Suleyman Dasdag

Effect of Mobile Phone Exposure on Apoptotic Glial Cells and Status of Oxidative Stress in Rat Brain

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mobile phone exposure on glial cells in brain. The study carried out on 31 Wistar Albino adult male rats. The rat heads in a carousel exposed to 900 MHz microwave. For the study group (n:14), rats exposed to the radiation 2h per day (7 days in a week) for 10 months. For the sham group (n:7), rats were placed into the carousel and the same procedure was applied except that the generator was turned off. For the cage control (n:10), nothing applied to rats in this group. In this study, rats were euthanized after 10 months of exposure periods and brains were removed. Brain tissues were immunohistochemically stained for the active (cleaved) caspase-3, which is a well-known apoptosis marker, and p53. The expression of the proteins was evaluated by a semi-quantitative scoring system. However, total antioxidative capacity (TAC), catalase, total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index were measured in rat brain. Final score for apoptosis in the exposed group was significantly lower than the sham (p < 0.001) and the cage control groups (p < 0.01). p53 was not significantly changed by the exposure (p > 0.05). The total antioxidant capacity and catalase in the experimental group was found higher than that in the sham group (p < 0.001, p < 0.05). In terms of the TOS and oxidative stress index, there was no statistically significant difference between exposure and sham groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the final score for apoptosis, total antioxidant capacity and catalase in rat brain might be altered by 900 MHz radiation produced by a generator to represent exposure of global systems for mobile communication (GSM) cellular phones.

Effect of 900 MHz Radio Frequency Radiation on Beta Amyloid Protein, Protein Carbonyl, and Malondialdehyde in the Brain

Recently, many studies have been carried out in relation to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (RF) emitted from a mobile phone on the brain. However, there is little data concerning possible mechanisms between long-term exposure of RF radiation and biomolecules in brain. Therefore, we aimed to investigate long-term effects of 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation on beta amyloid protein, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde in the rat brain. The study was carried out on 17 Wistar Albino adult male rats. The rat heads in a carousel were exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from a generator, simulating mobile phones. For the study group (n: 10), rats were exposed to the radiation 2 h per day (7 days a week) for 10 months. For the sham group (n: 7), rats were placed into the carousel and the same procedure was applied except that the generator was turned off. In this study, rats were euthanized after 10 months of exposure and their brains were removed. Beta amyloid protein, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde levels were found to be higher in the brain of rats exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation. However, only the increase of protein carbonyl in the brain of rats exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). In conclusion, 900 MHz radiation emitted from mobile/cellular phones can be an agent to alter some biomolecules such as protein. However, further studies are necessary.

Extremely low frequency magnetic fields cause oxidative DNA damage in rats

Purpose: To detect the genotoxic effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) -magnetic fields (MF) on oxidative DNA base modifications [8-hydroxyguanine (8-OH-Gua), 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine (FapyGua) and 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine (FapyAde)] in rat leucocytes, measured following exposure to ELF-MF. Materials and methods: After exposure to ELF-MF (50 Hz, 100 and 500 μT, for 2 hours/day during 10 months), DNA was extracted, and measurement of DNA lesions was achieved by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Results: Levels of FapyAde, FapyGua and 8OHdG in DNA were increased by both 100 μT and 500 μT ELF-MF as compared to a cage-control and a sham group; however, statistical significance was observed only in the group exposed to 100 μT. Conclusion: This is the first study to report that ELF-MF exposure generates oxidatively induced DNA base modifications which are mutagenic in mammalian cells, such as FapyGua, FapyAde and 8-OH-Gua, in vivo. This may explain previous studies showing DNA damage and genomic instability. These findings support the hypothesis that chronic exposure to 50-Hz MF may be potentially genotoxic. However, the intensity of ELF-MF has an important influence on the extent of DNA damage.

Effect of Long Term Mobile Phone Exposure on Oxidative-Antioxidative Processes and Nitric Oxide in Rats

ABSTRACT The effects of radiation emitted from cellular phones on humans are an emerging area of investigation. The previous studies have shown the role of oxidative stress and NO at radiofrequency exposed rats. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of microwave/radiofrequency emitted from mobile phones and its possible oxidative damage. Wistar Albino rats were divided into three groups as exposure, sham and cage control. Rats in exposure group were exposed to 900 MHz microwave radiation (0.0782 mW/cm2) in a carousel for 2 hours/7 days in a week during ten months. The same process was applied to sham group but the generator was turned off. Rats in cage control group were kept in cage only during the study. The levels of catalase (CAT), myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) in liver and nitric oxide (NO) levels in serum were determined to demonstrate the role of oxidative mechanisms. The increase of nitric oxide levels in exposure and sham groups were found significant compared to cage control group (p<0.01, p<0.05). Although serum NO levels increased in exposed rats, the difference between exposure and sham groups was not significant (p>0.05). MDA and TOS levels in liver tissue were found higher in exposed group compared to sham and cage control group (p<0.05). However, no significant alterations were found in other endpoints such as CAT, MPO, TAC and OSI. In this study we showed that 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from mobile phones exhibited an increase on MDA and TOS levels. Therefore, RF radiation emitted from GSM cellular phone may play a role to induce oxidative damage by increasing lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.

Effects of Intensive and Moderate Cellular Phone Use on Hearing Function

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of radiation emitted by mobile phones on the hearing of users. The study was carried out on three groups: 1) 20 men who have used a cellular phone frequently and spoken approximately 2 h per day for four years; 2) 20 men who have used a cellular phone for 10–20 min per day for four years; and 3) 20 healthy men who have never used a cellular phone (the control group). Brainstem evoked response audiometric (BERA) and pure tone audiometric (PTA) methods were used to measure the effects of exposure on hearing function of the subjects. In BERA measurements, I–III, III–V, and I–V interpeak latencies were evaluated. Interpeak latency of subjects in two experimental groups was compared to that of subjects in the control group. The BERA results showed no differences among the groups (p > 0.05). In PTA measurements, detection thresholds at 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz, and 8000 Hz frequencies were measured in all three groups. No differences were observed between moderate mobile phone users (10–20 min. per day) and control subjects. However, detection thresholds in those who talked approximately 2 h per day were found to be higher than those in either moderate users or control subjects. Differences at 4000 Hz for both bone and air conduction for right ears, and 500 Hz, and 4000 Hz bone and air conduction for left ears were significant for mean hearing threshold. This study shows that a higher degree of hearing loss is associated with long-term exposure to electromagnetic (EM) field generated by cellular phones.

Alteration of Nitric Oxide Production in Rats Exposed to a Prolonged, Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Field

The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible effect of an extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) on nitric oxide (NO) level. In this study, 27 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were divided into three groups: two experimental and one control (sham-exposed). The first and second experimental group (n = 10) were exposed to 100 µT and 500 µT ELF-MF during 10 months, 2 h a day, respectively, and the third (n = 7) group was treated like an experimental group except for ELF-MF exposure in methacrylate boxes. After ELF-MF and sham exposure, serum nitrite levels were measured by Griess reaction. A significant reduction was observed in nitrite levels among the first and second experimental groups of rats and sham-exposed rats after exposure for 10 months, 2 h a day, to ELF-MF of 100 and 500 µT (p < 0.01). These results suggest that prolonged ELF-MF exposure at intensities of exposure limits, determined by ICNIRP for public and occupational, may reduce NO production probably affected by NO generation pathways.

Effects of Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Hematologic and Immunologic Parameters in Welders

BACKGROUND Electric arc welding is known to cause considerable exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields. Although some studies of exposure to magnetic fields and epidemiologic studies have included groups of welders, typically little information is available concerning the hematologic and immunologic effects of ELF electromagnetic fields on welders. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate whether or not extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMF) emitted from electric arc welding affect some hematologic and immunologic parameters of welders. METHODS The study was carried out on 16 male welders and 14 healthy males between 20 and 40 years of age from the same geographic area and with similar life styles. The following hematologic and immunologic parameters were measured in both groups: red blood cells (RBC); hemoglobin (Hgb); hematocrit (Hct); platelets (Plt); total white blood cells (WBC); neutrophils; lymphocytes; eosinophils; and CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD4/CD8. RESULTS Some of the hematologic and immunologic parameters under investigation were similar in both groups. Although T lymphocyte surface antigens, such as levels of CD4 and CD8(,) were found to be lower in the welders than in the control subjects (p <0.001, p <0.05), the hematocrit levels of the welders were found to be higher than those of the control subjects (p <0.05). However, the differences observed were not clinically significant. ELF electromagnetic field intensities in the welding areas varied between 0.10 and 0.25 mT. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that ELF electromagnetic fields do not affect the hematologic and immunologic parameters of welders.

Effects of 2.4 GHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from Wi-Fi equipment on microRNA expression in brain tissue

Abstract Purpose: MicroRNAs (miRNA) play a paramount role in growth, differentiation, proliferation and cell death by suppressing one or more target genes. However, their interaction with radiofrequencies is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of radiofrequency radiation emitted from a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system on some of the miRNA in brain tissue. Materials and methods: The study was carried out on 16 Wistar Albino adult male rats by dividing them into two groups such as sham (n = 8) and exposure (n = 8). Rats in the exposure group were exposed to 2.4 GHz radiofrequency (RF) radiation for 24 hours a day for 12 months (one year). The same procedure was applied to the rats in the sham group except the Wi-Fi system was turned off. Immediately after the last exposure, rats were sacrificed and their brains were removed. miR-9-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-106b-5p, miR-107, miR-125a-3p in brain were investigated in detail. Results: The results revealed that long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi radiation can alter expression of some of the miRNAs such as miR-106b-5p (adj p* = 0.010) and miR-107 (adj p* = 0.005). We observed that mir 107 expression is 3.3 times and miR- 106b-5p expression is 3.65 times lower in the exposure group than in the control group. However, miR-9-5p, miR-29a-3p and miR-125a-3p levels in brain were not altered. Conclusion: Long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz RF may lead to adverse effects such as neurodegenerative diseases originated from the alteration of some miRNA expression and more studies should be devoted to the effects of RF radiation on miRNA expression levels.

Effect of long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from Wi-Fi equipment on testes functions

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate long-term effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system on testes. The study was carried out on 16 Wistar Albino adult male rats by dividing them into two groups such as sham (n: 8) and exposure (n: 8). Rats in the exposure group were exposed to 2.4 GHz RFR radiation for 24 h/d during 12 months (1 year). The same procedure was applied to the rats in the sham control group except the Wi-Fi system was turned off. Immediately after the last exposure, rats were sacrificed and reproductive organs were removed. Motility (%), concentration (×106/mL), tail defects (%), head defects (%) and total morphologic defects (%) of sperms and weight of testes (g), left epididymis (g), prostate (g), seminal vesicles (g) were determined. Seminiferous tubules diameter (μm) and tunica albuginea thickness (μm) were also measured. However, the results were evaluated by using Johnsen’s score. Head defects increased in the exposure group (p < 0.05) while weight of the epididymis and seminal vesicles, seminiferous tubules diameter and tunica albuginea thickness were decreased in the exposure group (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.0001). However, other alterations of other parameters were not found significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, we observed that long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz RF emitted from Wi-Fi (2420 μW/kg, 1 g average) affects some of the reproductive parameters of male rats. We suggest Wi-Fi users to avoid long-term exposure of RF emissions from Wi-Fi equipment.

Does 900 MHZ GSM Mobile Phone Exposure Affect Rat Brain

This study investigated the effects of cell phone exposure on the fatty acid composition in phospholipids, malondialdehyde concentration, p53 immune reactivity and histological structure of the rat brain. Sixteen Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups of eight, sham and experimental (speech conditions). The rats were confined to Plexiglas cages, and cellular phone were placed 0.5 cm under the cages. For the experimental group, cellular phones were activated 20 minutes per day, 7 days a week, for 1 month. For the sham group, the cellular phones were placed beneath the cages with the phones turned off. The Whole Body Average SAR (rms) was 0.52 W/kg and 1 g averaged peak SAR (rms) 3.13 W/kg. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used for statistical comparisons of groups. Histological alteration and changes in brain phospholipid fatty acids composition were not observed in rat brains. Immunohistochemical staining of brain tissue shown that p53 immunoreactivity was not affected by cell phone exposure. Malondialdehyde concentration in exposed brains was significantly higher than sham (p < 0.05).