Combined Effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields and X-Ray in Renal Tissue and Function.

Abstract

PURPOSE: Biochemical and histopathological properties of renal tissues were reported to be affected by both radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and ionizing radiation. The radiation-induced changes in the kidney, including the serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr), could lead to adverse health outcomes such as chronic kidney disease. These complications signify the importance of the research in this field. Thus, in this study, the effects of ionizing and non-ionizing radiations, as well as their combination, were assessed by evaluating the alteration in BUN, Cr, and histopathological changes in kidney tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups and were exposed to either 900/1800MHz (mobile phone) or 2.4 GHz RF-EMF (Wi-Fi) radiation for 14 days, 8Gy x-ray, or their combination. Sera were collected from 2 mL of rat blood, then BUN and Cr levels were determined. Also, renal samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and evaluated histopathologically. RESULTS: Both BUN and Cr levels raised non-significantly after exposure to 8 Gy x-rays. Moreover, all measurements in the samples of x-ray groups were in borderline or higher than normal values. The BUN levels of control, Wi-Fi, x-ray, and Wi-Fi+x-ray groups were not significantly different. However, Cr levels in the Wi-Fi group were significantly higher than those of the controls, and BUN to Cr ratio levels were significantly lower than those of the controls. Also, tubular atrophy and vessel wall thickening were associated with these exposures. CONCLUSION: Exposure to 900/1800MHz, 2400 MHz EMF can alter the kidney function. However, pre-exposure to 900/1800MHz EMF could modulate the acute adverse effects of lethal x-ray dose, which addresses the adaptive response in the kidney.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In rats, creatinine levels in the Wi‑Fi group were significantly higher than controls and the BUN/Cr ratio was significantly lower than controls; BUN levels among control, Wi‑Fi, x‑ray, and Wi‑Fi+x‑ray groups were not significantly different. X‑ray exposure (8 Gy) produced non-significant increases in BUN and creatinine with measurements described as borderline or higher than normal, and tubular atrophy and vessel wall thickening were associated with exposures. The authors conclude RF-EMF can alter kidney function and suggest pre-exposure to 900/1800 MHz EMF could modulate acute adverse effects of a lethal x-ray dose (adaptive response).

Outcomes measured

• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• Creatinine (Cr)
• BUN/Cr ratio
• Renal histopathology (hematoxylin and eosin staining; tubular atrophy; vessel wall thickening)

Limitations

• No SAR or detailed dosimetry reported in the abstract
• Statistical significance is not reported for all comparisons and histopathology findings are described qualitatively in the abstract
• Animal study; generalizability to humans is not addressed in the abstract

Suggested hubs

• school-wi-fi (0.55)
  Includes 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi RF-EMF exposure (animal study).

{
    "study_type": "animal",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "mobile phone; wi-fi; x-ray (ionizing radiation)",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "14 days (RF-EMF exposure); 8 Gy x-ray"
    },
    "population": "Male Wistar rats",
    "sample_size": 96,
    "outcomes": [
        "Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)",
        "Creatinine (Cr)",
        "BUN/Cr ratio",
        "Renal histopathology (hematoxylin and eosin staining; tubular atrophy; vessel wall thickening)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In rats, creatinine levels in the Wi‑Fi group were significantly higher than controls and the BUN/Cr ratio was significantly lower than controls; BUN levels among control, Wi‑Fi, x‑ray, and Wi‑Fi+x‑ray groups were not significantly different. X‑ray exposure (8 Gy) produced non-significant increases in BUN and creatinine with measurements described as borderline or higher than normal, and tubular atrophy and vessel wall thickening were associated with exposures. The authors conclude RF-EMF can alter kidney function and suggest pre-exposure to 900/1800 MHz EMF could modulate acute adverse effects of a lethal x-ray dose (adaptive response).",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "No SAR or detailed dosimetry reported in the abstract",
        "Statistical significance is not reported for all comparisons and histopathology findings are described qualitatively in the abstract",
        "Animal study; generalizability to humans is not addressed in the abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "radiofrequency electromagnetic fields",
        "RF-EMF",
        "mobile phone",
        "Wi-Fi",
        "2.4 GHz",
        "900 MHz",
        "1800 MHz",
        "x-ray",
        "ionizing radiation",
        "kidney",
        "renal function",
        "BUN",
        "creatinine",
        "histopathology",
        "Wistar rats",
        "adaptive response"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "school-wi-fi",
            "weight": 0.5500000000000000444089209850062616169452667236328125,
            "reason": "Includes 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi RF-EMF exposure (animal study)."
        }
    ]
}

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