Objective: 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.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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).
Conclusion: 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).