We are currently working on the DNA damages induced by exposure to radiofrequency radiation using comet assay and micronuclei test. Interestingly, Our experiments show that the induced DNA damages are only single strand breaks. By the way, I wonder if we can link this observation to the lower density of free radical formation compared to those induced by ionizing radiation. Can we conclude that the energy deposition for radiofrequency radiation (in contrast with x-rays) is almost uniform and hence this energy is not deposited in the form of spurs and blubs?
Your question is rather confusing. You state that your "experiments show that the induced DNA damages are only single strand breaks". Is this based on the results obtained on comet and micronucleus assays? If so this is not correct firstly because micronuclei, when are not originated by aneugenic events are de facto chromosomal aberrations (e.g. chromosomal breaks or uncomplete chromosomal exchanges). The ultimate lesion for this end point and more in general for all chromosome aberrations is unarguably double DNA strand breaks. In addition, it appears to be questionable the induction of any DNA lesions by radiofrequency radiations.
Regards
PM
Dear Dr Mosesso
Thank you very much for your comment. Based on the results of our experiments, radiofrequency radiation significantly increased the tail moment in comet assay but it could not change the MN frequency.
Although in recent years several papers have been published reporting genetic damage induced by non-ionizing radiation radiofrequency, I believe that the results are not sufficiently consistent. In principle, for non-ionizing radiation, it is very difficult to justify that such radiation may cause breaks in the DNA.
The following paper will be useful in discussion of genetic damage by non-Ionizing radiofrequency radiation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23022599
- Badges
- Science topic