Zinc Prevention of Electromagnetically Induced Damage to Rat Testicle and Kidney Tissues

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of lipid peroxidation when zinc is administered to rats periodically exposed to a 50-Hz electromagnetic field for 5 min at a time over a period of 6 mo. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley adult male rats were subdivided in groups of eight animals each. Group 1 served as untreated controls, group 2 was exposed to an electromagnetic field but received no additional treatment, and group 3 was exposed to electromagnetic radiation and treated with 3-mg/kg daily intraperitoneal injections of zinc sulfate. The erythrocyte glutathione activity (GSH) and the plasma, testicle, and kidney tissue levels of zinc (Zn) and of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in all of the animals. The plasma and testicle MDA levels in group 2 were higher than those in groups 1 and 3, with group 3 values significantly higher than those in group 1 (p<0.001). The kidney MDA levels in group 2 were higher than in groups 1 and 3 (p<0.001). The erythrocyte GSH level was lower in group 2 than in groups 1 and 3, with group 1 significantly lower than group 3 (p<0.001). In testicle and kidney tissues, the GSH levels in group 1 were lower than for groups 2 and 3, with group 2 significantly lower than group 3 (p<0.001) The plasma zinc levels were highest in group 3, followed by group 1 and group 2, which showed the lowest value (p<0.001). These results indicate that testicle and kidney tissue damage caused by periodic exposure to an electromagnetic field are ameliorated or prevented by zinc supplementation.

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

“…Another study reported an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), an indicator of oxidative stress, in the brain of mice exposed to low-frequency EMF (7). EMF has also been reported to lead to oxidative injury in testis and kidney tissues (8). Rises in stress-related metallothioneins and hematological changes have been observed in the kidney and liver even with subchronic application of EMF (9).…”

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

“…We thought that the kidneys have relatively weak enzymatic antioxidant defense systems capable of producing high levels of ROS through blood perfusion and high anaerobic metabolism so the alteration in lipid peroxidation is dramatic. Ozturk et al (23) reported a reduction in SOD and catalase activity but interestingly an increase in GSH activity in rat kidney tissue exposed to 900 MHz RF-EMR. Increased SOD activity may therefore be a response intended to balance or suppress high chain oxidation of GSH or decreased GSH level (23).…”

“…Ozturk et al (23) reported a reduction in SOD and catalase activity but interestingly an increase in GSH activity in rat kidney tissue exposed to 900 MHz RF-EMR. Increased SOD activity may therefore be a response intended to balance or suppress high chain oxidation of GSH or decreased GSH level (23). Özorak et al (23) investigated that the effects of both Wi-Fi and 900 and 1800 MHz RF-EMR on oxidative stress in the new-born rats' kidney tissues.…”

“…Increased SOD activity may therefore be a response intended to balance or suppress high chain oxidation of GSH or decreased GSH level (23). Özorak et al (23) investigated that the effects of both Wi-Fi and 900 and 1800 MHz RF-EMR on oxidative stress in the new-born rats' kidney tissues. It has been observed that Wi-Fi and mobile phone-induced RF-EMR may cause oxidative kidney injury in new-born rats (23).…”

“…Özorak et al (23) investigated that the effects of both Wi-Fi and 900 and 1800 MHz RF-EMR on oxidative stress in the new-born rats' kidney tissues. It has been observed that Wi-Fi and mobile phone-induced RF-EMR may cause oxidative kidney injury in new-born rats (23). Ozgur et al (25) reported that exposure to RF-EMR induces lipid peroxidation, accompanied by decreased activity of SOD, myeloperoxidase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the kidney of guinea pig.…”