The effect of electromagnetic waves of mobile phones on DNA, RNA content and kidney function in rats before, during and after pregnancy and their offspring

Abstract

Increasing use of mobile phones in daily life with increasing adverse effects of electromagnetic radiation cause many concerns about their effects on human health. This study was designed to investigate the effect of exposure to a 900-MHz electromagnetic waves (EMW) produced by mobile phones on nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), protein content, kidney function (levels of urea and creatinine) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, MDA level) in rats before, during and after pregnancy periods and their offspring. A total of 32 Wistar albino female rats were divided into 4 equal groups (8 each): 1- unexposed (control group); 2- pre-pregnancy (2 h/d for 21 d) EMW-exposed group; 3- during pregnancy (2 h/d for 21 d) EMW-exposed group; 4- during and after pregnancy (2 h/d for each period) EMW-exposed group. Dams, new born and young rats (40-50 g) of all groups were sacrificed and kidney tissues were harvested for determination of parameters under investigation. A high significant decrease in DNA, RNA and protein levels were found of all periods in exposed groups compared to control. No difference in protein, DNA and RNA content in new born and young rats of pre-pregnancy EMW exposed rats, however these parameters were increased significantly in new born and young rats of both during and during and after pregnancy exposed groups compared to control. There was no difference in new born kidney function and oxidative stress of all exposed groups compared to control. However, these parameters were increased significantly in young rats of both during and during and after pregnancy exposed groups as well in all exposed groups compared to control. In conclusion, the EMW propagated from mobile phones have harmful effects on DNA, RNA and protein content as well kidney function and oxidative stress of exposed rats and their offspring. Therefore, people may use various antioxidants and avoid exposure to EMW for a long periods to prevent the potential adverse effects of exposure to EMW.