Effect of Microwave Exposure on the Blood Sugar Metabolism in Rat and the Role of Vitamins C and E

Abstract

AIM: To investicate the immediate effects of whole body exposure to 2.450GHZ Microwave (mw) exposure on the blood sugar metabolism. Materials And Methods: 120 adult wistar rats were used. The rats were grouped in fives. 6 groups of five served as control at various times. Another 6 groups of five were exposed to MW without administration of antioxidants. 6 groups were treated with vitamin C, 1mg kg-1 body weight, while another 6 groups were treated with vitamin E, also 1mg kg-1 body weight, and 4 days before exposure in both cases. Results: The results show that the microwave exposure caused the Blood Sugar level (BLS) to vary between the mean values of 98.4 ± 1.2g/d and 98.0 ± 4g/dl for the males and females respectively. Immediately after irradiation the value of the BLS rose to 105.4± 1.2g/dl from 68.2 ± 0.6g/dl for the males and to 106.3 ± 1.1 from 66.1±• 0.8g/dl for the females. The value further increased to 140.3 ± 0.8g/dl for the males and 141.1 ± 0.4 for the females within the first 24 hours. The values then decreased gradually to 119.1 ± 1.0 g/dl and 118.2 g/dl for the males and females respectively after 8 weeks. The effects of the administered antioxidants, vitamins C and E on these parameters were to also studied for the same period. 1mg/kg body weight of vitamins C administered continuously for four days before irradiation resulted in a decrease in the BLS from the .normal value to a minimum of 131.2 ± 0.3g/dI and 124.3 ± 3.3g/dl forthe males and females respectively. Also 1 rngkg-1 of vitamin E administration similarly resulted in decrease of the parameters from 129.2 ± 0.4 and 128.2 ± 0.29g/dl respectively for the males and females within the first day: The values then gradually increased to the normal towards the end of the 8 th weeks. Conclusion: Exposures to MW radition affect the blood sugar that may have negative health impacts. Administration of vitamins C and E may cushion the potential deleterious health hazards.