Exposure of 1800 MHz Radiofrequency with SAR 1,6 W/kg Caused a Significant Reduction in CD4+ T cells and Release of Cytokines In-Vitro

Background: Although there have been many studies investigating the effects of electromagnetic fields on human's cells and tissues, the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields exposure on the cells of the immune system are still controversial. Objective: To investigate the effects of 1800 MHz RF-EMF exposure on peripheral blood mononuclear cells by measuring T helper cells count and the cytokine profile under different conditions of durations and distances. Methods: The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy human subjects were exposed to 1800 MHz RF-EMF, with durations of 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes and distances of 5 and 25 cm. The effects of RF-EMF exposure on the number of CD4+ T cells, and the expression of IL-2, IL-10, and IL-17a after 48 hours of culture were evaluated using flow cytometry. Results: Our findings indicated that closer distance and longer exposure induced lower number of CD4+ T cells. Similarly, the percentages of IL-2, IL- 10 and IL-17a expressing CD4+ T cells were decreased significantly. The number of IL-2 expressing CD4+T cells was increased significantly as the duration of exposure was increased, but the number was decreased after 60 minutes exposure when compared with control group with no exposure. Conclusion: Exposure to RF-EMF for 60 minutes at 5 cm distance causes a significant reduction in the number of CD4+ T cells, IL-2, IL- 10 and IL-17a expressing T cells.