The histological and biochemical analysis of the effects of radiofrequency radiation on testis tissue of rats and the protective effect of melatonin.

Background/aim: Primarily due to wireless communication devices, especially mobile phones, there has been a steady rise in the intensity of nonionizing radiofrequency radiation (RFR). In recent years, increased human health problems raised concerns about whether there is a positive relationship between intense exposure to RFR and public health. The present study aims to investigate the effects of GSM-like RFR exposure on the male reproductive system and the impact of melatonin treatment (synergistic, antagonist, or additive). Materials and methods: Thirty-six male Wistar Albino rats were used and separated into six groups: i. Control; ii. Sham; iii. RFR exposure; iv. Control-melatonin; v. Sham-melatonin; vi. Melatonin + RFR exposure. Animals were exposed to 2600 MHz RFR with electric (E) field levels of 21.74 V/m for 30 min per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. All testicular tissue samples were evaluated under a light microscope for hematoxylin-eosin staining. Biochemical analyses were performed by measuring malondialdehyde, total nitric oxide, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase levels. We evaluated the combined effects of prolonged RFR exposure and melatonin treatment on ROS-mediated structural changes in testicular tissues. Results: Results showed that reactive intermediates (malondialdehyde and total nitric oxide) increased significantly with RFR exposure, while the protective effect of melatonin effectively reduced the radical levels of the tissues. Histological evaluation revealed a decrease in cell population and connective tissue elements under RFR exposure, accompanied by marked edema in the testicular tissues. Conclusion: The structural and functional effects of prolonged RFR exposure might be ROS-based. Moreover, these adverse effects might be compensated with externally treated supplements. There is a need for new extensive research.

Effects of 2600 MHz Radiofrequency Radiation in Brain Tissue of Male Wistar Rats and Neuroprotective Effects of Melatonin.

The debate on the biological effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) still continues due to differences in the design of studies (frequency, power density, specific absorption rate [SAR], exposure duration, cell, tissue, or animal type). The current study aimed to investigate the effects of 2,600 MHz RFR and melatonin on brain tissue biochemistry and histology of male rats. Thirty-six rats were divided into six groups randomly: cage-control, sham, RFR, melatonin, sham melatonin, and RFR melatonin. In RFR groups, animals were exposed to 2,600 MHz RFR for 30 days (30 min/day, 5 days/week) and the melatonin group animals were subcutaneously injected with melatonin (7 days/week, 10 mg/kg/day) for 30 days. SAR in brain gray matter was calculated as 0.44 and 0.295 W/kg for 1 and 10 g averaging, respectively. RFR exposure decreased the GSH, GSH-Px, and SOD levels and increased the MPO, MDA, and NOx levels (P < 0.005) significantly. RFR exposure also led to an increase in structural deformation and apoptosis in the brain tissue. This study revealed that exogenous high-dose melatonin could reduce these adverse effects of RFR. Limiting RFR exposure as much as possible is recommended, and taking daily melatonin supplements may be beneficial. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Analysis of thiol/disulphide homeostasis and oxidant-antioxidant status as a result of exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields.

The aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of daily long-term radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMFs) exposure on thiol/disulphide homeostasis and oxidant-antioxidant status in the serum of rats. Fourteen male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two equal groups (n = 7). They were grouped as group 1 (sham-control) and group 2 (2100 MHz exposed). Group 2 rats were exposed to GSM-like signals for 5 h/day, 7 days per week for 14 days. In serum of blood samples, the native, total and native/total thiol levels and antioxidant-oxidant parameters were analyzed. The study revealed that the mean serum total thiol levels of GSM exposure group was rather higher than sham-control group (p = 0,219); the mean serum native thiol levels of GSM exposure group was rather higher than sham-control group (p = 0,416), and the mean serum disulphide levels of GSM exposure group was rather higher than sham-control group (p = 0,566). On the other hand, the mean serum total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) of GSM exposure group were higher than sham-control group. There are no data in the literature, that examine the effects of RF-EMFs on thiol/disulphide homeostasis. The results of this study, indicate that RF-EMFs did not cause oxidative stress and statistically changes in thiol/disulphide homeostasis. More sample sizes and longer-term exposures are needed to confirm the results of this study.

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

OBJECTIVE: 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.