Putative role of NF-κB-mediated inflammation in acute cardiac injury induced by S-band microwave radiation in rats

With the widespread adoption of wireless communication technology, the issue of environmental exposure to microwave radiation has become increasingly prominent. In the field of cardiovascular research, it has been observed that microwave radiation may have potential effects on target organs such as the heart. However, the dynamic evolution characteristics of this radiation over time and its relationship with inflammation still require further exploration. This study aimed to establish a rat model of uniform whole-body exposure to S-band microwaves. A range of methods were used, including detection of myocardial injury markers, pathological structure staining, ultrastructural analysis, blood pressure monitoring, electrocardiography, ultrasound, proteomics, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blotting. These approaches systematically revealed the dynamic changes in microwave radiation-induced cardiac injury, the dynamic progression from functional compensation to structural decompensation, and the temporal association between NF-κB pathway activation and inflammatory processes. The results showed the following time-dependent changes. At 1 d after radiation, there was a sudden increase in serum myocardial injury markers, mitochondrial cristae rupture, and compensatory enhancement of contractile function. At 3 d, we observed continuous activation of the NF-κB pathway, significant increases in TNF-α and IL-6, myocardial hypertrophy, and electrophysiological disorders. At 7 d, early collagen deposition, intercalated disc rupture, and diastolic decompensation were evident. In conclusion, this study suggests that NF-κB pathway activation is temporally associated with the inflammatory response in rats with microwave radiation-induced cardiac injury. These findings offer preliminary evidence that may inform the development of electromagnetic pollution protection strategies and early monitoring approaches. This work highlights a potential direction for reducing public health risks associated with environmental electromagnetic pollution.