Melatonin modulates nmda-receptor 2b/calpain-1/caspase-12 pathways in rat brain after long time exposure to gsm radiation

Abstract

AIM: To investigate the potential protective effects of melatonin on the chronic radiation emitted by third generation mobile phones on the brain. MATERIAL and METHODS: A total of 24 male Wistar albino rats were divided into four equal groups. Throughout a 90-day experiment, no application was performed on the control group. The second group was exposed to 2100 MHz radiation for 30 minutes. Subcutaneous melatonin was injected into the third group. Subcutaneous melatonin injection was applied 40 minutes before radiation and then the fourth group was exposed to radiation for 30 minutes. At the end of the experiment, brain (cerebrum and cerebellum) tissues were taken from the subjects. Histochemical, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural and western blot analyses were applied. In addition to brain weight, Purkinje cells' number, immunohistochemical H Score analyses and the results of the Western blot were examined statistically. RESULTS: With the application of radiation, neuronal edema, relatively-decreased numbers of neurons on hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions, displacement of the Purkinje neurons and dark neurons findings were observed as a result of histochemical stainings. Radiation also activated the NMDA-receptor 2B/Calpain-1/Caspase-12 pathway, NMDA-receptor 2B and Calpain-1 with the findings being supported by western blot analyses. Pre-increased protein synthesis before apoptosis was identified by electron microscopy. CONCLUSION: Mobile phone radiation caused certain (ultra) structural changes on the brain and activated the NMDA-receptor 2B/ Calpain-1/Caspase-12 pathway; in addition, melatonin was found to be effective, but insufficient in demonstrating the protective effects.

2600 MHz Radiofrequency Radiation Exposure and Protective Role of Melatonin: Effects on Epididymis

“…Because of the reactive oxygen species formation background in the case of RF radiation exposure, antioxidant treatments can be helpful in preventing or reducing some radiation damages. Besides its therapeutic effects of detoxifying free radicals, melatonin has been shown to modulate apoptosis caused by EMF-induced oxidative stress [1].…”

“…Extremely low frequency microwaves from public transportation systems; high frequency microwaves from mobile phones, base stations, microwave ovens, radio/television/computers and strong frequency microwaves from magnetic resonance imaging are the most common sources of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and the rate of exposure to EMFs has increased during the last century [1]. Considering uses of mobile phones, that the radiofrequency (RF) radiation range reaches to 2600 MHz with 4th generation, one of the most important sources of EMFs [1,2]. It has known that EMFs cause some neurological European Journal of Medical and Educational Technologies 2021; 14(1): em2102 disorders and increase the cancer risks.…”

“…Harmful effects of EMFs exposure depends on the overproduction of ROS and changing of prooxidant/oxidant balance so antioxidant treatments like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, some vitamins such as A, C, E and also melatonin can be helpful in preventing or reducing some RF radiation damages [1,5]. In their study published in 2005, Hata et al hypothesized that low RF radiation may reduce melatonin synthesis in the pineal gland [6] therefore, the use of melatonin as an antioxidant treatment in RF exposure may be an important key point.…”

“…In their study published in 2005, Hata et al hypothesized that low RF radiation may reduce melatonin synthesis in the pineal gland [6] therefore, the use of melatonin as an antioxidant treatment in RF exposure may be an important key point. The chief secretory product of the pineal gland, melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) in RF exposure has been studied in several experimental studies including brain, kidney, heart, eye and as well as in many organs [1,7].…”