Beneficial Effects of 1500 MHz Microwave on Old 5×FAD Mice

Background: Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease is still a medical challenge now. Some researchers have tried to use electromagnetic therapy to treat Alzheimer’s disease, but there are no clear conclusions. 1500 MHz microwave was used to expose young and old 5×FAD mice here to explore the beneficial effect of microwave on Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: : Young and old 5×FAD mice were exposed to 1500 MHz microwave at SARs of 2 or 4 W/kg for 5-months (2 h/day, 5 days/week). The cognitive function and emotional behavior were detected by Morris Water Maze, Y-Maze, Open Field Test and Elevated Plus Maze respectively. Amyloid β peptides, BACE1 expression, and inflammatory cytokines interleukin were detected by ELISA and qPCR. Amyloid β peptides and Iba1 in hippocampus of old FAD mice were further detected with immunohistochemistry. Results: : Microwave treatment obviously improved the learning and memory in old AD mice after 5 months of exposure, which was confirmed by the significant decreased Aβ42 peptides and downregulated BACE1 expression in hippocampus. 1500 MHz microwave exposure caused anxiety-like behavior in young and old AD mice at a SAR of 2 W/kg and 4 W/kg respectively. IL-6 mRNA levels were significantly decreased while IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly increased in old AD mice after exposure at a SAR of 2 W/kg. At the same time, the amount of microglia along with Aβ deposition were significantly decreased in hippocampus. The weight loss of aged AD mice slowed down and no obvious increase of anal temperature was found during exposure. Conclusions: : 1500 MHz microwave exposure can significantly improve the symptoms of AD in aged mice at a SAR of 2 W/kg with the regulations of inflammatory reaction in hippocampus, which may provide an effective clinical choice for treatment of elderly patients with AD.