Oxidative effect of low intensity microwave radiation in the model of developing quail embryos

Abstract

Objective: Exposure of humans to low intensity microwave radiation (MW) under some circumstances leads to several medical conditions, including headache, chronic fatigue, and even cancer. Mechanisms of these effects in many cases may depend on oxidative stress caused by MW exposure. Our study aims to assess oxidative stress features in embryonic cells under low intensity MW exposure in the first stages of embryogenesis. Methods: Embryos of Japanese quails were exposed in ovo to low intensity MW of GSM 900 MHz (0.25 µW/cm2) during 158-360 h discontinuously (48 c - ON, 12 c - OFF) before and in the initial stages of development. The levels of superoxide (O2·-), nitrogen oxide (NO·) and 8-oxo-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) were assessed in cells of 38-h, 5- and 10-day exposed embryos and compared to the control group. Lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence was used for assessment of GSM modulation role in MW-induced oxidative effects. Results: A significant persistent overproduction of superoxide, nitrogen oxide and 8-oxo-dG in GSM MW exposed embryonic cells during all periods of analyses was detected. Conclusion: Exposure of developing quail embryos to low intensity MW of GSM 900 MHz during the first stages of embryogenesis resulted in a significant overproduction of superoxide and nitrogen oxide, and oxidative damages of DNA in embryonic cells. These effects were interpreted to be depended on the GSM modulation of MW.