Rat brain and testicular tissue effects of radiofrequency radiation exposure: Histopathological, DNA damage of brain and qRT-PCR analysis

Abstract

Overview

We evaluate the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) on rat brain and testicular tissue using histopathology, comet assay, and real-time quantitative PCR techniques.

Materials and Methods

• Fourteen rats were divided into two groups: sham-control and exposure (n = 7 each).
• The exposure group (2100 MHz, SAR: 163 mW/kg for testicular tissue, 292 mW/kg for brain tissue) underwent five hours of exposure daily for 14 days.
• Assessments were performed on tissue gene expression, histopathology, and DNA damage in brain tissue.

Findings

• Histological examination of exposed rat brains showed vascular alterations and notable edema (p < 0.05).
• RF radiation exposure resulted in significantly more cellular damage in brain tissue (18.26% tail DNA) compared to controls (4.06% tail DNA).
• Testicular tissue from the exposed group showed significant deterioration in spermatogenic cells (p < 0.05).
• Gene expression analysis revealed significant mRNA level differences for Bax and bcl-2 genes (p < 0.05), while p53 genes did not change significantly (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that RF-EMF exposure can cause considerable histopathological and cellular damage in brain and testis tissues, highlighting a link between electromagnetic field exposure and adverse health effects.