The genomic effects of cell phone exposure on the reproductive system.

Humans are exposed to increasing levels of electromagnetic fields (EMF) at various frequencies as technology advances. In this context, improving understanding of the biological effects of EMF remains an important, high priority issue. Although a number of studies in this issue and elsewhere have focused on the mechanisms of the oxidative stress caused by EMF, the precise understanding of the processes involved remains to be elucidated. Due to unclear results among the studies, the issue of EMF exposure in the literature should be evaluated at the genomic level on the reproductive system. Based on this requirement, a detail review of recently published studies is necessary. The main objectives of this study are to show differences between negative and positive effect of EMF on the reproductive system of animal and human. Extensive review of literature has been made based on well known data bases like Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus. This paper reviews the current literature and is intended to contribute to a better understanding of the genotoxic effects of EMF emitted from mobile phones and wireless systems on the human reproductive system, especially on fertility. The current literature reveals that mobile phones can affect cellular functions via non-thermal effects. Although the cellular targets of global system for mobile communications (GSM)-modulated EMF are associated with the cell membrane, the subject is still controversial. Studies regarding the genotoxic effects of EMF have generally focused on DNA damage. Possible mechanisms are related to ROS formation due to oxidative stress. EMF increases ROS production by enhancing the activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) oxidase in the cell membrane. Further detailed studies are needed to elucidate DNA damage mechanisms and apoptotic pathways during oogenesis and spermatogenesis in germ cells exposed to EMF.

Effect of mercury vapor inhalation on rat ovary: Stereology and histopathology.

AIM: Mercury, an environmental contaminant, is a risk factor for health in whole living organisms. In this study, we investigated whether mercury vapor (HgO) inhalation has an effect on rat ovary. METHODS: Twelve Wistar albino rats were divided equally into experimental (Hg) and control groups (n = 6). Animals in the Hg group were exposed to HgO for 45 days at a dose 1 mg/m(3)/day, after which, histological and stereological assessment were carried out. RESULTS: Ovaries exposed to HgO had histo-morphometric alterations. HgO inhalation resulted in reduction of the total number of primordial, primary and Graaf follicles. Also, mean volume of ovary, medulla and cortex, corpus luteum (c. luteum) and Graaf follicles was decreased in the Hg group. Moreover, there was a significant increase in total volume of the atretic follicles. On light microscopy, thickening of tunica albuginea, increase of fibrils within the connective tissue, congestion of the capillaries and venous vessels, thinned walls and fibrin deposition in some large blood vessels, and edema were seen. Also, irregular follicle and oocyte borders, and hydropic degeneration in follicular granulosa cells were detected. CONCLUSION: Structural alterations could be attributed to the toxic influence of HgO on rat ovary. The use of Hg should therefore be more controlled to minimize its toxic effect.

The effectiveness of hesperidin on bisphenol A-induced spinal cord toxicity in a diabetic rat model.

The potential health risks of bisphenol A (BS) and diabetes (DI) has sparked public concern due to be ubiquitous worldwide. The purpose of this study was to investigate the detrimental impact of BS (200 mg/kg) on the spinal cord tissue in a rat diabetic model. We also evaluated the antioxidant capacity of hesperidin (HS) (100 mg/kg) on spinal cord in BS-treated diabetic rat. Seventy male Wistar albino rats, weighing 180-230 g and 8 weeks old, were randomly chosen, and assigned into seven groups of 10 rats: Control (KON), BS, DI, BS + DI, HS + BS, HS + DI, HS + BS + DI. At the end of the 14-day experimental period, all samples were examined using stereological, biochemical, and histopathological techniques. Our biochemical findings revealed that the SOD level was significantly lower in the BS, DI, and BS + DI groups compared to the KON group (p < 0.05). Compared to the KON group, there was a significant decrease in the number of motor neurons and an increase in the mean volume of central canals in the BS, DI, and BS + DI groups (p < 0.05). In the HS + BC group than the BS group and in the HS + DI group than the DI group, SOD activity and the number of motor neurons were significantly higher; also, the mean volume of spinal central canal was significantly lower (p < 0.05). The novel findings gathered from the histopathological assessment supported our quantitative results. Our speculation was that the exposure to BS and DI was the main cause of neurological alteration in the spinal cord tissues. The administration of HS had the therapeutic potential to mitigate spinal cord abnormalities resulting from BS and DI. However, HS supplementation did not alleviate spinal cord complications in BS-treated diabetic rats.

Promising the potential of ß-caryophyllene on mercury chloride-induced alteration in cerebellum and spinal cord of young Wistar albino rats.

Mercury chloride (ME) is a chemical pollutant commonly found in the environment, which can contribute to undesirable health consequence worldwide. The current study investigated the detrimental impact of ME on the cerebellum and spinal cord tissues in 6-8-week-old female rats. We also evaluated the neuroprotective efficacy of ß-caryophyllene (BC) against spinal and cerebellar changes caused by ME. Thirty-five young Wistar albino rats were randomly chosen and assigned into five groups: control (CO), olive oil (OI), ME, BC, ME + BC. All samples were analysed by means of unbiased stereological, biochemical, immunohistochemical, and histopathological methods. Our biochemical findings showed that SOD level was significantly increased in the ME group compared to the CO group (p < 0.05). We additionally detected a statistically significant decrease in the number of cerebellar Purkinje cells and granular cells, as well as spinal motor neuron in the ME group compared to the CO group (p < 0.05). In the ME + BC group, the number of Purkinje cells, granular cells, and spinal motor neurons was significantly higher compared to the ME group (p < 0.05). Decreased SOD activity in the ME + BC group was also detected than the ME group (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical (the tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)) and histopathological examinations also exhibited crucial information in each of the group. Taken together, ME exposure was associated with neurotoxicity in the cerebellum and spinal cord tissues. BC treatment also mitigated ME-induced neurological alteration, which may imply its potential therapeutic benefits.

Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 and curcumin on antioxidant enzyme activity and hippocampal alteration following exposure to cyclophosphamide in male rat.

Coenzyme Q10 (KQ10) and curcumin (KUR) supplements are extensively used for their potential antioxidant, anticancer, and antiapoptotic properties. The present study investigated the neuroprotective potential of KQ10 and KUR against the side effect of cyclophosphamide (SF) (150 mg/kg) on the hippocampus of male Wistar albino rats. Forty-nine 10-12 weeks old rats were randomly divided into seven groups: control, olive oil (OL), SF, KQ10, KUR, SF+KQ10, and SF+KUR. Our biochemical finding showed a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) level in the SF group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There was also a significant reduction in the total number of the hippocampal pyramidal neurons in the CA1, CA2, and CA1-3 regions in the SF group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In the SF+KQ10 group, we found a significant increase in serum SOD level and the total number of the hippocampal pyramidal neurons in the CA1, CA2, and CA1-3 regions compared to the SF group (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical and histopathological examination exhibited noteworthy findings in the hippocampus tissues. Our findings showed that KQ10 administration significantly mitigated the hippocampal alteration caused by SF through enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and reducing apoptosis. However, we found no protective activity of KUR on the hippocampus tissue, which may be due to its weak antioxidative activity.

A Mechanistic Review on Protective Effects of Mangosteen and its Xanthones Against Hazardous Materials and Toxins.

Due to its pharmacological properties, α-Mangostin, mainly found in Garcinia mangostana (G. mangostana) L. (Mangosteen, queen of fruits), treats wounds, skin infections, and many other disorders. In fact, α-Mangostin and other xanthonoid, including ß-Mangostin and γ-Mangostin, are found in G. mangostana, which have various advantages, namely neuroprotective, anti-proliferative, antinociceptive, antioxidant, pro-apoptotic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic through multiple signaling mechanisms, for instance, extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK 1/2), mitogenactivated Protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-ß1) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This review presents comprehensive information on Mangosteen's pharmacological and antitoxic aspects and its xanthones against various natural and chemical toxins. Because of the insufficient clinical study, we hope the current research can benefit from performing clinical and preclinical studies against different toxic agents.

Neuroprotective potential of Ginkgo biloba on alteration of rat cerebellum following prenatal exposure to cyclophosphamide.

The cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs is known due to its non-selective effect not only on cancer cells but also on healthy cells. This study investigated the cerebellar alteration in rats prenatally exposed to cyclophosphamide (SK, 20 mg/kg). We also evaluated the neuroprotective potential of Ginkgo biloba (GB, 80 mg/kg/day) against possible biological changes caused by SK in the cerebellar tissues. Twenty adult female rats (weighing 230-280 g, 12 weeks old) were divided into five groups: control, sham, SK, GB, and SK + GB. After mating, pregnant rats was treated with SK in the SK and SK + GB groups and GB in the GB and SK + GB groups from day 13 to day 21 of gestation. After parturition, eight female rats were randomly selected from each group. On day 32 after birth, the cerebellar tissues were dissected and then examined under light microscope using stereological and histopathological methods. Stereological findings showed that the total number of Purkinje cells and granular cells were significantly decreased in the SK group than the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, the mean volumes of molecular layer, granular layer, white matter, and cerebellum were significantly decreased in the SK group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In the SK + GB group, the total number Purkinje cell, and granular cells, as well as the mean volumes of molecular layer, granular layer, white matter, and cerebellum were significantly increased than the SK group (p < 0.05). Histopathological evaluation also confirmed our stereological findings in the cerebellar tissues. Our results showed that prenatal exposure to SK caused significant changes in the cerebellar architectures of rats, and that GB administration significantly attenuated the deleterious effect of SK on the cerebellar tissues.

Protective effect of indole-3-carbinol on testis of a high fat diet induced obesity.

We investigated the effects of obesity caused by a high fat diet (HFD) on rat testes and evaluated the possible protective effects of indole-3-carbinol (IND). We used 24 8-10-week-old 200 g male rats randomly assigned to 4 groups: non-obese control (NC), obese control (OC), non-obese IND group (NI), obese + IND group (OI). Testis samples were examined using stereological, immunohistochemical, biochemical and histological methods. The number of spermatogenic cells, Leydig cells, mean volume of testes and seminiferous tubules was significantly decreased in the OC group compared to the NC group, but these values were increased significantly in the OI group compared to the OC group. We found a significant increase in catalase and myeloperoxidase activities in the OC group compared to the NC group. In the OI group, catalase and myeloperoxidase levels were decreased compared to the OC group. TUNEL-positive cells also were increased in the OC group compared to the NC group (p < 0.05), but these were fewer in the OI group than the OC group. We found marked morphological changes in testicular tissues between the NC and OC groups, as well as between the OI and OC groups. We found that HFD induced obesity was detrimental to rat testes and that administration of IND ameliorated testicular changes caused by obesity.

Oral Administration Evaluation of the Hydro-Ethanolic Extract of Ginger (Rhizome of Zingiber officinale) against Postoperative-Induced Peritoneal Adhesion: Investigating the Role of Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidative Effects.

Peritoneal adhesions (PAs) occur and develop after abdominal surgery. Abdominal adhesions are common and often develop after abdominal surgery. Currently, there are no effective targeted pharmacotherapies for treating adhesive disease. In this regard, ginger is wildly used in traditional medicine because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and has been investigated for peritoneal adhesion treatment. This study analyzed ginger ethanolic extraction via HPLC to have a 6-gingerol concentration. Four groups induced peritoneal adhesion to evaluate ginger's effects on peritoneal adhesion. Then, ginger extract (50, 150, and 450 mg/kg) was administered by gavage in various groups of male Wistar rats (220 ± 20 g, 6-8 weeks). After scarifying the animals for biological assessment, macroscopic and microscopic parameters were determined via scoring systems and immunoassays in the peritoneal lavage fluid. Next, the adhesion scores and interleukin IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-(TNF-) α, transforming growth factor-(TGF-) ß1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were elevated in the control group. The results showed that ginger extract (450 mg/kg) notably decreased inflammatory (IL-6 and TNF-α), fibrosis (TGF-ß1), anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), angiogenesis (VEGF), and oxidative (MDA) factors, while increased antioxidant factor glutathione (GSH), compared to the control group. These findings suggest that a hydro-alcoholic extract of ginger is a potentially novel therapeutic strategy for inhibiting adhesion formation. Also, it might be considered a beneficial anti-inflammatory or antifibrosis herbal medicine in clinical trials. However, further clinical studies are required to approve the effectiveness of ginger.

Protective potential of misoprostol against kidney alteration via alleviating oxidative stress in rat following exposure to paclitaxel.

The present study investigated the protective effect of misoprostol (MSP) (0.2 mg/kg, oral) against kidney injury caused by paclitaxel (PLX) (2 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) in female Sprague Dawley rats. Twenty-eight 8-week-old rats were used and divided randomly into four equal groups (n = 7): control, MSP, PLX, and PLX+MSP. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level, serum creatinine (Cr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were significantly increased in the PLX group compared to the control group (p < 0.05), while superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) were decreased (p < 0.05). In the PLX+MSP group, levels of serum Cr, and BUN were significantly decreased than the MSP group (p < 0.05). Further, lower level of MDA, and higher activity of GSH, SOD, and CAT was detected in the PLX+MSP than the PLX group (p < 0.05). In the PLX group, we also found a significant decrease in the total number of glomeruli and the mean volumes of cortex, medulla, and kidney compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Besides, these stereological parameters were improved in the PLX+MSP group than the PLX group (p < 0.05). We speculated that administration of MSP attenuated the toxic effect of PLX on kidney tissue due to its antioxidative and anti-apoptotic efficacy of MSP.

Stereological and Histological Assessment of the Umbilical Cord in New-Born Rat.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical cord plays a crucial role in the continuation of pregnancy by transferring nutrition and oxygen across the placenta to the fetus. We aimed to investigate the morphometrical and histological features of the umbilical cords in new-born rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The adult male and female rats were chosen for matting purpose in the present study. Briefly, ten adult Wistar albino rats (female, n = 5; male, n = 5) were randomly assigned into five groups of two animals (female, n = 1; male, n = 1). Immediately after parturition, two umbilical cords of new-born rats (0-day-old) from each group were randomly selected. Finally, ten umbilical cord samples were examined using the histological and stereological methods in the light and electron microscopes. RESULTS: The total numbers of Hofbauer cells and mesenchymal stromal cells was estimated statistically. We also calculated the mean volume of umbilical cords, arteries and veins, as well as arterial and venous lumens. Our histological findings also exhibited the histological features of Hofbauer cells, mesenchymal stromal cell cells, and blood vessels. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed more detailed information about umbilical cord tissues and their components, and that may contribute to the diagnose of umbilical cord complications in the developing fetus.

Promising effects of gingerol against toxins: A review article.

Ginger is a medicinal and valuable culinary plant. Gingerols, as an active constituent in the fresh ginger rhizomes of Zingiber officinale, exhibit several promising pharmacological properties. This comprehensive literature review was performed to assess gingerol's protective and therapeutic efficacy against the various chemical, natural, and radiational stimuli. Another objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties of gingerol. It should be noted that the data were gathered from in vivo and in vitro experimental studies. Gingerols can exert their protective activity through different mechanisms and cell signaling pathways. For example, these are mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), Wnt/ß-catenin, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE), transforming growth factor beta1/Smad3 (TGF-ß1/Smad3), and extracellular signal-related kinase/cAMP-response element-binding protein (ERK/CREB). We hope that more researchers can benefit from this review to conduct preclinical and clinical studies, treat cancer, inflammation, and attenuate the side effects of drugs and industrial pollutants.

Effect of Luteolin on Biochemical, Immunohistochemical, and Morphometrical Changes in Rat Spinal Cord following Exposure to a 900 MHz Electromagnetic Field.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of exposure to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field (EMF) on the cervical spinal cord (CSC) of rats and the possible protective effect of luteolin (LUT) against CSC tissue damage. METHODS: Quantitative data were obtained via stereological, biochemical, immunohistochemical, and histopathological techniques. We investigated morphometric value, superoxide dismutase (SOD) level, and the expression of high-mobility group box 1 protein molecules, as well as histological changes. RESULTS: The total number of motor neurons in the EMF group significantly decreased in comparison with that in the control group ( P < 0.05). In the EMF + LUT group, we found a significant increase in the total number of motor neurons compared with that in the EMF group ( P < 0.05). SOD enzyme activity in the EMF group significantly increased in comparison with that in the control group ( P < 0.05). By contrast, the EMF+LUT group exhibited a decrease in SOD level compared with the EMF group ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that exposure to EMF could be deleterious to CSC tissues. Furthermore, the protective efficacy of LUT against SC damage might have resulted from the alleviation of oxidative stress caused by EMF.

Neuroprotective efficacy of luteolin on a 900-MHz electromagnetic field-induced cerebellar alteration in adult male rat.

The adverse health consequences of exposure to electromagnetic field emitted from cell phone has recently raised public concerns worldwide. Also, the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard that operates in 900 MHz frequency is the most popular. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the adverse effect of exposure to 900 MHz EMF (1 h/day) on the cerebella of 12-week-old rats. We also evaluated the protective activity of luteolin (20 µg/kg/day) against possible biological change in the cerebellar tissues exposed to EMF. Twenty-four male wistar albino rats were randomly assigned into four group of six rats: Control, EMF, EMF + luteolin, luteolin. Serological and biochemical analyses, as well as histopathological examination were performed on all cerebellar samples. We found that SOD (superoxide dismutase) level was significantly increased in the EMF group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). To the contrary, decreased SOD activity was detected in the EMF + luteolin group compared to control group (p < 0.05). The total number of Purkinje and granular cells was significantly decreased in the EMF group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In the EMF + luteolin group, the total number of Purkinje and granular cells was significantly higher than the EMF group (p < 0.05). Histopathological evaluation also showed destructive damage to the architectures of cerebellar tissues. Our results suggest that exposure to EMF may cause cellular damage to the rat cerebellum. Further, the improvement of cerebellar damage may have resulted from antioxidant efficacy of luteolin by alleviating oxidative stress.

Biochemical, immunohistochemical and morphometrical investigation of the effect of thymoquinone on the rat testis following exposure to a 900-MHz electromagnetic field.

Long-term use of cell phones emitting electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have raised concerns regarding public health in recent year. We aimed to investigate the possible effects of 900 MHz EMF exposure (60 min/day for 28 days) on the rat testis. Another objective was to determine whether the deleterious effect of EMF radiation would be reduced by the administration of thymoquinone (TQ) (10 mg/kg/day). Twenty-four male adult Wistar albino rats were randomly selected, then assigned into four groups as followControl, EMF, TQ and EMF + TQ. Testicular samples were analyzed using histological, stereological, biochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. Total numbers of primary spermatocytes and spermatids as well as Leydig cells were significantly decreased in the EMF group compared to the Control group (p < 0.05). In the EMF + TQ group, the total number of primary spermatocytes was significantly increased compared to the EMF group (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly increased in the EMF group compared to the Control group (p < 0.05). Also, serum testosterone levels and wet weight of testes were significantly decreased in the EMF group compared to the Control group (p < 0.05). Our findings suggested that exposure to a 900 MHz EMF had adverse effects on rat testicular tissue and that the administration of TQ partially mitigated testicular oxidative damages caused by EMF radiation.

Investigation of the neuroprotective effects of thymoquinone on rat spinal cord exposed to 900 MHz electromagnetic field.

Exposure to electromagnetic field in long-term use of cell phones has increased concerns about serious health problems. Our aim was to survey the possible effects of electromagnetic field radiation (60 min/day for 28 days) on the spinal cords of 12 weeks old rats. Further, we investigated whether the administration of thymoquinone (10 mg/kg/day) would protect the spinal cord tissue against the adverse effects of electromagnetic field or not. Twenty-four adult male Wistar albino rats were assigned randomly into four groups: control, electromagnetic field, thymoquinone and electromagnetic field + thymoquinone. The cervical spinal cords of all rats was evaluated using the stereological, biochemical and histological methods. The number of motor neurons were reduced in the electromagnetic field group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase level was higher in the electromagnetic field group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In the electromagnetic field + thymoquinone group, we found an increase in the number of motor neurons and decrease in superoxide dismutase activity compared to the electromagnetic field group (p < 0.05). Our histological findings also exhibit the remarkable architectural alterations. We speculated that electromagnetic field radiation induced the morphological and biochemical damage to the spinal cord tissue of rats. Administration of antioxidant, thymoquinone, also ameliorated such complications caused by electromagnetic field.

Effects of prenatal 900 MHz electromagnetic field exposures on the histology of rat kidney.

PURPOSE: To research the harmful effects of prenatal exposure of 900 megahertz (MHz) electromagnetic field (EMF) on kidneys of four-week-old male rats and to determine protective effects of melatonin (MEL) and omega-3 (ω-3). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one Wistar albino rats were randomly placed into seven groups as follows: Control (Cont), Sham, MEL, ω-3, EMF, EMF+ MEL and EMF+ω-3. After mating, three groups (EMF, EMF+ MEL, EMF+ ω-3) were exposed to an EMF. In the fourth week subsequent to parturition, six rats were randomly chosen from each group. Mean volume of kidneys and renal cortices, the total number of glomeruli and basic histological structure of kidney were evaluated by stereological and light microscopical methods, respectively. RESULTS: Stereological results determined the mean volume of the kidneys and cortices were significantly increased in EMF-exposed groups compared to the Cont group. However, EMF-unexposed groups were not significantly modified compared to the Cont group. Additionally, the total number of glomeruli was significantly higher in EMF-unexposed groups compared to the Cont group. Alternatively, the number of glomeruli in EMF-exposed groups was decreased compared to the Cont group. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal exposure of rat kidneys to 900 MHz EMF resulted in increased total kidney volume and decreased the numbers of glomeruli. Moreover, MEL and ω-3 prevented adverse effects of EMF on the kidneys.