Hazardous effects of electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones on the brain and cochlea of albino rats: role of melatonin and vitamin C

The wide spread of mobile phone communication raises questions about the effects of electromagnetic fields [EMFs] on the human body. The objective of this study was to examine effects of exposure to radio frequency EMFs emitted by mobile phones on the brain and cochlea, and to investigate the role of melatonin and vitamin C on these effects in adult rats. Forty two adult albino rats were randomly grouped into 7 groups [six rats each]. Group I [Negative control], Group II [Sham-operated without exposure to EMR], Group III [rats treated with melatonin], Group IV [rats treated with vitamin C], Group V [Exposed group, rats were exposed to mobile phone radiation, Group VI [Exposed and treated with melatonin] and Group VII [Exposed and treated with Vit C]. Groups V, VI and VII were exposed to mobile phone radiation for 60 min/day, for 30 days using an experimental exposure device. Glutathione [GSH] level and superoxide dismutase enzyme [SOD] activity in brain tissue and blood, gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA] and norepinephrine [NE] levels in the brain tissue and serum corticosterone level were estimated in all examined groups. Histopathological examination of brain tissue and cochleae [organ of Corti] by light microscope was also performed for all groups. The results of the study revealed that exposure to mobile phone radiations induced significant decrease in GSH level and SOD enzyme activity in brain tissue and blood, decrease GABA levels and increase NE levels in brain tissue, and significant increase in serum corticosterone level. Brain tissue of exposed rats revealed small dispersed neurons with dark swollen nuclei in undifferentiated layers of the cerebral cortex, deeply stained swollen nuclei of Purkinje cells and hypocelularity of granular layer with disorganization of molecular layer of cerebellum and degenerated neurons with dark pyknotic and swollen nuclei on both sides the dentate gyrus of hippocampus. Complete destruction of all cells of the organ of Corti and neurons of spiral ganglion was noticed in the exposure group. Co-administration of melatonin or Vit. C throughout the exposure period showed significant increase in the levels of GSH, SOD enzyme activity in brain tissue and blood, increase GABA and decrease in NE levels in brain tissue and significant decrease in serum corticosterone level compared to exposed group. Furthermore, brain and organ of Corti of rats exposed to mobile phone and treated with melatonin showed nearly normal structure. While, co-administration of Vit. C throughout the exposure period showed mild protection of brain tissue and organ of Corti. Mobile phone radiations induced both biologically and histopathologically deleterious effects on the brain tissues and organ of Corti, these effects were ignorantly reversed nearly to normal with co-administration of melatonin, while mild reverse was noticed with co-administration of Vit. C. It is recommended to use antioxidants for mobile phone users especially those who use it for long periods, and to decrease the calls period as much as possible

Toxic interactions between amiodarone and both aspirin and warfarin in adult albino rats

Amiodarone is the drug of choice in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and other forms of tachyarrhythmia. It is usually combined with anticoagulants and antiplatelets. Drug interactions are a common event in medical practice and occur more frequently than is clinically recognized. This study aimed to explore the possible interactions between amiodarone and both aspirin and warfarin. Sixty adult male albino rats were used and divided into 6 groups [n=l0]; control group was given distilled water, aspirin group was given aspirin [7.5 mg/kg/day], warfarin group was given warfarin [0.9 mg/kg/day], amiodarone group was given amiodarone [18 mg/kg/day], amiodarone plus aspirin group was given amiodarone and aspirin in the same previous doses and amiodarone plus warfarin group was given amiodarone and warfarin as previously. All drugs were given orally daily for two weeks. At the end of the experiment, thyroid function represented by serum triiodothyronine [T3] and thyroxine [T4] were measured by radioimmunoassay. In addition serum thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH] by chemiluminescnce [immunoassay]. Serum aspirin, warfarin and amiodarone levels by HPLC method, prothrombin time [PT] and international nornialized ratio [INR] were also determined. Histopathological examination of thyroid glands by light microscope was also performed. The results of the study revealed that amiodarone either alone or combined with aspirin or warfarin increased serum T4 levels and decreased serum T3 and TSH levels. Amiodarone/aspirin combination represented the highest increase in T4.While, amiodarone /warfarin combination represented the marked decrease in serum T3 and TSH levels. Moreover, serum amiodarone level was non significantly increased in amiodarone /aspirin group and highly increased in amiodarone /warfarin group. Serum warfarin level was also increased in amiodarone /warfarin group. Histopathological examination of thyroid glands showed signs of thyrotoxicosis in amiodarone either alone or combined with aspirin or warfarin groups that revealed lymphocyte infiltration, lymphoid follicles, vacuolated colloid and papillary folds of the acinar epithelium. The pathological changes were more severe in amiodarone/warfarin group that showed destructed acini, degenerative changes and fibrosis. Moreover, prothrombin time [PT] and INR were highly increased in amiodarone/ warfarin combination group and slightly increased in aspirin, warfarin, amiodarone and amiodarone/aspirin groups. Amiodarone/warfarin combination led to increase in serum amiodarone level and its thyrotoxic effect. Also this combination led to increase in serum warfarin and augmented its anticoagulant effect to great extent represented by elevated PT and INR. While amiodarone /aspirin combination represented less effect on thyroid gland and PT and INR. It is recommended to asses thyroid function regularly and should be performed at short intervals when amiodarone combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy, in order to detect AM induced hypo- or hyperthyroidism. Also, frequent monitoring of PT and INR with modification of the dose especially of warfarin as controlled by measuring PT and INR