Low-intensity microwave blockes cell cycle and regulate cell cycle related gene expression in rabbit lens epithelial cells

Abstract

To study the cell cycle arrest induced by different doses of microwave in cultured rabbit lens epithelial cells (RLECs) and its effects on the related gene expression of P21(WAF1), P27(Kip1) and c-myc. Cultured rabbit lens epithelial cells were exposed to microwave radiation with frequency of 2450 MHz and power density of 0.10 mW/cm(2) (A group), 0.25 mW/cm(2) (B group), 0.50 mW/cm(2) (C group), 1.00 mW/cm(2) (D group) and 2.00 mW/cm(2) (E group) for 8 hours. The morphological change of RLECs was observed under microscope, effects of microwave radiation on RLECs cell cycle were measured by flow cytometry. Expression of P21(WAF1), P27(Kip1) and c-myc were evaluated by western blot after 2.00 mW/cm(2) microwave radiation for 4 hours, 6 hours and 8 hours respectively. All the results were compared with F group, which was as controls without microwave radiation. 8 hours after radiation, RLECs of C, D and E groups showed RLECs cell swelling, congregation and detachment, the percentage of cells in G(0)/G(1) phase obviously was increased (P < 0.01). No obvious change could be detected in 0.10 mW/cm(2) and 0.25 mW/cm(2) microwave groups. The gene expression of P27(Kip1) was increased and c-myc was decreased after 2.00 mW/cm(2) radiation, it did not affect the gene expression of P21(WAF1). Microwave exceeding 0.50 mW/cm(2) can block RLECs cell cycle at G(0)/G(1) phase, which may be related to regulation of P27(Kip1) and c-myc expression, but not P21(WAF1).