Effects of Radiofrequency Radiation on Brain Tissue Oxidant and Antioxidant Levels in Rats

Objective: It has been reported that RF (Radiofrequency) Radiation induces some biochemical changes in brain tissue. In the present study we aimed to investigate whether 1800 MHz pulse modulated RF Radiation causes oxidative stress in brain tissue of the female rats. Methods: A total of 20 female Wistar-Albino rats used in the study were randomly divided into two groups: ShamControl group (n=10) and RF group (n=10). RF rats were exposed to pulse modulated RF Radiation 20 min/day for a month. The sham-control rats were not exposed to RF Radiation. At the end of the study, rats were sacrificed by injection of ketamine (50 mg/kg) and xylazine (5 mg/kg) combination. Oxidative damage in tissues was examined by investigating the lipid peroxidation marker Malondialdhyde (MDA), antioxidant levels were assessed by measuring GSH levels. Total Nitric Oxide (NOx) levels were studied by the Griess Reaction. The results were analyzed by the Mann - Whitney U Test. The accepted level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Tissue levels of MDA and NOx of the RF group were found significantly higher than the Sham-Control group (p<0.05), however brain tissue GSH levels were significantly lower in RF group compared to Sham-Control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The obtained results showed that exposure to RF Radiation may cause oxidative stress in brain tissue.