The Impact of 950MHz Electromagnetic Radiation on the Brain and Liver of Rats and the Role of Garlic Treatment

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Radiation Biology Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Atomic Energy Authority (AEA), Cairo, Egypt

2 Radiation Biology Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

The use of mobile phones, laptops and wireless networks has become essential components of daily life. However, despite they make life easier, they may also cause a number of health problems.
This study aims at investigating the changes induced in the liver and brain of male albino rats caused by the exposure to 950MHz and the role of garlic treatment. Male Albino rats were exposed to 950MHz electromagnetic field (power density of 1mW/cm2). Whole body average specific absorption rates (SAR) were 0.238 and 0.372, respectively, for duration of one hour, thrice a week for a period of seven weeks. Garlic extract was administered to the rats at a dose
of 500mg/kg body weight, half an hour before each exposure. Animals were sacrificed one day post the last exposure dose. Exposure to 950MHz has triggered oxidative stress in both tissues verified by a significant increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) associated with a significant decrease in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Exposure to 950MHz has also induced alteration in the xanthine oxidoreductase system (XOR) identified by a significant increase in the activity of xanthine oxidase (XO) concomitant to a significant decrease of xanthine dehydrogenase. The results showed also accumulation of iron (Fe), and cupper (Cu), and decreases in zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn). Garlic extract treatment has significantly improved these changes. In conclusion, Garlic might attenuate the impact of 950MHz in liver and brain of male rats.

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