A novel antioxidant agent caffeic acid phenethyl ester prevents long-term mobile phone exposure-induced renal impairment in rat

Abstract

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a flavonoid like compound, is one of the major components of honeybee propolis. It has been used in folk medicine for many years in Middle East countries. It was found to be a potent free radical scavenger and antioxidant recently. The aim of this study was to examine long-term applied 900 MHz emitting mobile phone-induced oxidative stress that promotes production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, was to investigate the role of CAPE on kidney tissue against the possible electromagnetic radiation (EMR)-induced renal impairment in rats. In particular, the ROS such as superoxide and nitric oxide (NO) may contribute to the pathophysiology of EMR-induced renal impairment. Malondialdehyde (MDA, an index of lipid peroxidation) levels, urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG, a marker of renal tubular injury) and nitric oxide (NO, an oxidant product) levels were used as markers of oxidative stress-induced renal impairment and the success of CAPE treatment. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in renal tissue were determined to evaluate the changes of antioxidant status. The rats used in the study were randomly grouped (10 each) as follows: i) Control group (without stress and EMR), ii) Sham-operated rats stayed without exposure to EMR (exposure device off), iii) Rats exposed to 900 MHz EMR (EMR group), and iv) A 900 MHz EMR exposed + CAPE treated group (EMR + CAPE group). In the EMR exposed group, while tissue MDA, NO levels and urinary NAG levels increased (p < 0.0001), the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px in renal tissue were reduced (p < 0.001). CAPE treatment reversed these effects as well (p < 0.0001, p < 0.001 respectively). In conclusion, the increase in NO and MDA levels of renal tissue, and in urinary NAG with the decrease in renal SOD, CAT, GSH-Px activities demonstrate the role of oxidative mechanisms in 900 MHz mobile phone-induced renal tissue damage, and CAPE, via its free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties, ameliorates oxidative renal damage. These results strongly suggest that CAPE exhibits a protective effect on mobile phone-induced and free radical mediated oxidative renal impairment in rats.

The effect of exposure of rats during prenatal period to radiation spreading from mobile phones on renal development

“…Ozguner et al 22 demonstrated the occurrence of free radicals in relation to mobile phone usage and their negative effects on rat kidneys. In Ragy's study, 23 the effect of 900 MHz EMR produced by mobile phones on the brain, liver and kidney tissues of male albino rats was investigated.…”

“…The rats were maintained on a 24-hour light-dark cycle regiment at a temperature of [21][22][23][24] C with 50-55% relative humidity. All animals had free access to food and water.…”

The effects of prenatal long-duration exposure to 900-MHz electromagnetic field on the 21-day-old newborn male rat liver

“…Mobile phones manufactured using the latest technology operate in a high frequency range (300-3000 MHz). This further heightens concerns regarding the effect of mobile phones on human health (1). Most Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) operators in Europe, Asia, and Africa use a frequency of 900 MHz (2).…”

1800 MHz radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation induces oxidative stress in rat liver, kidney and brain tissues

“…These indicate that RF-EMR may act as a stressor on kidney tissue as well due to its sensitive ultrastructure to oxidative stress. Ozguner et al (21) investigated the effect on kidney tissue of exposure to 900 MHz RF-EMR in 8-week-old rats and reported an increase in MDA levels. MDA levels increased significantly in kidney and bladder tissue of rats exposed to the effect of a 900 MHz RF-EMR in adolescence compared to the control group (21).…”