X-Band Microwave Radiation Induced Biological Effects in Rats Skin: Plausible Role of Heat Shock Proteins

Potential benefits of RF-based technologies have immensely been tapped in diversified fields of military and commercial sectors like radar, telecommunication, defence strategic systems, meteorology, etc. Beside salubrious benefits to the society, the adverse effects of RF radiation emitted by RF-assisted devices cannot be ignored. In the present study, we attempted to investigate the effects of 10 GHz microwave (MW) radiation whole-body intermittent exposure of 3 h/ day consecutively for 5 days. Power density delivered was 5 mW/cm
²
and SAR calculated ~0.50 W/kg. The present study evaluates the impact of 10 GHz MW on the markers associated with regulation of cell signaling cascade of stress survival defence mechanism like heat shock proteins (HSPs), HIF-1α, and markers associated with inflammation, pain (NFκβ, substance-P receptor). We have found significantly elevated protein expression levels of HIF-1α, HSP-90, 70 and GRP78, however, non-significant increase in NFκβ and Substance-P receptor and HSP 27. There was no change in dorsal skin temperature was observed by IR-thermography after 5 days of 10 GHz MW exposure. Our data thus contributed to understand the biological effects of 10 GHz MW exposure and its plausible mechanisms of interaction with biological entities, particularly skin, at molecular level.