Author(s):
Laván D*, Argüelles N, Lluncor A, Huaman D, Moyano J, Ubillus J, Peña M, Paredes M, Hernández I, Guerra A, De La Cruz-Vargas J, Cruz V.
* Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina Humana, Universidad Ricardo Palma, Lima.
Published in:
Front Neurol 2025; 16: 1616435
Published: 03.10.2025
on EMF:data since 19.11.2025
Further publications: Study funded by:

The Vice-Rectorate for Research at the Ricardo Palma University.

Keywords for this study:
Alzheimer  |  (Oxidative) stress response
Reviews
Go to EMF:data assessment

Review of the evidence on the influence of Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz radiation on oxidative stress and its possible relationship with Alzheimer’s disease.

Original Abstract

To date, there is no scientific consensus on whether wireless communication systems, such as 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, play a crucial role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease through oxidative stress. Although numerous studies have linked oxidative stress to exposure to electromagnetic radiation from wireless systems in various biological contexts, these studies have not established a direct connection to neurodegenerative diseases. Research on Alzheimer’s disease and oxidative stress is an active field in neuroscience and medicine, as oxidative stress involves an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the antioxidant system’s ability to neutralize them, leading to cellular and neuronal damage. It is essential to recognize that Alzheimer’s disease is multifactorial, and its development generally
results from a complex interaction of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The relationship between wireless systems such as Wi-Fi and oxidative stress, as well as its possible link to Alzheimer’s disease, continues to be the subject of research and debate in the scientific community. Although some studies have explored this possible association, the results have been mixed and inconclusive. While research on the health effects of wireless systems remains relevant, it is prudent not to consider this association as an established fact until solid and consistent scientific evidence is available. The study we present focuses on indirectly analyzing the relationship between genes that respond to oxidative stress upon exposure to Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz electromagnetic waves and genes associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Our results indicate that the modification of key genes involved in neurodegeneration, such as GSK3B and APOE, could be exacerbated by prolonged exposure to this radiation. It is essential for future research to explore this hypothesis to further clarify the potential risks associated with electromagnetic radiation and its impact on neuronal health and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Keywords

Alzheimer’s disease | oxidative stress | electromagnetic radiation | Wi-Fi exposure |
neurodegeneration | neuronal damage

Exposure:

2400 MHz
Mobile Internet / WLAN, Wi-Fi

EMF:data assessment

Summary

A new study by a Peruvian research group examined the effects of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi radiation, with a particular focus on its role in oxidative stress and its potential link to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Alzheimer's disease is multifactorial, developing as a result of the complex interaction of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

Source: ElektrosmogReport | Issue 04/2025

Study design and methods

The authors conducted a literature search in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The review addressed 3 questions:

1) How does exposure to 2.4 GHz electromagnetic fields affect gene expression related to oxidative stress response, genomic stability, metabolism, and cellular regulation?

2) How does the regulation of oxidative stress and protein homeostasis influence the progression of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease?

3) Can genes associated with Alzheimer's disease interact functionally with genes involved in DNA repair, metabolism, and cellular regulation?

Results

A total of 49 studies were used to synthesize and map genetic relationships. Several genes, including APOE and GSK3B, have been directly linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Beyond their role in AD pathogenesis, genes such as MAGED4, HSPB8, HSPB6, HSF1, HSPA4, HSPB1, and MAPKAPK5 play a crucial role in the cellular response to oxidative stress, which is a key factor in the pathogenesis of various diseases. These genes contribute to cell protection by regulating protein homeostasis, stabilizing misfolded proteins and preventing apoptosis induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). This highlights their importance in preventing diseases related to oxidative stress. Furthermore, exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) at a frequency of 2.4 GHz has been shown to alter the expression of several genes associated with DNA replication, cellular homeostasis, and metabolism. These include POLD4 and FEN1, both of which are essential for DNA replication and repair and whose altered expression could compromise genomic stability. In addition, EXOG, which is involved in mitochondrial DNA repair, exhibits changes that suggest a potential disruption to mitochondrial function. Taken together, these findings suggest that exposure to Wi-Fi radiation can significantly alter genomic stability, metabolism, and cellular regulation. Genes associated with Alzheimer's disease, including ABCA7, PICALM, CLU, TREM2, APOE, SORL1, GSK3B, and PRNP, intersect with HSP27, HSPB1, HSP70, and HSPA4. The latter genes are all part of the "heat shock protein (HSP)" family and regulate oxidative stress. The genes involved in regulating Alzheimer's disease also intersect with POLD4, FEN1, and EXOG, among others, which showed reduced expression after exposure to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi radiation.

Conclusions

Recent research on Alzheimer's disease (AD) has identified several genes that contribute to its pathogenesis. These genes are located in a highly dynamic biological environment in which oxidative stress plays a central role in the cell damage associated with neurodegeneration. The activation of heat shock proteins (HSPs), such as HSPB1 and HSPA4, is of particular interest in Alzheimer's disease because these proteins protect cells from oxidative stress. Several studies suggest that exposure to Wi-Fi radiation can alter the expression of genes involved in DNA replication and repair processes. This indicates that exposure to this frequency of RF radiation could compromise genomic stability and mitochondrial function. While the authors could not find direct evidence of a link between Wi-Fi exposure and AD, the indirect link via oxidative stress is concerning and warrants further investigation. (AT)