Effects of 3.5-GHz radiofrequency radiation on energy-regulatory hormone levels in the blood and adipose tissue.

In recent years exposure of living beings to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from wireless equipment has increased. In this study, we investigated the effects of 3.5-GHz RFR on hormones that regulate energy metabolism in the body. Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups: healthy sham (n = 7), healthy RFR (n = 7), diabetic sham (n = 7), and diabetic RFR (n = 7). Over a month, each group spent 2 h/day in a Plexiglas carousel. The rats in the experimental group were exposed to RFR, but the sham groups were not. At the end of the experiment, blood and adipose tissues were collected from euthanized rats. Total antioxidant, total oxidant, hydrogen peroxide, ghrelin, nesfatin-1, and irisin were determined. Insulin expression in pancreatic tissues was examined by immunohistochemical analysis. Whole body specific absorption rate was 37 mW/kg. For the parameters analyzed in blood and fat, the estimated effect size varied within the ranges of 0.215-0.929 and 0.503-0.839, respectively. The blood and adipose nesfatin-1 (p = 0.002), blood and pancreatic insulin are decreased, (p = 0.001), gherelin (p = 0.020), irisin (p = 0.020), and blood glucose (p = 0.040) are increased in healthy and diabetic rats exposed to RFR. While nesfatin-1 are negatively correlated with oxidative stress, hyperglycemia and insulin, ghrelin and irisin are positively correlated with oxidative stress and hyperglycemia. Thus, RFR may have deleterious effects on energy metabolism, particularly in the presence of diabetes.

Adverse effects of 900, 1800 and 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from mobile phones on bone and skeletal muscle.

The goal of this study was to biomechanically and morphologically research both the impact of mobile phone like radiofrequency radiations (RFR) on the tibia and the effects on skeletal muscle through oxidative stress parameters. Fifty-six rats (200-250 g) were put into groups: healthy sham (n = 7), healthy RFR (900, 1800, 2100 MHz) (n = 21), diabetic sham (n = 7) and diabetic RFR (900, 1800, 2100 MHz) (n = 21). Over a month, each group spent two hours/day in a Plexiglas carousel. The rats in the experimental group were exposed to RFR, but the sham groups were not. At the end of the experiment, the right tibia bones and skeletal muscle tissue were removed. The three-point bending test and radiological evaluations were performed on the bones, and CAT, GSH, MDA, and IMA in muscles were measured. There were differences in biomechanics properties and radiological evaluations between the groups (p < .05). In the measurements in the muscle tissues, significant differences were statistically found (p < .05). The average whole-body SAR values for GSM 900, 1800 and 2100 MHz were 0.026, 0.164, and 0.173 W/kg. RFRs emitted from mobile phone may cause adverse effects on tibia and skeletal muscle health, though further studies are needed.

Effects of pre and postnatal 2450 MHz continuous wave (CW) radiofrequency radiation on thymus: Four generation exposure.

This study aims to investigate the effects of pre- and postnatal 2450 MHz continuous wave (CW) radiofrequency radiation (RFR) on the thymus of rats spanning four generations. Four groups; sham, irradiated female, irradiated male, irradiated male and female, each consisting of four rats (one male and three females), were created. During the experiment, rats in the exposure groups were whole-body exposed to 2450 MHz CW-RFR for 12 h/day. Irradiation started one month before the fertilization in the experimental group. When the offspring were two months old, four rats, one male and three female, were allocated for the second-generation study. The remaining offspring were sacrificed under general anesthesia, and their thymuses were removed. The same procedure was applied to the next generation. Two months after the second generation gave birth, third-generation rats were decapitated, and their thymuses were removed. In all groups, cortex, medulla and resident cells could be clearly distinguished in the second and third generations. No differences were observed between the control and two experimental groups, defined as irradiated female and irradiated male. In contrast, vascularization was observed in the thymus of the fourth-generation offspring of the group where both males and females were irradiated. The number of offspring and mass of all rats decreased in the third-generation group. Pre-and postnatal 2450 MHz continuous wave radiofrequency radiation exposure may potentially affect the thymus of future generations.

Role of 2.4 GHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from Wi-Fi on some miRNA and faty acids composition in brain.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi exposure, which is continuously used in the internet connection by mobile phones, computers and other wireless equipment, on microRNA and membrane and depot fatty acid composition of brain cells. Sixteen Wistar Albino rats were divided equally into two groups such as sham and exposure. The rats in the experimental group (n = 8) were exposed to 2.4 GHz RFR emitted from a Wi-Fi generator for 24 h/day for one year. The animals in the control group (n = 8) were kept under the same conditions as the experimental group, but the Wi-Fi generator was turned off. At the end of the study, rats were sacrificed and brains were removed to analyze miRNA expression and membrane and depot fatty acids of brain cells. We analyzed the situation of ten different miRNA expressions and nineteen fatty acid patterns in this study. We observed that long-term and excessive exposure of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi radiation increased rno-miR-181a-5p, phosphatidylserine (PS) and triacylglycerol (TAG) in the brain. In conclusion, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi exposure has the potential to alter rno-miR-181a-5p expression and the fatty acid percentage of some membrane lipids such as phospholipid (PL), phosphatidylserine (PS) and triacylglycerol (TAG), which are depot fats in the brain. However, the uncontrolled use of RFRs, whose use and diversity have reached incredible levels with each passing day and which are increasing in the future, may be paving the way for many diseases that we cannot connect with today.

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.

Effect of 900-, 1800-, and 2100-MHz radiofrequency radiation on DNA and oxidative stress in brain.

Ubiquitous and ever increasing use of mobile phones led to the growing concern about the effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted by cell phones on biological systems. The aim of this study is to explore whether long-term RFR exposure at different frequencies affects DNA damage and oxidant-antioxidant parameters in the blood and brain tissue of rats. 28 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four equal groups (n = 7). They were identified as Group 1: sham-control, Group 2: 900 MHz, Group 3: 1800 MHz, and Group 4: 2100 MHz. Experimental groups of rats were exposed to RFR 2 h/day for 6 months. The sham-control group of rats was subjected to the same experimental condition but generator was turned off. Specific absorption rates (SARs) at brain with 1 g average were calculated as 0.0845 W/kg, 0.04563 W/kg, and 0.03957, at 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz, respectively. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status (TOS) analyses were conducted in the brain tissue samples. Results of the study showed that DNA damage and oxidative stress indicators were found higher in the RFR exposure groups than in the sham-control group. In conclusion, 900-, 1800-, and 2100-MHz RFR emitted from mobile phones may cause oxidative damage, induce increase in lipid peroxidation, and increase oxidative DNA damage formation in the frontal lobe of the rat brain tissues. Furthermore, 2100-MHz RFR may cause formation of DNA single-strand breaks.

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.

Exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic fields emitted from mobile phones induced DNA damage in human ear canal hair follicle cells.

The aim of this study was to investigate effect of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from mobile phones on DNA damage in follicle cells of hair in the ear canal. The study was carried out on 56 men (age range: 30-60 years old)in four treatment groups with n = 14 in each group. The groups were defined as follows: people who did not use a mobile phone (Control), people use mobile phones for 0-30 min/day (second group), people use mobile phones for 30-60 min/day (third group) and people use mobile phones for more than 60 min/day (fourth group). Ear canal hair follicle cells taken from the subjects were analyzed by the Comet Assay to determine DNA damages. The Comet Assay parameters measured were head length, tail length, comet length, percentage of head DNA, tail DNA percentage, tail moment, and Olive tail moment. Results of the study showed that DNA damage indicators were higher in the RFR exposure groups than in the control subjects. In addition, DNA damage increased with the daily duration of exposure. In conclusion, RFR emitted from mobile phones has a potential to produce DNA damage in follicle cells of hair in the ear canal. Therefore, mobile phone users have to pay more attention when using wireless phones.

Effect of long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from Wi-Fi equipment on testes functions.

The aim of this study was to investigate long-term effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system on testes. The study was carried out on 16 Wistar Albino adult male rats by dividing them into two groups such as sham (n: 8) and exposure (n: 8). Rats in the exposure group were exposed to 2.4 GHz RFR radiation for 24 h/d during 12 months (1 year). The same procedure was applied to the rats in the sham control group except the Wi-Fi system was turned off. Immediately after the last exposure, rats were sacrificed and reproductive organs were removed. Motility (%), concentration (×10(6)/mL), tail defects (%), head defects (%) and total morphologic defects (%) of sperms and weight of testes (g), left epididymis (g), prostate (g), seminal vesicles (g) were determined. Seminiferous tubules diameter (µm) and tunica albuginea thickness (µm) were also measured. However, the results were evaluated by using Johnsen's score. Head defects increased in the exposure group (p < 0.05) while weight of the epididymis and seminal vesicles, seminiferous tubules diameter and tunica albuginea thickness were decreased in the exposure group (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.0001). However, other alterations of other parameters were not found significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, we observed that long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz RF emitted from Wi-Fi (2420 µW/kg, 1 g average) affects some of the reproductive parameters of male rats. We suggest Wi-Fi users to avoid long-term exposure of RF emissions from Wi-Fi equipment.

Long-term effects of 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from mobile phone on testicular tissue and epididymal semen quality.

The purpose of this study is to bridge this gap by investigating effects of long term 900 MHz mobile phone exposure on reproductive organs of male rats. The study was carried out on 14 adult Wistar Albino rats by dividing them randomly into two groups (n: 7) as sham group and exposure group. Rats were exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency (RF) radiation emitted from a GSM signal generator. Point, 1 g and 10 g specific absorption rate (SAR) levels of testis and prostate were found as 0.0623 W/kg, 0.0445 W/kg and 0.0373 W/kg, respectively. The rats in the exposure group were subject to RF radiation 3 h per day (7 d a week) for one year. For the sham group, the same procedure was applied, except the generator was turned off. At the end of the study, epididymal sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, abnormal sperm rate, all-genital organs weights and testis histopathology were evaluated. Any differences were not observed in sperm motility and concentration (p > 0.05). However, the morphologically normal spermatozoa rates were found higher in the exposure group (p < 0.05). Although histological examination showed similarity in the seminiferous tubules diameters in both groups, tunica albuginea thickness and the Johnsen testicular biopsy score were found lower in the exposure group (p < 0.05, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, we claim that long-term exposure of 900 MHz RF radiation alter some reproductive parameters. However, more supporting evidence and research is definitely needed on this topic.

Long-term effect of radiofrequency turbinoplasty in nasal obstruction.

The aim of this retrospective study is to investigate long term (two years) effect of radiofrequency tissue volume reduction (RFVTR) on nasal obstruction associated with inferior turbinate hypertrophy, which is not respond to medical treatment. This retrospective study carried out on 98 patients with nasal obstruction treated by RFVTR (56 males, 42 females, from 17 to 70 years of age). Visual analogue scales (VAS) and nasal endoscopic view score (NES) were used for nasal obstruction to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment. Results of one, three, six, twelve and twenty four months after RFVTR treatment were compared with pre-exposure values. Turbinate edema and nasal obstruction in the treated patients were recovered after one month of treatment (p < 0.01). Maximum improvement were determined at the end of third month (p < 0.01). However, eficacy of RFVTR declined twelve months after treatment. Final percentage of imrovement was found as 51 % at the end of second year of treatment because of co-factors was not eliminated by some patients. On the other hand, no statistical significant difference was observed between the right and left nasal cavity (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the result of this study indicated that patients who have not eliminate co-factors such as smoking, obesity and allergic rhinitis may need re-application of RFTVR. However, further studies on radiofrequecy energy level and elimination of other co-factors are necessary to illuminate the eficacy of RFVTR.

Do 100- and 500-µT ELF magnetic fields alter beta-amyloid protein, protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde in rat brains?

Several studies still state that presently accepted safety standards for extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) do not provide adequate protection, and therefore the standards are still open to question. To help resolve this question, the aim of this study was to illuminate the interaction between biomolecules and ELF-MFs by investigating the effect of ELF-MFs on beta-amyloid protein (BAP), protein carbonyl (PC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat brain. For this study, 30 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used, which were divided into two experimental groups and a sham exposed group. Rats in two experimental groups were exposed to 100- and 500-µT ELF-MFs (50 Hz) for 2 h/day for 10 months, which are the generally accepted safety standards for public and occupational exposures. The same procedures were applied to the rats in the sham group, but with the generator turned off. The results of this study showed that neither ELF-MFs used in this study altered BAP level significantly (p>0.05). However, PC and MDA levels were increased by the exposure to 100- and 500-µT ELF-MFs (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, both PC and MDA levels were altered by long-term exposure to either 100 or 500 µT ELF-MF. However, many further and more comprehensive studies will be required to elucidate the interaction mechanisms between ELF-MFs exposure and living organisms.

Cell Phone Radiation Exposure Limits and Engineering Solutions.

In the 1990s, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) restricted its risk assessment for human exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) in seven ways: (1) Inappropriate focus on heat, ignoring sub-thermal effects. (2) Reliance on exposure experiments performed over very short times. (3) Overlooking time/amplitude characteristics of RFR signals. (4) Ignoring carcinogenicity, hypersensitivity, and other health conditions connected with RFR. (5) Measuring cellphone Specific Absorption Rates (SAR) at arbitrary distances from the head. (6) Averaging SAR doses at volumetric/mass scales irrelevant to health. (7) Using unrealistic simulations for cell phone SAR estimations. Low-cost software and hardware modifications are proposed here for cellular phone RFR exposure mitigation: (1) inhibiting RFR emissions in contact with the body, (2) use of antenna patterns reducing the Percent of Power absorbed in the Head (PPHead) and body and increasing the Percent of Power Radiated for communications (PPR), and (3) automated protocol-based reductions of the number of RFR emissions, their duration, or integrated dose. These inexpensive measures do not fundamentally alter cell phone functions or communications quality. A health threat is scientifically documented at many levels and acknowledged by industries. Yet mitigation of RFR exposures to users does not appear as a priority with most cell phone manufacturers.

Effect of 900 MHz radio frequency radiation on beta amyloid protein, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde in the brain.

Recently, many studies have been carried out in relation to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (RF) emitted from a mobile phone on the brain. However, there is little data concerning possible mechanisms between long-term exposure of RF radiation and biomolecules in brain. Therefore, we aimed to investigate long-term effects of 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation on beta amyloid protein, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde in the rat brain. The study was carried out on 17 Wistar Albino adult male rats. The rat heads in a carousel were exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from a generator, simulating mobile phones. For the study group (n: 10), rats were exposed to the radiation 2 h per day (7 days a week) for 10 months. For the sham group (n: 7), rats were placed into the carousel and the same procedure was applied except that the generator was turned off. In this study, rats were euthanized after 10 months of exposure and their brains were removed. Beta amyloid protein, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde levels were found to be higher in the brain of rats exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation. However, only the increase of protein carbonyl in the brain of rats exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). In conclusion, 900 MHz radiation emitted from mobile/cellular phones can be an agent to alter some biomolecules such as protein. However, further studies are necessary.

Changes in the histopathology and in the proteins related to the MAPK pathway in the brains of rats exposed to pre and postnatal radiofrequency radiation over four generations.

The development of new technologies and industry increases the number and variety of electromagnetic field (EMF) sources. Researcher are increasingly interested in the effects of EMF on brain health. The brain's function is largely dependent on electrical excitability, so it would be expected to be vulnerable to EMF. We therefore investigated the effects of brain development in the fetus, histopathological changes in female rats and the hippocampal level of MAPK proteins in male rats after exposed to pre and postnatal 2450 MHz continuous wave (CW) radiofrequency radiation (RFR) over four generations. Four groups; sham, irradiated female, irradiated male, irradiated male and female, with each consisting of four rats (one male and three females) were created. Rats in the exposure groups were whole-body exposed to 2450 MHz CW-RFR for 12 h/day during the experiment. Irradiation started one month before fertilization in the experimental group. On the 18th day of the gestational period, one pregnant rat from each group was decapitated under general anesthesia and the fetuses were taken. The remaining two pregnant rats completed the normal gestation period. When the offspring were two months old, four rats, one male and three female, were allocated for the second generation study. Next generation animals were also experienced the same processes as the first generation rats. This study were evaluated development of brain in fetuses and histopathological changes in brain of female rats using haematoxylin eosin staining, and the hippocampal level of MAPK proteins in brain of male rats by Western Bloting. We observed hemorrhagic areas, irregular cellular localization and vascular structures in the brain of fetal and adult female rat of exposed groups in the all generations. pERK, ptau, pJNK and pP38 were increased in the brain of adult male rat of exposed groups in the all generations (p < 0.005). Pre and postnatal 2450 MHz continuous wave radiofrequency radiation exposure may cause changes in the function of the MAPK pathway affecting cognitive processes such as learning and memory and may cause damage to both the fetus and adult brain tissue. Also, EMF may have potential to affect brain of future generations.

Effects of 3.5 GHz radiofrequency radiation on ghrelin, nesfatin-1, and irisin level in diabetic and healthy brains.

Diabetes, mobile phone use, and obesity have increased simultaneously in recent years. The radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from mobile phones is largely absorbed in the heads of users. With 5 G, which has started to be used in some countries without the necessary precautions being taken, the amount of RFR to which living things are exposed will increase. In this study, the changes in energy homeostasis and redox balance caused by 5 G (3.5 GHz, GSM-modulated) were explored. The effects of RFR on the brains of diabetic and healthy rats were investigated and histopathological analysis was performed. Twenty-eight Wistar albino rats weighing 200-250 g were divided into 4 groups as sham, RFR, diabetes, and RFR+diabetes groups (n = 7). The rats in each group were kept in a plexiglass carousel for 2 h a day for 30 days. While the rats in the experimental groups were exposed to RFR for 2 h a day, the rats in the sham group were kept under the same experimental conditions but with the radiofrequency generator turned off. At the end of the experiment, brain tissues were collected from euthanized rats. Total antioxidant (TAS), total oxidant (TOS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ghrelin, nesfatin-1, and irisin levels were determined. In addition, histopathological analyses of the brain tissues were performed. The specific absorption rate in the gray matter of the brain was calculated as 323 mW/kg and 195 mW/kg for 1 g and 10 g averaging, respectively. After RFR exposure among diabetic and healthy rats, decreased TAS levels and increased TOS and H2O2 levels were observed in brain tissues. RFR caused increases in ghrelin and irisin and a decrease in nesfatin-1 in the brain. It was also observed that RFR increased the number of degenerated neurons in the hippocampus. Our results indicate that 3.5 GHz RFR causes changes in the energy metabolism and appetite of both healthy and diabetic rats. Thus, 5 G may not be innocent in terms of its biological effects, especially in the presence of diabetes.

The effect of long-term extremely low-frequency magnetic field on geometric and biomechanical properties of rats' bone.

Bone is composed of a mineral matrix reinforced by a network of collagen that governs the biomechanical functions of the skeletal system in the body. The purpose of the study was to investigate the possible effect of extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) on geometric and biomechanical properties of rats' bone. In this study, 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were divided into three groups: two experimental and one control sham. The first and second experimental group (n=10) were exposed to 100 microT and 500 microT-MF during 10 months, 2 h a day, respectively, and the third (sham) (n=10) group was treated like experimental group except ELF-MF exposure in methacrylate boxes. After ELF-MF and sham exposure, geometric and the biomechanical properties of rats' bone, such as cross-sectional area of the femoral shaft, length of the femur, cortical thickness of the femur, ultimate tensile strength (maximum load), displacement, stiffness, energy absorption capacity, elastic modulus, and toughness of bone were determined. The geometric and biomechanical analyses showed that a significant decrease in rats exposed to 100 microT-MF in comparison to sham and 500 microT-MF exposed rats about the values of cross-sectional area of the femoral shaft (P<0.05). Maximum load increased in 100 muT-MF and 500 microT-MF exposed rats when compared to that of the sham rats (P<0.05). The cortical thickness of the femurs of MF-exposed rats (100 microT and 500 microT) were significantly decreased in comparison to that of sham groups' rats (P<0.05 and P<0.001). However, no significant differences were found in the other biomechanical endpoints between each other groups, such as: length of the femur, displacement, stiffness, energy absorption capacity, elastic modulus, and toughness of bone (P>0.05). These experiments demonstrated that 100 microT-MF and 500 microT-MF can affect biomechanical and geometrical properties of rats' bone.

Effect of mobile phone exposure on apoptotic glial cells and status of oxidative stress in rat brain.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mobile phone exposure on glial cells in brain. The study carried out on 31 Wistar Albino adult male rats. The rat heads in a carousel exposed to 900 MHz microwave. For the study group (n:14), rats exposed to the radiation 2 h per day (7 days in a week) for 10 months. For the sham group (n:7), rats were placed into the carousel and the same procedure was applied except that the generator was turned off. For the cage control (n:10), nothing applied to rats in this group. In this study, rats were euthanized after 10 months of exposure periods and brains were removed. Brain tissues were immunohistochemically stained for the active (cleaved) caspase-3, which is a well-known apoptosis marker, and p53. The expression of the proteins was evaluated by a semi-quantitative scoring system. However, total antioxidative capacity (TAC), catalase, total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index were measured in rat brain. Final score for apoptosis in the exposed group was significantly lower than the sham (p < 0.001) and the cage control groups (p < 0.01). p53 was not significantly changed by the exposure (p > 0.05). The total antioxidant capacity and catalase in the experimental group was found higher than that in the sham group (p < 0.001, p < 0.05). In terms of the TOS and oxidative stress index, there was no statistically significant difference between exposure and sham groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the final score for apoptosis, total antioxidant capacity and catalase in rat brain might be altered by 900 MHz radiation produced by a generator to represent exposure of global systems for mobile communication (GSM) cellular phones.

Mobile phone exposure does not induce apoptosis on spermatogenesis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Some studies have reported that microwave radiation can have adverse effects on reproduction. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the apoptosis-inducing effect of mobile phone exposure on spermatogonia in seminiferous tubules. METHODS: The study was carried out on 31 Wistar albino adult male rats. The rats were separated into three groups in this study (cage control: 10, sham group: 7, and exposed group: 14). For the study group, rats were exposed to radiation 2 h/day (7 days/week) for 10 months. For the sham group, rats were placed into the carousel and the same procedure was applied except that the generator was turned off. For the cage control, nothing was applied to the rats in this group and they completed their life cycle in the cage during the study period. In this study, rats were sacrificed after 10 months of exposure and their testes were taken. Testes tissue was immunohistochemically stained for the active (cleaved) caspase-3. Positively stained cells were counted in up to ten different areas, and the frequency of positive cells was determined in percentage. Scoring was done by taking into account both the intensity of staining and the distribution of positively stained cells. Therefore, protein expression was evaluated by a semiquantitative scoring system. RESULTS: The final score for apoptosis of testes in the exposed group was not statistically significant according to the sham and the cage control groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that 2 h/day (7 days/week) exposure of 900 MHz radiation over a period of 10 months does not affect the active (cleaved) caspase-3 levels in testes, a well-known feature of typical apoptosis.

Extremely low frequency magnetic fields cause oxidative DNA damage in rats.

PURPOSE: To detect the genotoxic effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) -magnetic fields (MF) on oxidative DNA base modifications [8-hydroxyguanine (8-OH-Gua), 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine (FapyGua) and 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine (FapyAde)] in rat leucocytes, measured following exposure to ELF-MF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After exposure to ELF-MF (50 Hz, 100 and 500 microT, for 2 hours/day during 10 months), DNA was extracted, and measurement of DNA lesions was achieved by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). RESULTS: Levels of FapyAde, FapyGua and 8OHdG in DNA were increased by both 100 microT and 500 microT ELF-MF as compared to a cage-control and a sham group; however, statistical significance was observed only in the group exposed to 100 microT. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to report that ELF-MF exposure generates oxidatively induced DNA base modifications which are mutagenic in mammalian cells, such as FapyGua, FapyAde and 8-OH-Gua, in vivo. This may explain previous studies showing DNA damage and genomic instability. These findings support the hypothesis that chronic exposure to 50-Hz MF may be potentially genotoxic. However, the intensity of ELF-MF has an important influence on the extent of DNA damage.