Aneuploidy studies in human cells exposed in vitro to GSM-900 MHz radiofrequency radiation using FISH.
OBJECTIVE
Since previous research found an increase in the rate of aneuploidies in human lymphocytes exposed to radiofrequencies, it seems important to perform further studies. The objective of this study was then to investigate whether the exposure to RF (radiofrequency) radiation similar to that emitted by mobile phones of a second generation standard, i.e., Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) may induce aneuploidy in cultured human cells.


METHODS
The potential induction of genomic instability by GSM-900 MHz radiofrequency (GSM-900) was investigated after in vitro exposure of human amniotic cells for 24 h to average-specific absorption rates (SAR) of 0.25, 1, 2 and 4 W/kg in the temperature range of 36.3-39.7°C. The exposures were carried out in a wire-patch cell (WPC). The rate of aneuploidy of chromosomes 11 and 17 was determined by interphase FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridisation) immediately after independent exposure of three different donors for 24 h. At least 100 interphase cells were analysed per assay.


RESULTS
No significant change in the rate of aneuploidy of chromosomes 11 and 17 was found following exposure to GSM-900 for 24 h at average SAR up to 4 W/kg.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study did not show any in vitro aneuploidogenic effect of GSM using FISH and is not in agreement with the results of previous research.
Department of Histology, Cellular Biology and Cytogenetics, EA3842, Univ./CHU Limoges France.
Sylvie
S
Bourthoumieu
Faraj
F
Terro
Philippe
P
Leveque
Alice
A
Collin
Vanessa
V
Joubert
Catherine
C
Yardin
D000782:Aneuploidy; D040421:Cell Phone; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002877:Chromosomes, Human / Q000235:genetics* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D008872:Microwaves; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011846:Radio Waves