Evaluation of the protective effects of folic acid on the lung exposed to 900-MHZ electromagnetic field: A stereological and histopathological study

Abstract

There is strong scientific evidence that radio frequency (RF) radiation is harmful to life Exposure to radiation may cause lung toxicity and respiratory disorders. Folic acid (FA) is one of the powerful antioxidants and minimizes the oxidative stress in the biological system. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of the FA for prevent of the EMF induced potential negative effects to the lung. Twenty-four male Wistar albino rats were divided into the four groups; control group (Cont), electromagnetic field group (EMF), FA treated group (FA), and electromagnetic field exposure + FA treated group (EFA). After the routine histological procedures, volumes of the alveoli, bronchioles and blood vessels have been estimated by the Cavalieri principle. It was found that a significant decrease in the mean volume of alveoli, bronchioles and blood vessels in EMF group in comparison of the Cont group (p<0.05). Besides this, histopathological analysis revealed that impaired lung structure, shrunken alveoli and increased thickness of the alveolar wall in the EMF group sections. In the EFA group, significant protective effects were observed in the structures volumes and histopathology (p<0.05). In conclusion, our study suggested that FA has protective effect against the EMF induced lung injury.