - -
SAR 0.4 W/kg - calculated whole body obtained via Finite Difference Time Domain method

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 2,100 MHz
Type
Charakteristic
Exposure duration 6 h/day on 5 consecutive days/week for 8 weeks
Additional info chronic exposure
Modulation
Modulation type cf. additional info
Additional info

Digitally modulated 3G signals

Exposure setup
Exposure source
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
electric field strength 16 V/m - measured - -
SAR 0.4 W/kg - calculated whole body obtained via Finite Difference Time Domain method

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The amount of oxidative DNA damage was significantly increased after two weeks of exposure (group 1) compared to the control group (group 2), whereas no differences were found in lipid peroxidation.
After 8 weeks of exposure (group 3), oxidative DNA damage as well as lipid peroxidation were significantly reduced compared to the control group (group 4).
The authors conclude that an acute exposure of rats to a 2100 MHz electromagnetic field could cause oxidative DNA damage in the brain. However, chronic exposure could also lead to the adaptation and stimulation of DNA repair mechanisms.

Study character:

Study funded by

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