Radiofrequency Radiation Alters Redox Homeostasis, ATP Status, and Apoptosis-Associated Responses in Human Ovarian Epithelial Cells

With the expansion of wireless communication technologies, radiofrequency radiation (RFR) has become a persistent component of the environmental exposome. The 2450 MHz frequency is a widely used RF band in wireless and microwave technologies, providing an environmentally relevant model for evaluating non-ionising radiation effects. Although non-ionising, RFR may influence cellular homeostasis through non-thermal stress pathways, yet its cellular effects in ovarian-derived models remain insufficiently defined. This study examined whether 2450 MHz RFR was associated with redox, ATP-related, and apoptosis-associated responses in SKOV3 ovarian epithelial cells. Cells were exposed for 30, 60, and 120 min under controlled conditions at a measured electric field intensity of 13.44 V/m. MTT-based viability/metabolic activity at 24 h and 48 h post-exposure, ROS, nitrite, ATP, mitochondrial membrane potential, apoptosis-related gene expression, and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining were assessed. RFR exposure did not significantly reduce MTT-based viability/metabolic activity at 24 h post-exposure; at 48 h, a significant reduction was observed in the 120-min group compared with the control and 30-min groups. Exposed cells showed progressive ROS accumulation, increased nitrite levels, and changes in ATP levels, with an increase at 30 min followed by lower levels at 60 and 120 min relative to 30 min, while the JC-1 red/green ratio showed no significant change. Apoptosis-associated transcriptional changes were marked by increased Bak1, Nip-2, and Caspase-4 and reduced Bcl-xL and Bag3 expression and a non-significant increase in Bad expression. Annexin V-FITC/PI analysis demonstrated an exposure-duration-associated increase in Annexin V-positive populations, with a predominance of Annexin V+/PI+ cells following 120 min of exposure. Overall, these findings indicate an exposure-associated cellular stress phenotype involving redox, ATP status, and apoptosis-related alterations in SKOV3 cells under defined in vitro conditions.