Rat brain and testicular tissue effects of radiofrequency radiation exposure: Histopathological, DNA damage of brain and qRT-PCR analysis


Yavas M. C., Kilitci A., Çelik E., YEĞİN K., ARAL B., VAROL S.

International Journal of Radiation Research, vol.22, no.3, pp.529-536, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 22 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.61186/ijrr.22.3.529
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Radiation Research
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.529-536
  • Keywords: 2100 MHz, Brain, Histopathological, qRT-PCR, Radiation, Radiofrequency, Testicular
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: The Background: We evaluate the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) on rat brain and testicular tissue using histopathology, comet assay, and real-time quantitative PCR techniques. Materials and Methods: Two equal groups of fourteen rats one for sham-control and the other for exposure (n = seven) were created. For a duration of 14 days, the exposure group (2100 MHz, testicular tissue SAR values of 163 mW/kg for 10 g, brain tissue SAR values of 292 mW/kg on average) was subjected to five hours of exposure per day. Evaluations were conducted on tissue gene expression levels, histopathology, and DNA damage to brain tissue. Results: The histological examination of brain tissue from the exposed group revealed vascular alterations and significant edema (p < 0.05). It was determined that RF radiation-induced much more cellular damage in the exposed group (18.26% tail DNA) than in the control group (4.06% tail DNA). Signs of deterioration in spermatogenic cells in the testicular tissue of the exposed group also changed significantly (p < 0.05). The Bax and bcl-2 genes showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the mRNA level data, whereas the p53 genes showed no significant change (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that it may cause some histopathological and cellular damage in brain and testis tissue.