Reactive oxygen species elevation and recovery in Drosophila bodies and ovaries following short-term and long-term exposure to DECT base EMF

Abstract

The objective of this study was to approach the basic mechanism(s) underlying reported ovarian apoptotic cell death and fecundity decrease induced by nonionizing radiation (NIR) in Drosophila melanogaster. ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) levels were measured in the bodies and the ovaries of (sexually mature) 4-day-old flies, following exposure for 0.5, 1, 6, 24 and 96 h to a wireless DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephone) base radiation (1.88–1.90 GHz). Electrical field intensity was 2.7 V/m, measured within the fly vials and calculated SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) value = 0.009 W/Kg. Male and female bodies showed twofold increase in ROS levels (p < 0.001) after 6 h of exposure, slightly increasing with more irradiation (24 and 96 h). Ovaries of exposed females had a quick response in ROS increase after 0.5 h (1.5-fold, p < 0.001), reaching 2.5-fold after 1 h with no elevation thereafter at 6, 24 and 96 h. ROS levels returned to normal, in the male and the female bodies 24 h after 6 h of exposure of the flies (p < 0.05) and in the ovaries 4 h after 1 h exposure of the females (p < 0.05). It is postulated that the pulsed (at 100 Hz rate and 0.08 ms duration) idle state of the DECT base radiation is capable of inducing free radical formation albeit the very low SAR, leading rapidly to accumulation of ROS in a level-saturation manner under continuous exposure, or in a recovery manner after interruption of radiation, possibly due to activation of the antioxidant machinery of the organism.

• Drosophila melanogaster
• electromagnetic fields
• oogenesis
• oxidative stress
• reactive oxygen species
• ROS recovery
• wireless DECT
• wireless DECT base

Acknowledgments

The authors sincerely thank ROHDE & SCHWARZ Hellas for kindly providing the R&S FSH8 spectrum analyzer and the near field probes for performing EMF measurements and Prof. A. Skouroliakou (TEI of Athens) for providing the NARDA SRM 3000 spectrum analyzer to evaluate the dosimetry throughout the course of this work. They also thank ACTA Ltd, Greece, for donating NARDA SRM 3006 spectrum analyzer and the Assistant Professor I. P. Trougakos for providing the ROS measurement equipment.