ESPE Abstracts

This present study investigates the impact of a common environmental hazard, the radiofrequency fields (RF), such as those regarding cell phones, cell phone base stations, wi-fi, portable phones (DECT), etc., as close to the body sources of exposure, on endocrine function. This is of importance, particularly for developing children, that have been and are exposed to this potential hazard. We performed analyses on endocrine assessments regarding stress, thyroid hand reproductive hormones, as well as melatonin and several growth factors. Both the acute response and circadian disturbances were also addressed. The studies are presented in accordance to the end-organ responses evoked after the hypothalamus-pituitary (HP)-end-organ response of the five main endocrine axes: adrenal axis (HPA), thyroid HPT and gonadal (HPG axis) axes, somatotropic axis and other hormones, such as melatonin. According to the reported findings it is evident that endocrine axes are influenced by the exposure to RF even at frequencies lower than the limits set by the International Commission on Non -Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines. Prolonged exposure suppresses thyroid function, melatonin and growth hormone circadian rhythms, suggesting that there is a Near Electromagnetic Field (NEMF)-Induced syndrome (NEMF-IS). Even blue light smartphones used during the night may disrupt circadian rhythms, suggesting prudence in their use. Endocrine effects are age-, frequency- and/or long-term cell phone use - dependent and appear to be modulated by the thyroid axis. Thus, the thyroid axis emerged as a key player in the body’s attempt to maintain homeostasis during/after RF exposure. The nuclear receptor interactome, which involves all endocrine axes, is structurally and functionally conserved in evolution and may provide explanatory mechanisms. Importantly, its major hub is a thyroid hormone signaling modulator, the nuclear receptor coreceptor 1 (NCOR1).