Effect of Radiofrequency Waves Emitted From Conventional WIFI Devices on Some Oxidative Stress Parameters in Rat Kidney

Abstract

Wireless Fidelity (WIFI) is widely used in cell phones, computers and electronic devices to access the Internet. It is unclear whether or not the frequency range of the WIFI has any harmful biological effects. In this report, the effect of standard 2.45 GHz radio frequency source (Averaged whole body specific absorption rate (SAR) 0.01 W/ Kg, 24 hours daily for 40 successive days) on some oxidative stress parameters was examined in Wistar female rats. We found that exposure to WIFI decreased the malondialdehyde levels as well as the glutathione-S-transferase and catalase activities. Moreover, the activity of superoxide dismutase showed significant increase in the WIFI-exposed group relative to the control group. Meanwhile, kidney functions were found to be unaffected. In addition, no significant histological alterations in rats' kidneys were detected in WIFI-exposed group. These results indicate that WIFI exposure used in the present study implies oxidative alterations in rat kidneys, which does not result in severe consequences due to the effective activity of the antioxidant enzyme system of the rat kidneys.