In vitro Studies into a Genotoxic Action of UMTS

Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) induces DNA strand breaks in vitro as demonstrated in diploid human fibroblasts in our laboratory using different GSM signals. RF-EMFs generated by UMTS signals are supposed to have genotoxic properties as well. UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) is the recently introduced mobile communication standard in Europe. No information about biological effects and genotoxic properties of these particular signals is available so far. Secure use of this new technology needs knowledge about the lowest biological effective dose and the mechanism by which genotoxic effects are induced. The present research proposal attempts to assess UMTS-induced DNA damage in vitro in diploid human fibroblasts in terms of DNA strand breaks, oxidized purines and pyrimidines, micronuclei and sister chromatid exchange.. Effects of field intensity, exposure time and other exposure conditions on the extent of DNA damage will be evaluated. To investigate a possible role for reactive oxygen species (ROS) in causing UMTS-related DNA damage, levels of DNA strand breaks and oxidized bases after incubation of cells with radical scavengers (different antioxidants, SOD/catalase mimetics, melatonin) or the photosensitizer Ro19-8022 will be compared to baseline levels.

Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) induces DNA strand breaks in vitro as demonstrated in diploid human fibroblasts in our laboratory using different GSM signals. RF-EMFs generated by UMTS signals are supposed to have genotoxic properties as well. UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) is the recently introduced mobile communication standard in Europe. No information about biological effects and genotoxic properties of these particular signals is available so far. Secure use of this new technology needs knowledge about the lowest biological effective dose and the mechanism by which genotoxic effects are induced. The present research proposal attempts to assess UMTS-induced DNA damage in vitro in diploid human fibroblasts in terms of DNA strand breaks, oxidized purines and pyrimidines, micronuclei and sister chromatid exchange.. Effects of field intensity, exposure time and other exposure conditions on the extent of DNA damage will be evaluated. To investigate a possible role for reactive oxygen species (ROS) in causing UMTS-related DNA damage, levels of DNA strand breaks and oxidized bases after incubation of cells with radical scavengers (different antioxidants, SOD/catalase mimetics, melatonin) or the photosensitizer Ro19-8022 will be compared to baseline levels.