Liver antioxidant stores protect the brain from electromagnetic radiation (900 and 1800 MHz)-induced oxidative stress in rats during pregnancy and the development of offspring

Impact of GSM-EMW exposure on the markers of oxidative stress in fetal rat liver

The current study investigated the effects of 24 h/day prenatal exposure to global system for mobile communication electromagnetic fields (GSM-EMFs), 900 MHZ-induced electromagnetic radiation (EMR), on oxidative stress (OS) status, apoptotic, and inflammatory changes in liver of rats during their fetal development period. Fifty-two Sprague-Dawley pregnant rats were equally divided into control and exposed groups. Whole embryos were removed at 7.5 dpc (days post coitus), while liver tissues were extracted from embryos at 11.5, 15.5, and 19.5 dpc. For exposed animals, results showed an increased OS reflected by high levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a decrease in cytosolic superoxide dismutase (cytoSOD) activity, in mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (mitoSOD) levels and catalase (CAT) mRNA expression but also in hepatic nuclear factor erythroïd 2-related Factor 2 (Nrf-2), protein kinase B (Akt1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) mRNA expression at 15.5 dpc. Moreover, GSM-EMR exposure was shown to significantly decrease mitoSOD and CAT activities at almost all studied ages. Thus, rat embryos may be protected by their mothers from OS, apoptotic, and pro-inflammatory responses till a sensitive developmental stage, during a continuous prenatal EMR exposure. This protection could be then created from the embryos themselves.

Myrtenal improves memory deficits in mice exposed to radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation during gestational and neonatal development via enhancing oxido-inflammatory, and neurotransmitter functions

Objective

Radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) exposure during gestational and neonatal development may interact with the foetus and neonate considered hypersensitive to RF-EMR, consequently resulting in developmental defects associated with neuropsychological and neurobehavioral disorders, including learning and memory impairment. This study assessed the potential of Myrtenal (Myrt) to improve memory deficits in C57BL/6 mice exposed to RF-EMR during gestational and neonatal development.

Method

Thirty-five male mice were randomly allocated into 5 cohorts, each comprising of 7 mice. Group I was administered vehicle, Group II: RF-EMR (900 MHz); Group III: RF-EMR (900 MHz) + 100 mg/kg Myrt; Group IV: RF-EMR (900 MHz) + 200 mg/kg Myrt; and Group V: RF-EMR (900 MHz) + donepezil 0.5 mg/kg.

Results

Myrt treatment improved short-term memory performance in RF-EMR (900 MHz)-exposed mice by augmenting activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and proinflammatory cytokines, thereby protecting the brain from oxido-inflammatory stress. Additionally, Myrt restored the homeostasis of neurotransmitters in RF-EMR-exposed animals.

Conclusion

Results from the present study shows that exposure to RF-EMR impaired short-term memory in animals and altered the response of markers of oxido-inflammatory stress, and neurotransmitters. It is therefore conceivable that the recommendation of Myrt-enriched fruits may offer protective benefits for foeti and neonates prone to RF-EMR exposure.

Effects of continuous prenatal and postnatal global system for mobile communications electromagnetic waves (GSM-EMW) exposure on the oxidative stress biomarkers in female rat liver

In light of the increased use of communication technologies, the harm caused by continuous exposure to emitted radiation on pregnancy and developing newborns is among the public concerns. Using Sprague-Dawley rats, our study investigates the effects of 24 h/day prenatal and postnatal 900 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) exposure of female rats on liver oxidative stress (OS) and other hepatic parameters at postnatal days (PND) 1, 9, and 21. Our results showed that RF-EMR exposure led to an increase in oxidative stress status as indicated by a significant elevation in MDA level at PND9 and PND21, a decrease in catalase (CAT) activity at all ages, a reduction (PND1 and PND9) in catalase amounts and mRNA expression, in addition to a decrease in GPx activity at PND21 in the exposed group. Current findings also showed a significant increase in cytoSOD at PND9 and 21 and a reduction in mitoSOD at PND21 in the exposed groups compared to the control groups. However, significant increases in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) level and mitoSOD activity were observed at all studied ages. Furthermore, cytoSOD activity showed a significant reduction in PND1, whereas in PND9 the value of this parameter increased compared to the non-exposed group. Moreover, while SOD1 mRNA expression increased at PND1, it decreased at PND9 and 21. However, GPx1 expression was shown to be always decreased in the exposed group. In addition, at PND1 and 9, exposed rats showed a similar response on Akt1, nuclear factor erythroïd 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression. Therefore, an increased oxidative stress status produced from a continuous (24 h/day) GSM-modulated 900 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) exposure during the prenatal and postnatal periods may result in adverse health effects during future life stages.

Oxidative damage in the liver and brain of the rats exposed to frequency-dependent radiofrequency electromagnetic exposure: biochemical and histopathological evidence

The study aimed to discover a link between the liver and brain's functional status due to frequency dependent-radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR). Forty Wistar rats were randomly classified as control (sham-exposed) and EMR exposed groups. Animals were exposed to 900, 1800, and 2100 MHz with the specific absorption rate (SAR) 0.434 (W/Kg), 0.433 (W/Kg), and 0.453 (W/Kg) respectively. Animal exposure was limited at 1 h/day, 5 days/week for 1 month with a restricted power density (900 MHz- 11.638 µW/m², 1800- 11.438 µW/m² and 2100 MHz frequency- 8.237 µW/m²). Exposure at various frequencies showed a frequency-dependent change in the body weight and hematologic parameters (RBCs, WBCs, platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit) as compared with the control group (p ≤ 0.01) (p ≤ 0.001). A significant elevation in serum transaminases and bilirubin, urea, uric acid, and creatinine was noted, whereas albumin significantly decreased after EMR exposure (p ≤ 0.01) (p ≤ 0.001). The blood glucose, lipid peroxidation, triglycerides, and cholesterol were elevated while adenosine triphosphatases, acetylcholinesterase, and tissue antioxidants such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione Peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenases were decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.001). Histopathological observations of the liver showed centrilobular mononuclear cell infiltration and swelling in sinusoidal spaces, while in the brain degenerated pyramidal and Purkinje neurons were seen. Furthermore, Substantial evidence was found that the brain is more susceptible to oxidative mutilation compare to the liver of exposed animals. In conclusion, RF-EMR exposure showed oxidative damage to the liver, increasing the incidence of brain damage in a frequency-dependent manner.HighlightsEMR exposure showed frequency-dependent toxicity.Alterations in blood profile and modifications in the serological markers.Increasing lipid peroxidation indicating membrane damage.Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity affecting cholinergic neurotransmission.EMR exposure resulted in the loss of cellular energy and production of excess amounts of ROS thereby altering several antioxidant enzymes.Histopathological evidence of severe degenerative changes in the liver and brain.

Does Exposure of Smart Phones during Pregnancy Affect the Offspring's Ovarian Reserve? A Rat Model Study

We investigated the effect of prenatal exposure to smart phone radiation and the protective effect of omega-3 on ovarian reserve of offspring. Methods: 24 pregnant Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. Group-I received neither radiofrequency (RF) radiation nor omega-3, group-II received RF, group-III received RF radiation and 300 mg omega-3 and group-IV received RF radiation and 600 mg Omega-3 till birth. At 42 days, bilateral oophorectomy was performed on all female offspring for follicle count and immunohistochemical staining (GDF9, FOXO1 and TUNEL). Results: Group-II had significantly lower mean number of primordial (p = 0.006), secondary follicles(p = 0.003) and a higher atresia score. Group-III variables were comparable with group-I variables. Group-IV had statistically higher median number of atretic follicles than group-I (p = 0.023). Conclusions: Ovarian reserve of offspring diminished with RF exposure during pregnancy. Omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the potential premature ovarian failure.

Effects of Low-Intensity Microwave Radiation on Oxidant-Antioxidant Parameters and DNA Damage in the Liver of Rats

The continuously increasing usage of cell phones has raised concerns about the adverse effects of microwave radiation (MWR) emitted by cell phones on health. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have claimed that MWR may cause various kinds of damage in tissues. The aim of this study is to examine the possible effects of exposure to low-intensity MWR on DNA and oxidative damage in the livers of rats. Eighteen Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into three equal groups randomly (n = 6). Group 1 (Sham-control): rats were kept under conditions the same as those of other groups, except for MWR exposure. Group 2: rats exposed to 1800 MHz (SAR: 0.62 W/kg) at 0.127 ± 0.04 mW/cm² power density, and Group 3: rats exposed to 2,100 MHz (SAR: 0.2 W/kg) at 0.038 ± 0.03 mW/cm² power density. Microwave application groups were exposed to MWR 2 h/day for 7 months. At the end of the exposure period, the rats were sacrificed and DNA damage, malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and total oxidant-antioxidant parameter analyses were conducted in their liver tissue samples. It was found that 1800 and 2100 MHz low-intensity MWR caused a significant increase in MDA, 8-OHdG, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, and comet assay tail intensity (P < 0.05), while total antioxidant status levels (P < 0.05) decreased. The results of our study showed that whole-body exposure to 1800 and 2100 MHz low-intensity MWR emitted by cell phones can induce oxidative stress by altering oxidant-antioxidant parameters and lead to DNA strand breaks and oxidative DNA damage in the liver of rats. Bioelectromagnetics. 2021;42:76-85. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Prenatal and early postnatal exposure to radiofrequency waves (900 MHz) adversely affects passive avoidance learning and memory

Prenatal and early postnatal are the most sensitive and high-risk periods to expose to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). This study aimed to investigate the effect of prenatal and early postnatal exposure to 900 MHz radiofrequency waves (RFWs) emitted from a base transceiver station antenna on passive avoidance learning and memory (PALM) and hippocampus histomorphology. Female Sprague Dawley rats (190-230 g) were paired with males. The mated rats, confirmed by observing a vaginal plug, were divided into two groups; control and exposed. The control group (n = 7) was not exposed to RFW. The exposed group was divided into three subgroups (n = 8); exposed Ⅰ, exposed during the gestational period (fetal life), and exposed Ⅱ and Ⅲ (postnatal exposure), exposed to RFW during the first 21 days of life, for 2 h/d and 4 h/d, respectively. PALM was evaluated by a shuttle box in 45-day-old pups. Learning and memory of animals were demonstrated as the duration of remaining within the light area, which is called the lighting time. Histological sections were prepared from brain tissues and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. An impairment in the PALM performance was noticed in all exposed subgroups (Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ) (p < 0.05). Learning (short-term memory) and retention (long-term memory) behaviors were more affected in exposed subgroup Ⅰ (prenatal exposed) compared to other postnatal exposed subgroups (Ⅱ and Ⅲ). Also, a mild decrease in the density of pyramidal cells was observed in the hippocampus of exposed subgroups (Ⅰ and Ⅲ). Prenatal and early postnatal exposure to 900 MHz RFW adversely affected PALM performance and hippocampus tissue in rat pups with more impact for prenatal period exposure.

Hepatic injury induced by radio frequency waves emitted from conventional Wi-Fi devices in Wistar rats

In this study, the impact of standard 2.45 GHz radio frequency source (averaged whole-body specific absorption rate 0.01 W kg^-1 24 h^-1 daily for 40 consecutive days) on the liver of Wistar female rats was investigated. The rats were randomly divided into control and Wi-Fi-exposed groups. At the end of the exposure, liver samples were dissected from rats. Rats' livers were inspected through the evaluation of some oxidative stress parameters and the evaluation of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase levels as well as through the molecular investigation using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Histopathological examination in addition to ultrastructure examination was also performed. The present data revealed that Wi-Fi exposure leads to severe oxidative stress in the rat liver. Furthermore, Wi-Fi exposure resulted in deleterious effects in the liver function and alters its molecular structure. Moreover, severe histological and ultrastructural alterations are reported in the hepatic tissues points to hepatotoxic effects induced by Wi-Fi exposure. In conclusion, care must be taken when using Wi-Fi emitting devices due to their severe impact on the liver. Public awareness of the need to decrease exposure time and increase the distance from Wi-Fi exposure sources must be raised wherever possible.

Prenatal Effects of a 1,800-MHz Electromagnetic Field on Rat Livers

The use of devices, including mobile phones, generating electromagnetic fields (EMF) is widespread and is progressively increasing. It has also been shown that EMF may have detrimental effects. This is the first study to investigate the postnatal biochemical and histological effects of prenatal exposure of rat livers to 1,800-MHz EMF at different time intervals in uteroplacental life. The 3 EMF groups of rats were exposed to 1,800-MHz EMF for 6, 12, or 24 h daily for 20 days. Unexposed rats served as control group. All rats were subjected to anesthesia, and on postnatal day 60, the livers were excised, and blood was collected for histological and biochemical analyses. Malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in the exposed groups than the unexposed controls (p < 0.05). In contrast, EMF-exposed groups had lower liver tissue glutathione levels than controls (p < 0.05). Serum Ca2+, alanine transaminase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels were higher in EMF-exposed groups than controls (p < 0.05). In addition, liver tissue total oxidant status levels were increased (p < 0.05), and liver tissue total antioxidant status levels were decreased (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Furthermore, in the EMF groups, extensive vacuolation and degeneration of the hepatocytes in the portal area, as well as those surrounding the sinusoids, were evident. Affected hepatocytes had polygonally shaped nuclei and vacuolic cytoplasm imparting eosinophilic staining. Loss of cellular membrane integrity and invaginations, as well as picnotic nuclei, was prominent. This study has shown that intrauterine liver damage caused by 1,800-MHz EMF exposure persists into puberty in rats.

Altered morphology and biochemistry of the female rat liver following 900 megahertz electromagnetic field exposure during mid to late adolescence

Despite their benefits, technological devices such as cell phones may also have deleterious effects on human health. Considerable debate continues concerning the effects of the electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted during cell phone use on human health. We investigated the effects of exposure to 900 megahertz (MHz) EMF during mid to late adolescence on the rat liver. Control (ContGr), sham (ShmGr) and EMF (EMFGr) groups of female rats were established. We exposed the EMFGr rats daily to 900 MHz EMF on postnatal days 35-59. ShmGr rats underwent sham procedures. No procedure was performed on ContGr rats. Rats were sacrificed on postnatal day 60 and the livers were extracted. One part of the liver was stained with Masson's trichrome or hematoxylin and eosin. The remaining tissue was used to measure oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde, glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and nitrotyrosine. Total antioxidant status and total oxidant status were used to calculate the oxidative stress index. We found normal hepatic morphology in the ContGr and ShmGr groups. The EMFGr group exhibited occasional irregularities in the radial arrangement of hepatocytes, cytoplasmic vacuolization, hemorrhage, sinusoid expansion, hepatocyte morphology and edema. Biochemical analysis revealed that 8-OHdG and SOD levels in EMFGr decreased significantly compared to the ContGr and ShmGr groups. Exposure to a continuous 900 MHz EMF for 1 h daily during mid to late adolescence may cause histopathological and biochemical alterations in hepatic tissue.

Examination of metal mobilization from a gunshot by scanning acoustic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy: a case report

BACKGROUND

Projectile foreign bodies are known to cause chronic heavy metal toxicity due to the release of metal into the bloodstream. However, the local effect around the metallic object has not been investigated and the main goal of our study is to examine the influence of the object in close proximity of the object.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 36-year-old Caucasian woman with one metallic pellet close to her sciatic nerve due to a previous shotgun injury at the gluteal area presented with a diagnosis of recurrent lumbar disk herniation at L4-5 level. A physical examination confirmed chronic neuropathy and she underwent a two-stage surgery. The surgery included removal of the foreign body, followed by discectomy and fusion at the involved level. During the removal of the metallic foreign body, a tissue sample around the pellet and another tissue sample from a remote area were obtained. The samples were analyzed by scanning acoustic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Lead, chromium, copper, cadmium, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc elements in tissue, blood, and serum specimens were detected by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

An acoustic impedance map of the tissue closer to the metallic body showed higher values indicating further accumulation of elements. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy results confirmed scanning acoustic microscopy results by measuring a higher concentration of elements closer to the metallic body. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that original structure was not disturbed far away; however, deformation of the structure existed in the tissue closer to the foreign body. Element analysis showed that element levels within blood and serum were more or less within acceptable ranges; on the other hand, element levels within the tissues showed pronounced differences indicating primarily lead intoxication in the proximity of the metallic body. We can state that residues of metallic foreign bodies of gunshot injuries cause chronic metal infiltration to the surrounding tissue and induce significant damage to nearby neural elements; this is supported by the results of scanning acoustic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy.

Effects of mobile phone exposure on biochemical parameters of cord blood: A preliminary study

The purpose of this study is to investigate foetal impact of radiofrequencies (RFs) emitted from mobile phones in postnatal cord blood. The study carried on 149 pregnant women divided into four groups such as nonusers of mobile phone (n: 37; control group), 2-15 min/d (n: 39; group 1), 15-60 min/d (n: 37; group 2) and participants using mobile phone for more than 60 min/d (n: 36; group 3). Cord blood of the infants was taken in all groups for biochemical analyses immediately after birth. The results of the study showed that the biggest foetal impact was observed in the third study group which was pregnant exposed RFRs (RF radiation) more than 1 h/d (1 hour per day). AST (aspartat aminotransferaz), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), CK (creatine kinase), CK-MB (creatine kinase-miyocardial band), CRP (c-reactive protein), PCT (procalcitonin), TnT (troponin T), uric acid and lactate levels of third group were found higher than the other groups (p < 0.001). However, Mean platelet volume values of third group were found lower than the other groups (p < 0.001). Finally, this is the first human study which was performed on pregnant and infants because there is no previous work in this area. However, the results of this study revealed that long-term RFR exposure of pregnant may result in some biochemical changes in the infants. Therefore, our suggestion to pregnant is to avoid from RFR exposure emitted from mobile phones at least during pregnancy.

Long term exposure to cell phone frequencies (900 and 1800 MHz) induces apoptosis, mitochondrial oxidative stress and TRPV1 channel activation in the hippocampus and dorsal root ganglion of rats

Mobile phone providers use electromagnetic radiation (EMR) with frequencies ranging from 900 to 1800 MHz. The increasing use of mobile phones has been accompanied by several potentially pathological consequences, such as neurological diseases related to hippocampal (HIPPON) and dorsal root ganglion neuron (DRGN). The TRPV1 channel is activated different stimuli, including CapN, high temperature and oxidative stress. We investigated the contribution TRPV1 to mitochondrial oxidative stress and apoptosis in HIPPON and DRGN following long term exposure to 900 and 1800 MHz in a rat model. Twenty-four adult rats were equally divided into the following groups: (1) control, (2) 900 MHz, and (3) 1800 MHz exposure. Each experimental group was exposed to EMR for 60 min/ 5 days of the week during the one year. The 900 and 1800 MHz EMR exposure induced increases in TRPV1 currents, intracellular free calcium influx (Ca²⁺), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane depolarization (JC-1), apoptosis, and caspase 3 and 9 activities in the HIPPON and DRGN. These deleterious processes were further increased in the 1800 MHz experimental group compared to the 900 MHz exposure group. In conclusion, mitochondrial oxidative stress, programmed cell death and Ca²⁺ entry pathway through TRPV1 activation in the HIPPON and DRGN of rats were increased in the rat model following exposure to 900 and 1800 MHz cell frequencies. Our results suggest that exposure to 900 and 1800 MHz EMR may induce a dose-associated, TRPV1-mediated stress response.

Postnatal development and behavior effects of in-utero exposure of rats to radiofrequency waves emitted from conventional WiFi devices

The present work investigated the effects of prenatal exposure to radiofrequency waves of conventional WiFi devices on postnatal development and behavior of rat offspring. Ten Wistar albino pregnant rats were randomly assigned to two groups (n=5). The experimental group was exposed to a 2.45GHz WiFi signal for 2h a day throughout gestation period. Control females were subjected to the same conditions as treated group without applying WiFi radiations. After delivery, the offspring was tested for physical and neurodevelopment during its 17 postnatal days (PND), then for anxiety (PND 28) and motricity (PND 40-43), as well as for cerebral oxidative stress response and cholinesterase activity in brain and serum (PND 28 and 43). Our main results showed that the in-utero WiFi exposure impaired offspring neurodevelopment during the first seventeen postnatal days without altering emotional and motor behavior at adult age. Besides, prenatal WiFi exposure induced cerebral oxidative stress imbalance (increase in malondialdehyde level (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels and decrease in catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities) at 28 but not 43days old, also the exposure affected acethylcolinesterase activity at both cerebral and seric levels. Thus, the current study revealed that maternal exposure to WiFi radiofrequencies led to various adverse neurological effects in the offspring by affecting neurodevelopment, cerebral stress equilibrium and cholinesterase activity.

Effects of Simulated Mobile Phone Electromagnetic Radiation on Fertilization and Embryo Development

This study investigated the effects of 935-MHz electromagnetic radiation (ER) on fertilization and subsequent embryonic development in mice. Ovulating mice were irradiated at three ER intensities for 4 h/day (d) or 2 h/d for three consecutive days; the ova were then harvested for in vitro fertilization to observe the 6-h fertilization rate (6-FR), 72-h morula rate (72-MR), and 110-h blastula rate (110-BR). Compared with the control group, the 6-FR, 72-MR, and 110-BR were decreased in the low ER intensity group, but the differences were not significant; in the mid- and high-intensity ER groups, 72-MR and 110-BR in the 4 h/d and 2 h/d subgroups were decreased, showing significant differences compared with the control group. Moreover, the comparison between 4 h/d and 2 h/d subgroups showed significant differences. Mid- and high-intensity ER at 935 MHz can reduce the fertilization rate in mice, and reduce the blastulation rate, thus reducing the possibility of embryo implantation.

Biochemical investigation of the toxic effects of acrylamide administration during pregnancy on the liver of mother and fetus and the protective role of vitamin E

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the toxic effects occurring in the liver tissues of the pregnant rats and the fetuses, which are administered acrylamide and vitamin E as a protector during pregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This research was conducted with the permission of Laboratory Animals Ethical Board of Inonu University Faculty of Medicine. Forty rats, of which their pregnancy is validated via vaginal smear, were distributed into five different groups. On the 20th day of pregnancy, pregnant rats and fetuses are decapitated. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and xanthine oxidase (XO) levels were measured in the liver samples taken from mother and fetuses.

RESULTS

It was detected that acrylamide administered during pregnancy increased MDA, TOS, XO levels statistically significantly and decreased the GSH level (p ≤ 0.05) in the pregnant rat liver tissue when compared to all other groups. In the vitamin E administered group; GSH, TAS levels significantly increased statistically and TOS and XO levels dropped to levels of the control group (p ≤ 0.05), in comparison to all other groups. Among all groups, no biochemical changes were observed in the fetus liver tissue (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The liver of pregnant rats functions as a protective pre-filter by detoxifying acrylamide effectively and the acrylamide that reaches fetus liver is detoxified by the cytochrome P-450 system of the fetus liver. To be able to figure out the biochemical mechanism, more advanced studies are needed.

Long-term exposure to electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones and Wi-Fi devices decreases plasma prolactin, progesterone, and estrogen levels but increases uterine oxidative stress in pregnant rats and their offspring

We investigated the effects of mobile phone (900 and 1800 MHz)- and Wi-Fi (2450 MHz)-induced electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure on uterine oxidative stress and plasma hormone levels in pregnant rats and their offspring. Thirty-two rats and their forty newborn offspring were divided into the following four groups according to the type of EMR exposure they were subjected to: the control, 900, 1800, and 2450 MHz groups. Each experimental group was exposed to EMR for 60 min/day during the pregnancy and growth periods. The pregnant rats were allowed to stand for four generations (total 52 weeks) before, plasma and uterine samples were obtained. During the 4th, 5th, and 6th weeks of the experiment, plasma and uterine samples were also obtained from the developing rats. Although uterine lipid peroxidation increased in the EMR groups, uterine glutathione peroxidase activity (4th and 5th weeks) and plasma prolactin levels (6th week) in developing rats decreased in these groups. In the maternal rats, the plasma prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone levels decreased in the EMR groups, while the plasma total oxidant status, and body temperatures increased. There were no changes in the levels of reduced glutathione, total antioxidants, or vitamins A, C, and E in the uterine and plasma samples of maternal rats. In conclusion, although EMR exposure decreased the prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone levels in the plasma of maternal rats and their offspring, EMR-induced oxidative stress in the uteri of maternal rats increased during the development of offspring. Mobile phone- and Wi-Fi-induced EMR may be one cause of increased oxidative uterine injury in growing rats and decreased hormone levels in maternal rats.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

TRPV1 cation channels are the possible molecular pathways responsible for changes in the hormone, oxidative stress, and body temperature levels in the uterus of maternal rats following a year-long exposure to electromagnetic radiation exposure from mobile phones and Wi-Fi devices. It is likely that TRPV1-mediated Ca(2+) entry in the uterus of pregnant rats involves accumulation of oxidative stress and opening of mitochondrial membrane pores that consequently leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, substantial swelling of the mitochondria with rupture of the outer membrane and release of oxidants such as superoxide (O2 (-)) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The superoxide radical is converted to H2O2 by superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) is an important antioxidant enzyme for removing lipid hydroperoxides and hydrogen peroxide and it catalyzes the reduction of H2O2 to water.

Oxidative stress of brain and liver is increased by Wi-Fi (2.45GHz) exposure of rats during pregnancy and the development of newborns

An excessive production of reactive oxygen substances (ROS) and reduced antioxidant defence systems resulting from electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure may lead to oxidative brain and liver damage and degradation of membranes during pregnancy and development of rat pups. We aimed to investigate the effects of Wi-Fi-induced EMR on the brain and liver antioxidant redox systems in the rat during pregnancy and development. Sixteen pregnant rats and their 48 newborns were equally divided into control and EMR groups. The EMR groups were exposed to 2.45GHz EMR (1h/day for 5 days/week) from pregnancy to 3 weeks of age. Brain cortex and liver samples were taken from the newborns between the first and third weeks. In the EMR groups, lipid peroxidation levels in the brain and liver were increased following EMR exposure; however, the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, and vitamin A, vitamin E and β-carotene concentrations were decreased in the brain and liver. Glutathione (GSH) and vitamin C concentrations in the brain were also lower in the EMR groups than in the controls; however, their concentrations did not change in the liver. In conclusion, Wi-Fi-induced oxidative stress in the brain and liver of developing rats was the result of reduced GSH-Px, GSH and antioxidant vitamin concentrations. Moreover, the brain seemed to be more sensitive to oxidative injury compared to the liver in the development of newborns.

Oxidative mechanisms of biological activity of low-intensity radiofrequency radiation

This review aims to cover experimental data on oxidative effects of low-intensity radiofrequency radiation (RFR) in living cells. Analysis of the currently available peer-reviewed scientific literature reveals molecular effects induced by low-intensity RFR in living cells; this includes significant activation of key pathways generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), activation of peroxidation, oxidative damage of DNA and changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. It indicates that among 100 currently available peer-reviewed studies dealing with oxidative effects of low-intensity RFR, in general, 93 confirmed that RFR induces oxidative effects in biological systems. A wide pathogenic potential of the induced ROS and their involvement in cell signaling pathways explains a range of biological/health effects of low-intensity RFR, which include both cancer and non-cancer pathologies. In conclusion, our analysis demonstrates that low-intensity RFR is an expressive oxidative agent for living cells with a high pathogenic potential and that the oxidative stress induced by RFR exposure should be recognized as one of the primary mechanisms of the biological activity of this kind of radiation.

A genotoxic analysis of the hematopoietic system after mobile phone type radiation exposure in rats

PURPOSE

In our earlier study we reported that 900 MHz continuous wave (CW) radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure (2 W/kg specific absorption rate [SAR]) had no significant effect on the hematopoietic system of rats. In this paper we extend the scope of the previous study by testing for possible effects at: (i) different SAR levels; (ii) both 900 and 1800 MHz, and; (iii) both CW and pulse modulated (PM) RFR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Excised long bones from rats were placed in medium and RFR exposed in (i) a Transverse Electromagnetic (TEM) cell or (ii) a waveguide. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) numerical analyses were used to estimate forward power needed to produce nominal SAR levels of 2/10 and 2.5/12.4 W/kg in the bone marrow. After exposure, the lymphoblasts were extracted and assayed for proliferation rate, and genotoxicity.

RESULTS

Our data did not indicate any significant change in these end points for any combination of CW/PM exposure at 900/1800 MHz at SAR levels of nominally 2/10 W/kg or 2.5/12.4 W/kg.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant changes were observed in the hematopoietic system of rats after the exposure of CW/PM wave 900 MHz/1800 MHz RF radiations at different SAR values.

Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields induce developmental toxicity and apoptosis in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos

Extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic field (MF), as a widespread ecological factor, has an influence on all living beings. In the present study, biological effects of ELF-MF on the development of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were investigated. Fertilized embryos were divided into seven groups as control, sham, and five experimental groups. Embryos of experimental groups were continuously exposed to 50-Hz sinusoidal MF with intensities of 30, 100, 200, 400, and 800 μT for 96 h. The sham group was treated as the experimental groups, but without any ELF-MF exposure. The control group was not subjected to anything. The results showed that ELF-MF exposure caused delayed hatching and decreased heart rate at the early developmental stages of zebrafish embryos, whereas no significant differences in embryo mortality and abnormality were observed. Moreover, acridine orange staining assays showed notable signals of apoptosis mainly in the ventral fin and spinal column. The transcription of apoptosis-related genes (caspase-3, caspase-9) was significantly upregulated in ELF-MF-exposed embryos. In conclusion, the overall results demonstrated that ELF-MF exposure has detrimental effects on the embryonic development of zebrafish by affecting the hatching, decreasing the heart rate, and inducing apoptosis, although such effects were not mortal threat. The results also indicate that zebrafish embryos can serve as a reliable model to investigate the biological effect of ELF-MF.