Oxidative effects of electromagnetic radiation on liver, lung, kidney and heart tissues of diabetic and normal rats

Abstract

Purpose: The possible health risks of Radiofrequency Radiation (RFR) and Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields (ELF-MF) are becoming popular subjects for scientific interest. The objective of this study was to observe the possible effects of 50 Hz ELF-MF and 2100 MHz RFR on diabetic and normal rat liver, lung, kidney and heart tissues using oxidant parameters after one-month exposure. Material and Methods: 60 adult wistar albino rats were used for the present study. 2100 MHz RFR exposure (SAR: 0.23 W/kg) was performed for one month (30 min/day, 5 days/week). ELF-MF (50 Hz) were used with 8 Gauss for 30 min/day, 5 days per week for one month. There were 10 groups (n=6): Control (C), Control Diabetic (C-D), Sham (S), Sham Diabetic (S-D), ELF magnetic field exposed (ELF) and ELF magnetic field exposed Diabetic (ELF-D), RFR exposed (RFR), RFR exposed Diabetic (RFR-D), ELF-MF and RFR exposed (ELF-RFR) and ELF-MF-RFR exposed Diabetic (ELF-RFR-D). Tissue glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total nitric oxide (NO) levels were determined. Results: ELF and RFR exposures increased the NO and MDA levels (p<0.05), and decreased the GSH levels (p<0.05) in both diabetic and non-diabetic rats, yet more significantly in diabetic animals. The most marked effect was observed in ELF-RFR-D group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Both radiation exposures caused oxidative stress in tissues while decreasing the antioxidant level more distinctively in diabetic rats.