Immunohistochemical, Biochemical and Genetic Evaluation of the Effects of Ginseng Administration on Blood–Brain Barrier in Rats Exposed to 2100 MHz and 2450 MHz Electromagnetic Radiation

Abstract

Numerous studies have demonstrated that the brain and blood–brain barrier, which are sensitive targets for cell phone and microwave radiation, are damaged after exposure. Additionally, ginseng has been shown to play a role in preserving the integrity of the blood–brain barrier. In this study, we investigated the immunohistochemical, genetic and biochemical effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) on the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and the protective role of ginseng on these effects. The animals were randomly allocated into seven groups (eight in each group): group I: control, group II: sham, group III: ginseng, group IV: 2100 MHz EMF, group V: 2100 MHz EMF + ginseng, group VI: 2450 MHz EMF, group VII: 2450 MHz EMF + ginseng. EMF groups exposed to EMF, 1 h day−1 for 30 days. Ginseng was administered 150 mg/kg/day for 30 days. As a result, it was determined immunohistochemically that EMF caused apoptosis in brain tissue. It was observed that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene decreased and B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 gene (BCL-2)-associated X (BAX) protein increased in EMF groups, as well as apoptosis formation. On the other hand, it was concluded that ginseng decreased the harmful effects by increasing the expression of the COX-2 gene and decreasing the BAX protein in this process leading to apoptosis.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Rats exposed to 2100 MHz or 2450 MHz EMF (1 h/day for 30 days) showed immunohistochemical evidence of apoptosis in brain tissue, with decreased COX-2 gene expression and increased BAX protein in EMF groups. Ginseng administration (150 mg/kg/day for 30 days) in exposed groups was concluded to reduce harmful effects by increasing COX-2 gene expression and decreasing BAX protein during the apoptosis process.

Outcomes measured

• Blood–brain barrier (BBB) effects
• Apoptosis in brain tissue (immunohistochemical)
• COX-2 gene expression
• BAX protein levels

Limitations

• No SAR or exposure intensity metrics reported in the abstract.
• BBB-specific quantitative endpoints are not described in the abstract (findings emphasize brain tissue apoptosis and molecular markers).
• Animal study; generalizability to humans is uncertain.

Suggested hubs

• school-wi-fi (0.55)
  Includes 2450 MHz exposure, a frequency commonly associated with Wi‑Fi/microwave bands, though the source is not specified in the abstract.

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    "study_type": "animal",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": null,
        "frequency_mhz": 2100,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "1 h/day for 30 days"
    },
    "population": "Rats",
    "sample_size": 56,
    "outcomes": [
        "Blood–brain barrier (BBB) effects",
        "Apoptosis in brain tissue (immunohistochemical)",
        "COX-2 gene expression",
        "BAX protein levels"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Rats exposed to 2100 MHz or 2450 MHz EMF (1 h/day for 30 days) showed immunohistochemical evidence of apoptosis in brain tissue, with decreased COX-2 gene expression and increased BAX protein in EMF groups. Ginseng administration (150 mg/kg/day for 30 days) in exposed groups was concluded to reduce harmful effects by increasing COX-2 gene expression and decreasing BAX protein during the apoptosis process.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "No SAR or exposure intensity metrics reported in the abstract.",
        "BBB-specific quantitative endpoints are not described in the abstract (findings emphasize brain tissue apoptosis and molecular markers).",
        "Animal study; generalizability to humans is uncertain."
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "blood–brain barrier",
        "rats",
        "ginseng",
        "electromagnetic field",
        "2100 MHz",
        "2450 MHz",
        "apoptosis",
        "COX-2",
        "BAX"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
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            "slug": "school-wi-fi",
            "weight": 0.5500000000000000444089209850062616169452667236328125,
            "reason": "Includes 2450 MHz exposure, a frequency commonly associated with Wi‑Fi/microwave bands, though the source is not specified in the abstract."
        }
    ]
}

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