GHz Electromagnetic Radiation Research Articles

Absorption of 5G sub-6 GHz electromagnetic radiation from base station to male reproduction system

Background The impact of electromagnetic radiation from communication on the male reproductive system has emerged as a significant concern in public health. A notable distinction of the 5G sub-6 GHz band, compared to traditional 2G, 3G, and 4G frequency bands, is the inclusion of higher frequency bands. This has raised public concerns regarding the potential effects of these higher frequencies on organisms, particularly their reproductive systems. While it is imperative to investigate the biological effects and potential risks associated with these new frequency bands in laboratory settings, comparing and evaluating differences between various frequency bands remain challenging due to the absence of standardized parameters such as exposure conditions and duration. In contrast, dose assessment offers a simpler and more reliable approach. Materials and methods The dose assessment method was employed in this study to investigate the risks associated with sub-6 GHz electromagnetic radiation from 5G base stations on the male reproductive system. A classical human body model (Duke) was utilized, and an electromagnetic simulation environment was established based on the actual polarization direction of the exposed base stations and various body postures. This research explored the effects of field direction, posture, public population, and frequency on the specific absorption rate of the reproductive system. Results and conclusions While maintaining the same level of exposure, a higher frequency results in a reduced dosage on reproductive system. Further analysis reveals that, considering the public exposure threshold, the employment of higher frequency bands in 5G sub-6 GHz does not present a greater dosage on reproductive system compared to lower frequency bands. Consequently, with regard to dosage, there is no need for excessive concern among the general public regarding the impact of electromagnetic radiation emitted by 5G base stations operating below 6 GHz on male reproductive health.

The endocannabinoid system is involved in the anxiety-like behavior induced by dual-frequency 2.65/0.8 GHz electromagnetic radiation in mice.

As wireless communication devices gain popularity, concerns about the potential risks of environmental exposure to complex frequency electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on mental health have become a public health issue. Historically, EMR research has predominantly focused on single- frequency electromagnetic waves, neglecting the study of multi-frequency electromagnetic waves, which more accurately represent everyday life. To address these concerns, our study compared the emotional effects of single-frequency and dual-frequency EMR while exploring potential molecular mechanisms and intervention targets. Our results revealed that single-frequency EMR at 2.65 or 0.8 GHz did not induce anxiety-like behavior in mice. However, exposure to dual-frequency EMR at 2.65/0.8 GHz significantly led to anxiety-like behavior in mice. Further analysis of mouse sera revealed substantial increases in corticosterone and corticotrophin releasing hormone levels following exposure to 2.65/0.8 GHz EMR. Transcriptome sequencing indicated a significant decrease in the expression of Cnr1, encoding cannabinoid receptor 1 Type (CB1R), in the cerebral. This finding was consistently verified through western blot analysis, revealing a substantial reduction in CB1R content. Additionally, a significant decrease in the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol was observed in the cerebral cortex. Remarkably, administering the cannabinoid receptor agonist Win55-212-2 significantly alleviated the anxiety-like behavior, and the cannabinoid receptor antagonist AM251 effectively counteracted the anti-anxiety effects of Win55-212-2. In summary, our research confirmed that dual-frequency EMR is more likely to induce anxiety-like behavior in mice than single-frequency EMR, with implications for the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the endocannabinoid system. Furthermore, our findings suggest that Win55-212-2 may represent a novel avenue for researching and developing anti-EMR drugs.

Impact of specific electromagnetic radiation on wakefulness in mice

Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in the environment, particularly in the microwave range, may constitute a public health concern. Exposure to 2.4 GHz EMR modulated by 100 Hz square pulses was recently reported to markedly increase wakefulness in mice. Here, we demonstrate that a similar wakefulness increase can be induced by the modulation frequency of 1,000 Hz, but not 10 Hz. In contrast to the carrier frequency of 2.4 GHz, 935 MHz EMR of the same power density has little impact on wakefulness irrespective of modulation frequency. Notably, the replacement of the 100 Hz square-pulsed modulation by sinusoidal-pulsed modulation of 2.4 GHz EMR still allows a marked increase of wakefulness. In contrast, continuous sinusoidal amplitude modulation of 100 Hz with the same time-averaged power output fails to trigger any detectable change of wakefulness. Therefore, alteration of sleep behavior by EMR depends upon not just carrier frequency but also frequency and mode of the modulation. These results implicate biological sensing mechanisms for specific EMR in animals.

Electromagnetic absorption/reflection manipulation by piezoelectric effect in PDMS/CZS/SWCNT/iron fabric hybrid composite

The development of externally controlled electromagnetic shielding materials for protecting high-end electronic devices operating in GHz frequencies in satellite, military, and other communication fields is a significant technological challenge. Previously developed foamed composites and capacitor-based shielding materials exhibit active modulation of reflection and absorption. However, the higher thickness of foamed composites and the costly complex manufacture process along with requirement of an external voltage source by capacitor-based shields constrain their direct usability in realistic electronic applications. Herein, a piezo-tuned polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/carbon-doped zinc stannate (CZS)/single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/iron fabric-based hybrid composite is prepared which features piezo-voltage controlled shielding performance. In this composite, the electrostatic modification of iron fabric electrodes and PDMS/CZS, PDMS/SWCNT layers by piezo-voltage enables control of dynamic reflection/absorption ability of 14.5–20 GHz electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Additionally, this composite reveals a functional transition from EMR reflector to EMR absorber at higher than 14 mV piezo-voltage. At 14.5 GHz frequency, this piezo-composite (1.51 mm thick) attains an excellent total shielding (SET) performance of 87.8 dB along with >98 % EMR absorption capability at 30.6 kPa pressure tuned 243 mV piezo-voltage. Hence, this achievement not only reveals the strategies for developing shielding materials for the future of electronic applications but also boosts the advancement of self-adaptable electromagnetic shielding.

The Exposure to 2.45 GHz Electromagnetic Radiation Induced Different Cell Responses in Neuron-like Cells and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.

Electromagnetic radiation emitted by commonly used devices became an issue for public health because of their harmful effects. Notably, 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation exposure has been associated with DNA damage and alterations in the central nervous system. We here investigated the effects of 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation on cell redox status by using human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, which were differentiated to neuronal-like cells, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which were exposed to an antenna emitting 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation for 2, 24, and 48 h. We evaluated cell viability and mitochondrial activity alterations by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm), NAD+/NADH ratio, mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA), and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene transcript levels. We also investigated apoptosis and autophagy, evaluating B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), BCL2-associated X protein (BAX), and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3) gene transcript levels. Cell viability was significantly reduced after 24-48 h of exposure to radiation. ROS levels significantly increased in radiation-exposed cells, compared with controls at all exposure times. ΔΨm values decreased after 2 and 24 h in exposed SH-SY5Y cells, while in PBMCs, values decreased soon after 2 h of exposure. Alterations were also found in the NAD+/NADH ratio, mtTFA, SOD1, LC3 gene expression, and BAX/BCL2 ratio. Our results showed that neuron-like cells are more prone to developing oxidative stress than PBMCs after 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation exposure, activating an early antioxidant defense response.

Investigation of environmentally friendly adsorbent synthesis from eggshell by carbonization, immobilization, and radiation: Box-Benkhen Design and tetracyclin removal

In this study, was conducted to evaluate the applicability of 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation (EMR) applied with synthesized zero-valent iron (NZVI) modified immobilized eggshell waste (ESW-NZVI-2.45 GHz) biosorbent for the tetracycline (TC) removal process from aqueous solutions. This composite was synthesized in borohydride reduction method via ethanol using a in atmospheric conditions. Biyosorbent characterized by FTIR, and SEM analyses before and after TC adsorption. Batch experiments were axamined for %TC removal efficiency of ESW-NZVI-2.45 GHz, were conducted utilizing the Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Box-Behnken design. Experimentally, the maximum TC removal efficiency was found to be relatively high %94.61 at an optimum temperature of 20 °C, 2 min EMR time, and Co, 50 mg/L experimental conditions. The TC removal was determined to be appropriate for the pseudo-second kinetic model with the highest R2 value (0.9999). Thermodynamic parameters were calculated for ESW-NZVI-2.45 GHz. The ΔG values indicate that the adsorption process occurs spontaneously, while positive ΔS values indicate an increase in the irregularity at the solid/solution interface. As a result, this study showed that TC removal onto magnetic and irradiated biosorbent ESW-NZVI-2.45 GHz was effectively and optimization of optimum removal conditions studies RSM with high R2 (0.9833) supported.

Carbon Allotropes-Based Paints and Their Composite Coatings for Electromagnetic Shielding Applications.

The present manuscript reports on optimized formulations of alcohol-based conductive paints for electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI), which can ensure compatibility and reduce the visibility of electronic equipment, as a continuation of our previous work in this field, which examined water-based formulations for other applications. Graphite, carbon black, graphene, Fe3O4, Fe ore, and PEDOT:PSS in various ratios and combinations were employed in an alcohol base for developing homogeneous paint-like fluid mixtures that could be easily applied to surfaces with a paintbrush, leading to homogeneous, uniform, opaque layers, drying fast in the air at room temperature; these layers had a reasonably good electrical conductivity and, subsequently, an efficient EMI-shielding performance. Uniform, homogeneous and conductive layers with a thickness of over 1 mm without exfoliations and cracking were prepared with the developed paints, offering an attenuation of up to 50 dB of incoming GHz electromagnetic radiation. The structural and morphological characteristics of the paints, which were studied in detail, indicated that these are not simple physical mixtures of the ingredients but new composite materials. Finally, mechano-climatic and environmental tests on the coatings demonstrated their quality, since temperature, humidity and vibration stressors did not affect them; this result proves that these coatings are suitable for commercial products.

Novel Water-Based Paints for Composite Materials Used in Electromagnetic Shielding Applications.

The development of materials offering electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding is of significant consideration, since this can help in expanding the lifetime of devices, electromagnetic compatibility, as well as the protection of biological systems. Conductive paints used widely today in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications are often based on organic solvents that can create safety issues due to the subsequent environment problems. This paper concerned the development of eco-friendly conductive water-based paints for use in EMI-shielding applications. Graphene nanoplatelets, polyaniline emeraldine (PANI) doped with poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PSS) or HCl or HBr and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS) in various ratios were employed in a water base for developing the paints. The target was to develop homogeneous water-based paint-like fluid mixtures easily applied onto surfaces using a paint brush, leading in homogeneous, uniform, opaque layers, draying fast in air at room temperature, and having quite good electrical conductivity that can offer efficient EMI-shielding performance. The results of this parametric trial indicated the optimum compositions leading in paints with optimized properties that can result in uniform, homogeneous, and conductive layers up to a thickness of over 500 μm without deformation and cracking, offering attenuation of up to 60 dBs of incoming GHz electromagnetic radiation. In addition, the structural and morphological characteristics of these paints were studied in detail.

In Vitro Physical and Biological Evaluations of a 2.4 GHz Electromagnetic Exposure Setup

In this paper, a 2.4 GHz electromagnetic radiation system for cells in vitro was designed from the perspective of optimal energy coupling of cell samples. The validity of the design was verified by FDTD simulation, physical test and biological experiment. The electromagnetic parameters of SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) and temperature rise were obtained by FDTD simulation. The validation of temperature simulation was confirmed by comparing the actual measurement data and the simulation data. The SAR relative uniformity between samples was tested by cell biological experiment, in which ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species), a typical and sensitive biological parameter reacting to electromagnetic radiation in cells, of different sample dishes induced by 2.4 GHz electromagnetic radiation with an incident power of 0.5 W was analyzed. We found that the size of cell dish affects the energy coupling intensity, the polarization characteristics of electromagnetic wave determines the distribution pattern of SAR, and the uniformity of sample energy absorption in this radiation system is good.

Possible effects of different doses of 2.1 GHz electromagnetic radiation on learning, and hippocampal levels of cholinergic biomarkers in Wistar rats

ABSTRACT The present study evaluated whether short-term exposure to different doses of 2.1 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) has different effects on rats’ behaviour and hippocampal levels of central cholinergic biomarkers. Animals were divided into three equal groups namely; group 1 was sham-exposed group, group 2–3 were exposed to 45 V/m and 65 V/m doses of 2.1 GHz frequency for 1 week respectively. Numerical dosimetry simulations were carried out. Object location and Y-maze were used as behavioural tasks. The protein and mRNA expression levels of AChE, ChAT, and VAChT, in the hippocampus were tested using Western Blotting and Real-Time PCR. The impairment performance of rats subjected to 65 V/m dose of 2.1 GHz RF-EMR in both object location and Y-maze tasks was observed. The hippocampal levels of AChE, ChAT, and VAChT, were significantly lower in rats exposed to 65 V/m dose of 2.1 GHz RF-EMR than others. The stronger effect of “65 V/m” dose on both rat’s hippocampal-dependent behavioural performances and hippocampal levels of cholinergic biomarkers may be due to the stronger effect of “65 V/m” dose where rats’ snouts were located at the nearest distance from the monopole antenna. Furthermore, the simulated SAR values were high for 65 V/m electric-field strengths. For the first time, we report the potential dose-dependent effects of short-term exposure to 2.1 GHz radiation on rat’s behavioural performances as well as hippocampal levels of cholinergic biomarkers. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms by which RF-EMR influences the function of the central cholinergic system in the brain.

Ameliorative effects of vitamin C against hepatic pathology related to Wi-Fi (2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation) in rats

Ameliorative effects of vitamin C against hepatic pathology related to Wi-Fi (2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation) in rats

Effects of 2.1 GHz Electromagnetic Radiation on Locomotor Activity, Recognition Memory, and Anxiety-Related Behavior in Rats

The effects of short-term (2 h per day for 7 days) exposures to different doses of 2.1 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) on cognition and behavior of rats were examined. The animals were divided into three equal groups, sham-exposed group 1 and two RF groups irradiated with different doses, groups 2 and 3, respectively. To assess locomotor activity, recognition memory, and anxiety-related behavior, the open field (OF), novel object recognition (NOR), and marble burying (MB) tests were used, respectively. Overall results showed that both 45 and 65 V/m doses of 2.1 GHz RF-EMR did not lead to significant modifications of locomotor activity in the OF test. At the same time, higher doses (65 V/m) significantly (about two times) decreased the exploration time and number of touches for a novel object in the NOR test. In the MB test, both RF-EMR doses led to significant dose-dependent decreases in the number of buried marbles, which was indicative of lower levels of anxiety. Further studies are needed, regarding this particular type and level of radiation, for the development of methods to provide protection of the brain from harmful effects of RF-EMR exposure.

Protective Effects of Zinc on 2.45GHz Electromagnetic Radiation-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in HEK293 Cells.

Several epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) can be harmful to human health. The purpose of this study was to examine oxidative parameters and apoptosis induced by EMR in human kidney embryonic cells (HEK293) and to investigate whether zinc (Zn) has protective effect on EMR-induced apoptosis in HEK293 cells. For our experiment, HEK293 cells were divided into four main groups, control, EMR, 50μM Zn + EMR, and 100μM Zn + EMR. HEK293 cells of EMR groups were exposed to 2.45GHz EMR for 1h. In Zn groups, HEK293 cells were incubated with different concentrations of Zn for 48h before EMR exposure. Oxidative stress parameters were determined by spectrophotometric method; bcl-2 and caspase-3 were assessed immunohistochemically and TUNEL method was performed for apoptotic activity. EMR group had higher malondialdehyde (MDA) level and lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity compared with control group. In Zn-applied groups, MDA was decreased and SOD activity was increased compared with EMR group. The number of the apoptotic cells and caspase-3 immunopositive cells at EMR group was increased significantly compared with the control group, whereas bcl-2 was decreased. Besides, Zn-treated groups showed a significant reduction in the number of apoptotic cells and caspase-3 from that of EMR group, whereas there was an increase in bcl-2 immunopositivity. Our findings show that EMR caused oxidative stress and apoptotic activation in HEK293 cells. Zn seems to have protective effects on the EMR by increasing SOD activity and bcl-2 immunopositivity, decreasing lipid peroxidation and caspas-3 immunopositivity.

400 GHz electromagnetic radiation sources based on IMPATT diodes

The results of research on the creation and development of microwave radiation sources in the long-wave part of the terahertz range (100-400 GHz) using double-drift impact avalanche and transit-time diodes (IMPATT diodes) are presented. Minimum contour losses and maximum output power of low impedance IMPATT diodes are achieved in the oscillatory system on the open radial transmission feeder. Equivalent circuits of generators are considered, and electrophysical parameters of IMPATT structures are given. Schemes of designs of microwave radiation sources and their main parameters are given.

Design and manufacture of a dual-functional exterior wall structure for 1.1–5 GHz electromagnetic radiation absorption

In order to solve the increasing serious electromagnetic (EM) radiation pollution, this paper presents a dual-functional exterior wall structure for EM radiation protection. The EM wave absorption properties of the exterior wall structure were investigated in 1.1–5 GHz using arch reflecting method, and results indicate that the optimal absorption property with effective bandwidth below −10 dB reaches 3.7 GHz (1.1–4.8 GHz) can be obtained by the combination of periodic structure and multi-layer structure. The destructive interference, dielectric loss of carbon black (CB), and multiple reflection and scattering of expanded perlites (EP) are the main EM wave absorption mechanisms. The absorption peaks of reflection loss curves are caused by destructive interference, and effective bandwidth is determined by the dielectric loss capacity of CB. Moreover, the multiple reflection and scattering of EP particles play a major role in EM wave absorption. It is expected that the devised exterior wall structure has great potentials in EM radiation protection.

The impact of electromagnetic radiation (2.45 GHz, Wi-Fi) on the female reproductive system: The role of vitamin C.

The present study investigated the effects of applied continuous 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation (EMR), which might cause physiopathological or morphological changes in the ovarian, fallopian tubal, and uterine tissues of rats. We proposed that the addition of vitamin C (Vit C) may reduce these severe effects. Eighteen female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups with six animals in each: Sham, EMR (EMR, 1 h/day for 30 days), and EMR + Vit C (EMR, 1 h/day for 30 days 250 mg/kg/daily). Total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels increased ( p = 0.011 and p = 0.002, respectively) in the EMR-only group in ovarian tissues. In all tissues, TOS and OSI levels significantly decreased in the Vit C-treated group in ovarian, fallopian tubal, and uterine tissues ( p < 0.05). Anti-müllerian hormone levels significantly increased in the EMR group ( p < 0.05) and decreased in the Vit C-treated groups. Estrogen (E2) levels were unchanged in the EMR group, as the differences were not statistically significant. Immunohistochemical examination of the ovaries revealed significant increases in Caspase-3 expressions in the epithelial cells of the EMR group ( p < 0.05). In the EMR group, hyperemia was observed in uterine tissues. Also, Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 were significantly increased in the EMR group ( p < 0.001). Caspase-3 was significantly diminished with Vit C application in the ovarian and uterine tissues ( p < 0.05). Caspase-8 was significantly diminished only in uterine tissues ( p < 0.05). These results indicate that prolonged EMR exposure induced physiopathological changes in the ovarian, fallopian tubal, and uterine tissues due to oxidative damage. Under the conditions of this study, Vit C may have protective effects on female reproductive system against oxidative damage.

Selenium supplementation ameliorates electromagnetic field-induced oxidative stress in the HEK293 cells

There is a widespread use of 2.4 GHz electromagnetic radiation emitting devices especially in communication and education. Recent studies show the adverse effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) such as oxidative stress, cellular damage and apoptosis on tissues. Selenium (Se) has an antioxidant properties by inhibiting oxidative damage being within the structure of antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and it has also regulatory function for cell cycle and apoptosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Se on 2.4 GHz frequency EMF exposed human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) by means of alterations in apoptotic and oxidative stress parameters.Our study was planned as control, EMF, 100 nM Se + EMF, 200 nM Se + EMF groups. EMF groups were exposed to 2.4 GHz EMF for 1 h, element groups were incubated with two different doses of Se added cell culture medium for 48 h before EMF exposure.MDA levels were significantly higher whereas SOD and GSH-Px activities were significantly lower in EMF compared to control. 100 and 200 nM Se + EMF application decreased MDA levels, increased SOD and GSH-Px activities than EMF. Apoptosis and caspase-3 were statistically significantly higher but bcl-2 was lower in EMF than control. Apoptosis and caspase-3 were lower in 100 and 200 nM Se + EMF, although bcl-2 were higher than EMF.In conclusion, Se has protective effects against 2.4 GHz EMF-induced oxidative stress by reducing lipid peroxidation, regulating SOD and GSH-Px activity. Also, Se has inhibitory effect on 2.4 GHz EMF induced apoptosis by increasing the expression of anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2 and suppressing apoptosis regulatory protein caspase-3.

The ameliorative effect of gallic acid on pancreas lesions induced by 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation (Wi-Fi) in young rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on the pancreas tissue of young rats and the ameliorative effect of Gallic acid (GA). Six-week-old, 48 male rats were equally divided into four groups: Sham group, EMR group (2.45 GHz), EMR (2.45 GHz)+GA group (30 mg/kg/daily) orally and GA group (30 mg/kg/daily). After 30 days, serum and pancreatic tissue samples were harvested for biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. Serum amylase, lipase, glucose, and tissue malondialdehyde, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index were increased, whereas total antioxidant status decreased in the EMR group. The histopathological examination of the pancreases indicated slight degenerative changes in some pancreatic endocrine and exocrine cells and slight inflammatory cell infiltrations in the EMR group. At the immunohistochemical examination, marked increase was observed in calcitonin gene related protein and Prostaglandin E2 expressions in pancreatic cells in this group. There were no changes in interleukin-6 expirations. GA ameliorated biochemical and pathological findings in the EMR+GA group. These findings clearly demonstrate that EMR can cause degenerative changes in both endocrine and exocrine pancreas cells in rats during the developmental period and GA has an ameliorative effect.

Perfect electromagnetic absorption using graphene and epsilon-near-zero metamaterials

The ability of graphene/polymer heterostructures to absorb GHz electromagnetic radiation was recently evidenced both theoretically and experimentally [Batrakov et al., Sci. Rep. 4, 7191 (2014) and Lobet et al., Nanotechnology 26, 285702 (2015)]. Maximum absorption was shown to depend solely on refractive indices of incident and emergence media once impedance matching conditions are fulfilled. In this paper, analytical models and numerical simulations are performed for both semi-infinite and finite slab substrate. We evidenced that only three graphene layers separated by a dielectric spacer and an epsilon-near-zero metamaterial as emergence medium allow a perfect absorption for normal incidence. The use of lossless epsilon-near-zero metamaterial prevents radiations to go through the device, because of infinite impedance, and forces them to be totally absorbed in the dissipative medium (graphene). The device is proved to be robust regarding angular incidence up to 45 deg for a semi-infinite epsilon-near-zero metamaterial. The proposed strategy is universal and can be applied to any kind of two-dimensional dissipative materials lying on epsilon-near-zero metamaterial. The proposed absorber does not rely on surface patterning or texturing and hence is more appealing for device applications.

Oxidative stress of brain and liver is increased by Wi-Fi (2.45 GHz) exposure of rats during pregnancy and the development of newborns

An excessive production of reactive oxygen substances (ROS) and reduced antioxidant defence systems resulting from electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure may lead to oxidative brain and liver damage and degradation of membranes during pregnancy and development of rat pups. We aimed to investigate the effects of Wi-Fi-induced EMR on the brain and liver antioxidant redox systems in the rat during pregnancy and development.Sixteen pregnant rats and their 48 newborns were equally divided into control and EMR groups. The EMR groups were exposed to 2.45GHz EMR (1h/day for 5 days/week) from pregnancy to 3 weeks of age. Brain cortex and liver samples were taken from the newborns between the first and third weeks. In the EMR groups, lipid peroxidation levels in the brain and liver were increased following EMR exposure; however, the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, and vitamin A, vitamin E and β-carotene concentrations were decreased in the brain and liver. Glutathione (GSH) and vitamin C concentrations in the brain were also lower in the EMR groups than in the controls; however, their concentrations did not change in the liver.In conclusion, Wi-Fi-induced oxidative stress in the brain and liver of developing rats was the result of reduced GSH-Px, GSH and antioxidant vitamin concentrations. Moreover, the brain seemed to be more sensitive to oxidative injury compared to the liver in the development of newborns.