In vitro co-genotoxic effects of 1.8 GHz GSM electromagnetic fields on human cells close to the thermal threshold. What is the underlying mechanism ?
Abstract
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The aim of the study is to investigate the cogenotoxic effects of GSM radiofrequencies in vitro and to determine whether or not the biological effects observable above a certain electromagnetic field (EMF) intensity are purely thermal. We hope to obtain information on the mechanism involved at the threshold of the thermal effects, when the energy source is an electromagnetic wave or exogenous heat.
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Partner
Health Service Research Center for Defense (CRSSA)http://www.defense.gouv.fr
Contact
Anne PERRIN CRSSA
Duration
24 months
Summary
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Unlike ionising radiation, electromagnetic radiation does not have sufficient energy to cause damage within molecules, and to date no mechanism has been proposed to explain a possible biological effect. When biological effects are observed, their possible thermal origin is discussed and they are often difficult to reproduce.
This project builds upon the results obtained in the laboratory with a radar type signal. The experiments will be carried out at 1.8 GHz, modulation frequency 217 Hz, on human cell cultures (monocytic cell line THP-1) for SAR values between 2 and 16 W/kg. The magnetic-field-exposed cells and unexposed cells will be incubated in anechoic chambers equipped with horn antennas and specially designed Plexiglas incubators. Sham experiments will be conducted simultaneously in the same incubation conditions with exposure alternated from one chamber to the other to avoid cage effects. In all cases, the cells will be treated by a known mutagenic agent, 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide (4-NQO), with and without exposure to radiation or at different temperatures.
Special attention will be paid to dosimetry. Numerical approximation will be combined with a method for measuring the electric field with an isotropic probe and/or a method for measuring temperature using a thermometer equipped with an optic fibre temperature probe. In addition to information on the possible indirect role of GSM radiofrequencies in mutagenesis for SAR levels compatible with current standards, we hope to obtain information on the mechanism involved at the limit of the thermal effects, when the energy source is an electromagnetic wave or exogenous heat.
Scientific methodology : based on the evaluation of DNA damage by immunodetection.of the H2AX histone protein induced by a know mutagen agent, in the presence of GSM radiofrequency exposure compared with the effect of temperature.
Collaboration with Xlim institute (Dr P. Lévêque, Limoges) for Dosimetry