Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields from Mobile Phones and Fructose Consumption Coalesce to Perturb Metabolic Regulators AMPK/SIRT1-UCP2/FOXO1 in Growing Rats

Abstract

Overview

The study explores the combined impact of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from mobile phones and fructose consumption on key metabolic regulators in growing rats. This research aims to explain the molecular mechanisms leading to insulin resistance.

Methods

• Weaned Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Normal, Exposure Only, Fructose Only, and Exposure and Fructose.
• All groups received standard lab chow.
• Control and treatment specifics included access to water, fructose solution, and EMFs based on the group.
• Mitochondrial function, insulin receptor signaling, and oxidative stress were evaluated using western blotting and biochemical analyses.

Findings

In the hypothalamic and hepatic tissues of the Exposure and Fructose group, significant decreases in molecular expressions related to the AMPK/SIRT1-UCP2/FOXO1 pathway were observed when compared with other groups. This highlights impaired insulin receptor signaling and antioxidant defenses.

Conclusion

The data suggests that concurrent exposure to EMF and high fructose during early life stages adversely affects metabolic signaling pathways in the liver and hypothalamus of Wistar rats, underpinning insulin resistance and reduced cellular resilience against oxidative stress.