Deleterious Effects of Exposure to 900 MHz Radiofrequency Waves on Brain Trace Elements Improved by Administration of Vitamins

Abstract

Background: There is an increasing public concern about the harmful effect of exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from base transceiver stations (BTS). Objectives: This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of exposure to 900 MHz radiofrequency (RF) on the concentration of brain trace elements (TEs), including zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe), as well as the protective effect of vitamins (C and E) supplementation. Methods: In this study, 30 male rats were assigned into three non-exposed groups, including sham I, II, and III receiving saline, vitamin C, and vitamins C+E, respectively, and three exposed groups, including sham-exposed (saline), test I (vitamin C), and test II (vitamins C+E). The exposed groups were exposed to RF for one month (4 h/day) and the brain TE levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: Compared with the non-exposed groups (I, II, and III), a remarkable elevation in the concentration of Mn, Fe, Cu, and Cu/Zn ratio accompanied by a significantly lower level of Zn was noticed in the rats’ brain of the sham-exposed group (P<0.05). However, pretreatment with both vitamins C and C+E improved the evaluated TE imbalances caused by exposure to 900 MHz RF with no significant difference between the two test groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Disruption of brain TEs homeostasis caused by the exposure to 900 MHz RF improved and normalized by pretreatment with vitamins C and E+C.