Trace elements homeostasis in brain exposed to 900MHz RFW emitted from a BTS-antenna model and the protective role of vitamin E.

Abstract

Advances in telecommunication and their broad usage in the community have become a great concern from the health aspect. The object of the present study was to examine the effects of exposure to 900MHz RFW on brain Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Manganese (Mn) concentration, and the protective role of pre-treatment of vitamin E on mentioned elements homoeostasis. Twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (200±20g) randomly were divided into four groups. Control group (without any exposure, received distilled water), treatment control group (orally received 250mg/kg BW/d vitamin E), treatment group (received 250mg/kg BW/d vitamin E and exposed to 900MHz RFW) and sham-exposed group (exposed to 900MHz RFW). Animals (with freely moving in the cage) were exposed to RFW for 30 consecutive days (4hr/day). The levels of the above mentioned elements in the brain tissue were determined on the last day using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Exposure to 900MHz RFW induced a significant increase in the Fe, Cu, Mn levels and Cu/Zn ratio accompanied by a significant decrease in Zn level in the sham-exposed group compare to control group. Vitamin E pre-treatment improved the level of Fe, Cu, Mn and Cu/Zn ratio, except in the Zn concentration. Exposure to 900MHz RFW caused disrupted trace elements homoeostasis in the brain tissue and administration of vitamin E as an antioxidant and neuroprotective agent improved the situation.