900-MHz microwave radiation promotes oxidation in rat brain.

Abstract

Recently, there have been several reports referring to detrimental effects due to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) exposure. Special attention was given to investigate the effect of mobile phone exposure on the rat brain. Since the integrative mechanism of the entire body lies in the brain, it is suggestive to analyze its biochemical aspects. For this, 35-day old Wistar rats were exposed to a mobile phone for 2 h per day for a duration of 45 days where specific absorption rate (SAR) was 0.9 W/Kg. Animals were divided in two groups: sham exposed (n = 6) and exposed group (n = 6). Our observations indicate a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the level of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and an increase in catalase activity. Moreover, protein kinase shows a significant decrease in exposed group (P < 0.05) of hippocampus and whole brain. Also, a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the level of pineal melatonin and a significant increase (P < 0.05) in creatine kinase and caspase 3 was observed in exposed group of whole brain as compared with sham exposed. Finally, a significant increase in the level of ROS (reactive oxygen species) (P < 0.05) was also recorded. The study concludes that a reduction or an increase in antioxidative enzyme activities, protein kinase C, melatonin, caspase 3, and creatine kinase are related to overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in animals under mobile phone radiation exposure. Our findings on these biomarkers are clear indications of possible health implications.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Exposure to 900 MHz mobile phone radiation at 0.9 W/kg SAR for 2 hours daily over 45 days in rats led to significant decreases in glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, protein kinase, and melatonin levels, and significant increases in catalase activity, creatine kinase, caspase 3, and reactive oxygen species in the brain compared to sham-exposed controls.

Outcomes measured

• glutathione peroxidase level
• superoxide dismutase level
• catalase activity
• protein kinase level in hippocampus and whole brain
• pineal melatonin level
• creatine kinase level
• caspase 3 level
• reactive oxygen species (ROS) level

Limitations

• Small sample size (n=6 per group)
• Animal model limits direct human applicability
• Only one exposure frequency and SAR tested
• Limited to biochemical markers without behavioral or clinical outcomes

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.7)
  Study involves RF exposure from mobile phones relevant to occupational and general exposure scenarios.

{
    "study_type": "randomized_trial",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "mobile phone",
        "frequency_mhz": 900,
        "sar_wkg": 0.90000000000000002220446049250313080847263336181640625,
        "duration": "2 hours per day for 45 days"
    },
    "population": "35-day old Wistar rats",
    "sample_size": 12,
    "outcomes": [
        "glutathione peroxidase level",
        "superoxide dismutase level",
        "catalase activity",
        "protein kinase level in hippocampus and whole brain",
        "pineal melatonin level",
        "creatine kinase level",
        "caspase 3 level",
        "reactive oxygen species (ROS) level"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Exposure to 900 MHz mobile phone radiation at 0.9 W/kg SAR for 2 hours daily over 45 days in rats led to significant decreases in glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, protein kinase, and melatonin levels, and significant increases in catalase activity, creatine kinase, caspase 3, and reactive oxygen species in the brain compared to sham-exposed controls.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Small sample size (n=6 per group)",
        "Animal model limits direct human applicability",
        "Only one exposure frequency and SAR tested",
        "Limited to biochemical markers without behavioral or clinical outcomes"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.59999999999999997779553950749686919152736663818359375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "radio frequency electromagnetic fields",
        "mobile phone radiation",
        "oxidative stress",
        "rat brain",
        "reactive oxygen species",
        "antioxidant enzymes",
        "protein kinase",
        "melatonin",
        "caspase 3",
        "creatine kinase"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "occupational-exposure",
            "weight": 0.6999999999999999555910790149937383830547332763671875,
            "reason": "Study involves RF exposure from mobile phones relevant to occupational and general exposure scenarios."
        }
    ]
}

Comments

Log in to comment.

No comments yet.