Lipoic acid inhibits cognitive impairment induced by multiple cell phones in young male rats: role of Sirt1 and Atg7 pathway

Abstract

Overview

The rapid growth of digital technology and the widespread use of cell phones have introduced electromagnetic fields (EMF) as a significant new source of pollution, particularly affecting brain functions. Research on chronic EMF exposure and its cognitive effects remains scarce, leading to this study's focus on lipoic acid's potential protective effects on cognition.

Methodology

This research involved forty young male Wistar rats divided into three groups: controls, multiple cell phones-exposed, and lipoic acid-treated rats. Cognitive functions were assessed using the Morris water maze test. Serum and hippocampal tissues were collected for biochemical and gene expression analyses.

Findings

• Exposure to multiple cell phones led to a quicker acquisition of the task in rats, but impaired long-term memory consolidation.
• Significant biochemical changes included elevated levels of hippocampal Ach, glutamate, and MDA, and altered expression of the Sirt1 and Atg7 genes.
• Lipoic acid treatment resulted in improved learning and memory, evidenced by changes in the levels of hippocampal markers and gene expression.

Conclusion

Exposure to EMF from cell phones can enhance learning ability but may interfere with memory consolidation. Treatment with lipoic acid shows promise in countering these effects by modulating hippocampal biochemistry and gene expression related to autophagy.