Does 900-MHz mobile phone radiation affect proliferation rate and viability of human-adipose-derived stem cells?

Abstract

The effects of mobile phone exposure on humans, due to its potential health hazards, have become the focus of interest since many years ago. The effect of global system for mobile communications (GSM 900 MHz) on growth and proliferation rate of mesenchymal stem cells was assessed at the different distances and intensities of radiation. A subscriber identity module (SIM) card was inserted to this system and irradiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) during different exposure times (6, 15, 30, and 50 minutes with interval time of 10 minutes) at different distances from the antenna was done. Two tests 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT assay) and trypan blue were performed to investigate the proliferation rate and cell viability. The proliferation rates and cell viability of hADSCs were significantly lower than control. No mechanism is proposed to explain the effects of this radiation yet. Further investigations with other intensities and frequencies are suggested. © 2017, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.