Investigation of the neuroprotective effects of thymoquinone on rat spinal cord exposed to 900 MHz electromagnetic field

Authors: Yahyazadeh A, Altunkaynak BZ

Year: 2019 Oct

Category: Neuroscience

Journal: J Chem Neuroanat

Institution: J Chem Neuroanat

DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2019.101657

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31228532

Abstract

Overview

Concerns about serious health problems have escalated due to long-term exposure to electromagnetic fields from cell phone usage. This study examines the impact of electromagnetic field radiation and the potential protective effects of thymoquinone on rat spinal cords.

Methodology

Twenty-four adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: control, electromagnetic field, thymoquinone, and electromagnetic field + thymoquinone. These rats were exposed to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field for 60 minutes per day over 28 days.

Findings

Electromagnetic exposure significantly reduced the number of motor neurons compared to the control.
An increase in superoxide dismutase levels was observed in the electromagnetic field group versus the control group.
The combination of thymoquinone and electromagnetic field exposure showed a protective effect, with an increase in motor neurons and a decrease in superoxide dismutase activity compared to just electromagnetic field exposure.
Notable architectural changes in spinal cord tissue were observed through histological analysis due to electromagnetic field radiation.

Conclusion

Results suggest that electromagnetic field radiation can induce significant morphological and biochemical damage to the spinal cord. However, administration of the antioxidant thymoquinone appears to mitigate some of these damaging effects, offering a degree of neuroprotection against electromagnetic field-induced injuries.

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