Multi-frequency electromagnetic radiation induces anxiety in mice via inflammation in the cerebral cortex

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2024 May;31(24):35161-35172. doi: 10.1007/s11356-024-33447-y. Epub 2024 May 9.

Abstract

Modern life is filled with radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) in various frequency bands, while the health risks are not clear. In this study, mice were whole-body exposed to 0.9/1.5/2.65 GHz radiofrequency radiation at 4 W/kg for 2 h per day for 4 weeks to investigate the emotional effects. It was found that the mice showed anxiety but no severe depression. The ELISA results showed a significant decrease in amino acid neurotransmitters (GABA, DA, 5-HT), although acetylcholine (ACH) levels were not significantly altered. Furthermore, Western blot results showed that BDNF, TrkB, and CREB levels were increased in the cerebral cortex, while NF-κB levels were decreased. In addition, pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) were significantly elevated, and anti-inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-10) tended to decrease. In conclusion, multi-frequency electromagnetic radiation induces an inflammatory response through the CREB-BDNF-TrkB and NF-κB pathways in the cerebral cortex and causes a decrease in excitatory neurotransmitters, which ultimately causes anxiety in mice.

Keywords: Anxiety; BDNF; CREB; Inflammation; Multi-frequency RF-EMR; TrkB.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anxiety*
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / metabolism
  • Cerebral Cortex* / radiation effects
  • Electromagnetic Radiation*
  • Inflammation*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism

Substances

  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
  • NF-kappa B