022-0222411-2406 Biological Markers of the Activity of Electromagnetic Nonionizing Radiation

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, EDUCATION AND SPORTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA (2007-2014)

Principal Investigator: Ivančica Trošić

SUMMARY
Electromagnetic radiation (EM) of microwave frequencies in the range of 300 MHz-3000 MHz (MW) has become one of the major physical environmental pollutants. This raises concern about health hazards related to the interaction between microwave EM fields and life processes. Depending on the field strength, frequency, wave form, modulation, and duration of exposure, microwave radiation is absorbed in the molecules and manifests as a change in vibration energy or heat. So far, studies of microwave radiation risk in a variety of life forms have produced controversial results. The effects that have been positively established include changes in the cell membrane functionality, calcium metabolism, cellular signal communication, cell proliferation and differentiation, proto-oncogens, heat-shock protein activation, and the cell death. Beside genotoxic action, microwaves seem to have a neurodegenerative potential. Studies in the field of bioelectromagnetism should aim at defining the biological markers of target systems susceptibility to the MW radiation at nonthermal level. The biomarkers of susceptibility and the biomarkers of the effect of low-intensity microwave radiation will be investigated using complex approach, including the basic experimental model; cell cultures, and experimental animals. The study is expected to reveal the indicators of harmful effects of low-intensity microwave radiation in vivo. The mechanisms of MW radiation activity at the cellular and subcellular level will be examined in vitro using continuous cell cultures. Cell survival, proliferation and colony-forming ability will be examined after microwave exposure in addition to macromolecular structures, and cytoskeleton proteins, microtubules, intermediate or actin filaments. The results will give some direction to the in vivo investigation, which in turn will reveal matching target cells suitable to create a primary MW-sensitive cell culture. With an adequate methodological approach, such primary cell culture could help to determine biomarkers of the effects of non-thermal MW radiation in vivo. Biological effects which reveal physical and chemical changes at the molecular, cell or tissue level might disturb homeostasis and stimulate whole body response.