Evaluations of Acute and Sub-Acute Biological Effects of Narrowband and Moderate-Band High Power Electromagnetic Waves on Cellular Spheroids

Sci Rep. 2019 Oct 25;9(1):15324. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-51686-9.

Abstract

High power electromagnetic signals can disrupt the functioning of electronic devices. As electromagnetism plays a role in cells homeostasis, such electromagnetic signals could potentially also alter some physiological processes. Herein we report on distinct biological parameters assessment after cellular spheroids exposure to high power electromagnetic signals, such as the ones used for defense applications. Signals effects were assessed in tumor cells spheroids and in normal human dermal fibroblasts spheroids, where macroscopic aspect, growth, plasma membrane integrity, induction of apoptosis, ATP content, and mitochondrial potential were investigated after spheroids exposure to high power electromagnetic signals. No significant effects were observed, indicating that 1.5 GHz narrowband electromagnetic fields with incident amplitude level of 40 kV/m, and 150 MHz moderate-band electric fields with an amplitude of 72.5 to approximately 200 kV/m, do not cause any significant alterations of assessed parameters.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
  • Apoptosis / radiation effects
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cell Membrane / radiation effects
  • Cell Proliferation / radiation effects
  • Electromagnetic Fields*
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / radiation effects
  • HCT116 Cells
  • Humans
  • Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial / radiation effects
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Mitochondria / radiation effects
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Spheroids, Cellular / cytology
  • Spheroids, Cellular / radiation effects*
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Adenosine Triphosphate