Effects of industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band frequency 2.45 GHz on membrane integrity and oxidative stress of human skin bacteria.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of 2.45 GHz radiofrequency radiation (RFR) on oxidative stress and membrane integrity of human skin bacteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cultures of and were exposed to 2.45 GHz RFR. Oxidative stress was assessed by quantifying hydroxyl (•OH) and superoxide (O•) radicals and total intracellular ROS (DCFH-DA assay). Lipid peroxidation (MDA levels) and protein carbonyl content were measured as oxidative damage markers. Membrane integrity was examined by SEM and TEM imaging and by evaluating protein and carbohydrate leakage. All experiments were performed with at least three independent biological replicates. RESULTS: RFR-exposed bacteria exhibited a marked increase in ROS generation compared to sham and control groups. Total intracellular ROS, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide radicals were significantly elevated (∼ 2 fold), indicating strong oxidative stress induction. This biochemical stress correlated with structural alterations: SEM and TEM revealed disrupted cell membranes and cytoplasmic disorganization. Functionally, exposed bacteria showed enhanced membrane permeability, evidenced by substantial leakage of proteins and carbohydrates into the extracellular environment. Furthermore, oxidative damage was confirmed biochemically, with significantly elevated malondialdehyde (MDA >1.5 fold) levels reflecting lipid peroxidation, and increased protein carbonyl (>2 fold) content indicating oxidative modification of proteins. These effects were consistent across all three bacterial species, although demonstrated more pronounced damages. Collectively, these findings highlight a clear link between RFR-induced ROS overproduction, oxidative macromolecular damage, and compromised cellular integrity. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to 2.45 GHz RFR induces oxidative stress, membrane disruption, and macromolecular leakage in skin-associated bacteria, suggesting possible risks to skin microbiome stability under high-RFR environments.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Bacterial cultures exposed to 2.45 GHz radiofrequency radiation showed significantly increased ROS generation (approximately two-fold for total intracellular ROS, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide radicals) versus sham/control. Exposure was associated with membrane disruption and cytoplasmic disorganization on SEM/TEM and increased membrane permeability with protein/carbohydrate leakage, alongside elevated oxidative damage markers (MDA >1.5-fold; protein carbonyl >2-fold).

Outcomes measured

• Reactive oxygen species (total intracellular ROS; hydroxyl radicals; superoxide radicals)
• Oxidative damage markers (malondialdehyde/MDA; protein carbonyl content)
• Membrane integrity/ultrastructure (SEM; TEM)
• Membrane permeability and macromolecular leakage (protein and carbohydrate leakage)

Limitations

• Exposure metrics such as SAR were not reported in the abstract.
• Exposure duration/conditions were not specified in the abstract.
• In vitro bacterial culture model; findings may not directly translate to in vivo human skin microbiome effects.
• Sample size not stated; only noted as at least three independent biological replicates.

{
    "study_type": "in_vitro",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band",
        "frequency_mhz": 2450,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Human skin-associated bacteria cultures",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Reactive oxygen species (total intracellular ROS; hydroxyl radicals; superoxide radicals)",
        "Oxidative damage markers (malondialdehyde/MDA; protein carbonyl content)",
        "Membrane integrity/ultrastructure (SEM; TEM)",
        "Membrane permeability and macromolecular leakage (protein and carbohydrate leakage)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Bacterial cultures exposed to 2.45 GHz radiofrequency radiation showed significantly increased ROS generation (approximately two-fold for total intracellular ROS, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide radicals) versus sham/control. Exposure was associated with membrane disruption and cytoplasmic disorganization on SEM/TEM and increased membrane permeability with protein/carbohydrate leakage, alongside elevated oxidative damage markers (MDA >1.5-fold; protein carbonyl >2-fold).",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Exposure metrics such as SAR were not reported in the abstract.",
        "Exposure duration/conditions were not specified in the abstract.",
        "In vitro bacterial culture model; findings may not directly translate to in vivo human skin microbiome effects.",
        "Sample size not stated; only noted as at least three independent biological replicates."
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "2.45 GHz",
        "radiofrequency radiation",
        "ISM band",
        "skin bacteria",
        "oxidative stress",
        "ROS",
        "hydroxyl radical",
        "superoxide",
        "lipid peroxidation",
        "malondialdehyde",
        "protein carbonyl",
        "membrane integrity",
        "SEM",
        "TEM",
        "microbiome"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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