Synergistic Effects of 2600 MHz Radiofrequency Exposure and Indomethacin on Oxidative Stress and Gastric Mucosal Injury in Rats

Authors: Oruç S, Aral BS, Eraslan E, et al.

Year: 2025

Category: Toxicology

Journal: Bratislava Medical Journal

DOI: 10.1007/s44411-025-00382-4

URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44411-025-00382-4

Abstract

Overview

With the widespread use of mobile technologies and NSAIDs, there is increasing concern about their combined impact on gastric health. This research investigates the synergistic effects of 2600 MHz radiofrequency field (RFF) exposure together with indomethacin (IND), a commonly used NSAID, in rats, focusing on oxidative stress and gastric mucosal injury.

Materials and Methods

  • Forty male Wistar albino rats divided into five groups: control, sham, IND, RFF, and IND + RFF.
  • Exposure protocol: 2600 MHz RFF (1 hr/day, 5 days/week for 15 days) and/or IND (4 mg/kg, intragastric gavage).
  • Gastric tissues were assessed biochemically for oxidative markers (TOS, OSI, MDA, GSSG), antioxidant markers (TAC, SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx), histologically for tissue injury, and immunohistochemically for HSP70 and apoptosis.

Findings

  • Both IND and RFF alone significantly increased oxidative stress markers and lowered antioxidant levels in gastric tissues (p < 0.001).
  • Combined IND + RFF exposure resulted in significantly greater gastric injury, including increased HSP70 expression and higher apoptotic cell counts compared to separate exposures (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Co-exposure to 2600 MHz RFF and IND greatly intensified oxidative stress, apoptosis, and gastric mucosal injury in rats. The findings indicate a synergistic detrimental effect, where combined exposure causes more severe gastric tissue damage than either factor alone. This highlights a connection between electromagnetic fields and amplified health risks when combined with common pharmaceuticals.

radiofrequency oxidative stress gastric injury indomethacin NSAIDs apoptosis electromagnetic fields
← Back to Stats