Comparative study of the possible protective effects of omega-3 and saffron extract on the cerebellum of adult male albino rats exposed to cell phone electromagnetic radiations: Histological and Immunohistochemical study

Abstract

Background: Quickly changing technologies and dramatic world-wide increase in the uses of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiations (RF-EMRs) emitting cell phones represents a challenge to public health. So, the interest of studying its hazards that could affect human health has been increased. Recently, omega-3 and saffron had attracted a great attention as an antioxidant.Aim of work: This study focused on estimation of the neuroprotective effects of omega-3 and saffron against the histological and immunohistochemical changes within the cerebellum of adult male albino rats exposed to the cell phone electromagnetic radiations. Materials and Methods: Sixty adults male albino rats were used. They were divided into six groups, group I (control group), group II (omega-3 group), group III (saffron group), group IV (cell phone-exposed group), group V (cell phone and omega-3 group) and group VI (cell phone and saffron group). The cerebellum from each animal was cut off and processed for biochemical, histological studies by Hematoxylin and Eosin (Hx. & E.), Toluidine blue (T.B) and electron microscope examination, immunohistochemical studies by Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), caspase-3, myelin basic protein (MBP) and morphometric studies were also, done.Results: Cell phone exposed group revealed disturbed cerebellar architecture. The molecular layer displayed pyknotic nuclei, perineuronal vacuolation and disruption of myelin sheath around nerve fibers. The Purkenje cells appeared with irregular heterochromatic nuclei, shrunken, and surrounded with empty neuropil. The granular layer appeared with some small, degenerated granule cells. Significant increase in GFAP, Caspase-3 and significant decrease in MBP immunoreactivity were also observed. Omega-3 and saffron administrations decreased these adverse effects. Saffron showed higher protection against the histological alterations on the cerebellar cortex exposed to cell phone electromagnetic radiations (EMRs).Conclusion: Cell phone emitted EMRs induces histological and immunohistochemical changes within the cerebellar tissues and saffron has a better neuroprotective effect than omega 3.