Hippocampal ferroptosis is involved in learning & memory impairment in rats induced by microwave & electromagnetic pulse combined exposure

Authors: Lai Y, Wang H, Xu X, Dong J, Song Y, Zhao H, Wu Y, Zhao L, Wang H, Zhang J, Yao B, Zou Y, Zhou H, Peng R

Year: 2023 Jun 22

Category: Environmental Science

Journal: Environmental Science Pollution Research International

DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28280-8

URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-023-28280-8

Abstract

Study Overview

This paper investigates the effects of combined exposure to microwave (MW) and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) radiation on rat learning and memory functions, while also exploring the involvement of ferroptosis in the hippocampus.

Methodology & Findings

  • Rats were exposed to EMP, MW, or both in combined settings to test their bioeffects on learning, memory, and brain electrophysiology.
  • Exposure resulted in impaired learning and memory, changes in brain electrophysiological activity, and damage to hippocampal neurons.
  • Key markers of ferroptosis were altered, showing increases in iron, lipid peroxidation levels, and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) mRNA, paired with a decline in glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) protein.

Conclusion

The study concludes that combined MW and EMP exposure intensifies the adverse effects more than single exposures potentially due to cumulative effects. Importantly, ferroptosis might be a significant underlying mechanism in the observed impairment of learning and memory due to electromagnetic field exposure.

ferroptosis microwave radiation electromagnetic pulse hippocampal damage learning impairment memory impairment environmental pollutant
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