Low-Level Radiofrequency Exposure Does Not Induce Changes in MSC Biology: An in vitro Study for the Prevention of NIR-Related Damage

BACKGROUND: The ubiquitous diffusion of radiofrequency (RF) radiation across human living environments has attracted the attention of scientists. Though the adverse health effects of RF exposure remain debatable, it has been reported that the interaction of such radiation with biological macromolecular structures can be deleterious for stem cells, inducing impairment of their main functions involving self-renewal and differentiation. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether exposure to RF of 169 megahertz (MHz) that is part of very high radiofrequency (VHF) range 30–300 MHz, could cause damage to stem cells by inducing senescence and loss of regenerative and DNA repair capacity. METHODS: The study was conducted on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) containing a subpopulation of stem cells. The MSCs were exposed to RFs of 169 MHz administered via an open meter 2G “Smart Meter” for different durations of time. RESULT: We did not observe modifications in MSC biology as a result of the RF exposure conducted in our experiments. CONCLUSION: We concluded that MSCs are insensitive to RF radiation exposure at 169 MHz for various time intervals, including longer durations.