Background: Next-generation 5G communication technology involves
increasing use of 3–100 GHz wireless bands in population centers. Though still
non-ionizing, this implies higher radiation energy vs. existing bands. The range
is also shorter, needing more numerous emitters, closer to the user—resulting
in higher electromagnetic energy exposure. With no universal consensus regarding
exposure risks, there is some concern among the public and the scientific
community, following indications that 5G radiation can impact immune function,
trigger inflammatory responses, and influence expression of genes affecting
protein folding, oxidative stress, tissue/extracellular matrix (ECM) matrix
turnover, and more. This work aims at identifying botanical extracts for
protection of human skin from these impacts, based on a preliminary cell
culture-based model. Methods: We irradiated human epidermal
keratinocytes at 6 GHz, evaluating effects on Interleukin1-
(IL1-), a key inflammatory cytokine; TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1
(TIMP1), shown to inhibit collagenase; Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPLT4),
which plays a role in wound healing and epidermal differentiation; and S100
calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9), involved in immune recruitment during
injury, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunostaining. We next
used this model to identify substances able to mitigate the effects of 5G
irradiation, through the evaluation of the influence of treatment by one of
several botanical extracts on the observed effects of 5G irradiation.
Results: After a remarkably short 1-h exposure, clear effects on
keratinocyte function were observed: increased inflammatory cytokine
IL1-; reduced collagenase inhibitor TIMP1; increased wound
healing/differentiation facilitator ANGPLT4; and increased SA100A9, involved in
immune recruitment during injury. On this basis, we then showed the protective
effects of selected botanical extracts, capable of reducing the increase in
IL1- induced by 5G exposure, possibly in part due to anti-inflammatory
and anti-oxidant properties of compounds present in these extracts.
Conclusions: Our results show a clear influence of 5G irradiation on the
keratinocytes, possibly indicating injury and damage responses. What’s more, we
showed how these preliminary data can be used to identify botanical extracts
capable of offering some protection against these effects for users of 5G
technology, e.g., when employed as active ingredients in protective cosmetic
applications.