Simultaneous exposure to electromagnetic field from mobile phone and unimpeded fructose drinking during pre-, peri-, and post-pubertal stages perturbs the hypothalamic and hepatic regulation of energy homeostasis by early adulthood: experimental evidence

Abstract

Overview

Modern lifestyles see children and adolescents frequently interacting with mobile phones while consuming a fructose-rich diet, coinciding with an increased incidence of insulin resistance and fatty liver syndrome in young adults. This study explores the biochemical impact of electromagnetic fields (EMF) from mobile phones combined with high fructose intake during key developmental stages in rats.

Study Design

• Focused on the effects of EMF and fructose on hypothalamic and hepatic responses.
• Experiment included four groups: Normal, Exposure Only (EMF), Fructose Only, and Exposure with Fructose (combined treatment).
• Conditions involved normal feeding or fructose-enriched diets with or without EMF exposure for 8 weeks.

Findings

The study found that rats exposed to both EMF and a high-fructose diet displayed several metabolic alterations by early adulthood:

• Increase in calorie intake and weight gain influenced by elevated ghrelin levels.
• Decreased insulin sensitivity and altered lipid profiles, contributing to fatty liver development.
• Both central (hypothalamic) and peripheral (hepatic) disruptions in glucosensing and energy regulation.

Conclusion

Concurrent exposure to EMF from mobile phones and unrestricted fructose consumption significantly impairs critical pathways regulating glucose sensing, glucoregulation, and satiety in developing rats, suggesting potential risks that may translate into health issues such as insulin resistance and fatty liver in humans.