Effects of exposure to 900-MHz mobile-telephony radiation on growth and metabolism of human-adipose-derived stem cells

Abstract

Background: Todays, using of mobile phones has an important role in human life and public concern about the harmful effects of radiation emitted by these devices is growing. In addition, protecting questions and biological effects are among growing concerns that have remained largely unanswered. Stem cells are useful models to assess the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on other cell lines. Adipose tissue represents an abundant and accessible source of adult stem cells. Therefore, this study was performed on adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). Methods: ADSCs were exposed to global system mobile communication (GSM) mobile phones 900 MHz with intensity of 354.6 μW/cm2 waves (217 Hz pulse frequency, 50 duty cycle), during different exposure times, ranging from 6 to 21 minutes/day for 5 days at 20 cm distance from the antenna. MTT assay 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide was used to determine the growth and metabolism of cells and trypan blue test was also done for cell viability. Statistical analyses were carried out using analysis of one-way ANOVA. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Findings: The proliferation rates of human ADSCs in all exposure groups were significantly lower than control groups (P < 0.05); except in the group of 6 minutes/day that did not have significant difference with control groups. Conclusion: The results show that 900 MHz radiofrequency signal radiation from antenna can reduce cell viability and proliferation rates of the human ADSCs regarding the duration of exposure. © 2015, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.