Evaluation of mitochondrial stress following ultraviolet radiation and 5G radiofrequency field exposure in human skin cells

Whether human cells are impacted by environmental electromagnetic fields (EMF) is still a matter of debate. With the deployment of the fifth generation (5G) of mobile communication technologies, the carrier frequency is increasing and the human skin becomes the main biological target. Here, we evalu...

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Published in:Bioelectromagnetics 2024-04, Vol.45 (3), p.110-129
Main Authors: Patrignoni, Lorenza, Hurtier, Annabelle, Orlacchio, Rosa, Joushomme, Alexandre, Poulletier de Gannes, Florence, Lévêque, Philippe, Arnaud‐Cormos, Delia, Revzani, Hamid Reza, Mahfouf, Walid, Garenne, André, Percherancier, Yann, Lagroye, Isabelle
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
5G mobile communication
Apoptosis
Carrier frequencies
Cell viability
Electromagnetic fields
Engineering Sciences
Exposure
Fibroblasts
In vivo methods and tests
Irradiation
Keratinocytes
Life Sciences
Membrane potential
Membranes
Mitochondria
Oxygen
Radiation
Radio frequency
radiofrequency
Reactive oxygen species
Skin
Statistical analysis
Ultraviolet radiation
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Summary:Whether human cells are impacted by environmental electromagnetic fields (EMF) is still a matter of debate. With the deployment of the fifth generation (5G) of mobile communication technologies, the carrier frequency is increasing and the human skin becomes the main biological target. Here, we evaluated the impact of 5G‐modulated 3.5 GHz radiofrequency (RF) EMF on mitochondrial stress in human fibroblasts and keratinocytes that were exposed for 24 h at specific absorption rate of 0.25, 1, and 4 W/kg. We assessed cell viability, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and membrane polarization. Knowing that human skin is the main target of environmental ultraviolet (UV), using the same read‐out, we investigated whether subsequent exposure to 5G signal could alter the capacity of UV‐B to damage skin cells. We found a statistically significant reduction in mitochondrial ROS concentration in fibroblasts exposed to 5G signal at 1 W/kg. On the contrary, the RF exposure slightly but statistically significantly enhanced the effects of UV‐B radiation specifically in keratinocytes at 0.25 and 1 W/kg. No effect was found on mitochondrial membrane potential or apoptosis in any cell types or exposure conditions suggesting that the type and amplitude of the observed effects are very punctual. Highlights A 24 h exposure to a 5G signal at 3.5 GHz was able to statistically significantly alter the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in human skin fibroblasts (decrease at 1 W/Kg) and in human keratinocytes after UV‐B irradiation (increase at 0.25 and 1 W/kg). A 24 h exposure to a 5G signal at 3.5 GHz was not able to alter cell viability, apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential in human skin cells, either alone or after UV‐B irradiation. Further studies on 3D or in vivo skin models would be needed to conclude about a possible effect of 5G 3.5 GHz signal on ROS production.
ISSN:0197-8462
1521-186X
DOI:10.1002/bem.22495