Cell phone radiation effects on cytogenetic abnormalities of oral mucosal cells

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to cell phone electromagnetic radiation on the frequency of micronuclei, broken eggs cells, binucleated cells, and karyorrhexis in epithelial cells of the oral mucosa. The sample was composed of 60 cell phone users, who were non-smokers and non-drinkers, and had no clinically visible oral lesions. Cells were obtained from anatomical sites with the highest incidence of oral cancer: lower lip, border of the tongue, and floor of the mouth. The Feulgen reaction was used for quantification of nuclear anomalies in 1,000 cells/slide. A slightly increase in the number of micronucleated cells in the lower lip and in binucleated cells on the floor of the mouth was observed in individuals who used their phones > 60 minutes/week. The analysis also revealed an increased number of broken eggs in the tongue of individuals owning a cell phone for over eight years. Results suggest that exposure to electromagnetic waves emitted by cell phones can increase nuclear abnormalities in individuals who use a cell phone for more than 60 minutes per week and for over eight years. Based on the present findings, we suggest that exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones may interfere with the development of metanuclear anomalies. Therefore, it is demonstrated that, despite a significant increase in these anomalies, the radiation emitted by cell phones among frequent users is within acceptable physiological limits.

Effect of ionizing radiation on rat parotid gland

A common side effect of radiotherapy used in the treatment of oral cancer is the occurrence of structural and physiological alterations of the salivary glands due to exposure to ionizing radiation, as demonstrated by conditions such as decreased salivary flow. The present study evaluated ultrastructural alterations in the parotid glands of rats receiving a fractionated dose (1,500-cGy) of radiation emitted by a Cesium-137 source and rats that were not subjected to ionizing radiation. After sacrifice, the parotid glands were removed and examined by transmission electron microscopy. Damage such as cytoplasmic vacuolization, dilatation of the endoplasmic reticulum and destruction of mitochondria, as well as damage to the cellular membrane of acinar cells, were observed. These findings lead to the conclusion that ionizing radiation promotes alterations in the glandular parenchyma, and that these alterations are directly related to the dose level of absorbed radiation. Certain phenomena that appear in the cytoplasm and nuclear material indicate that ionizing radiation causes acinar cell death (apoptosis).

Um efeito colateral comum da radioterapia usada no tratamento de câncer na cavidade oral é a ocorrência de alterações estruturais e fisiológicas sobre as glândulas salivares por exposição à radiação ionizante, como demonstrada em situações com decréscimo do fluxo salivar. O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar as alterações ultra-estruturais de glândulas parótidas de ratos que receberam uma dose fracionada (1500 - cGy) de radiação emitida por uma fonte de Césio 137 e ratos que não receberam a radiação ionizante. Após o sacrifício, as glândulas parótidas foram removidas e examinadas por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Lesões das organelas citoplasmáticas, como dilatação do retículo endoplasmático, destruição das mitocôndrias e formação das vacuolizações citoplasmáticas, além de lesão da membrana celular das células acinares foram observadas. Portanto, a radiação ionizante promove alterações no parênquima glandular, o que está diretamente relacionado com a dose de radiação absorvida. Determinados fenômenos que surgem no citoplasma e material nuclear são indicadores de que a radiação ionizante leva a célula acinar a morte programada (apoptose).

Ultrastructural effects of two phthalocyanines in CHO-K1 and HeLa cells after laser irradiation

The effects of Photodynamic Therapy using 2nd generation photosensitizers have been widely investigated aiming clinical application treatment of solid neoplasms. In this work, ultrastructure changes caused by the action of two 2nd generation photosensitizers and laser irradiation on CHO-K1 and HeLa (neoplastic) cells were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Aluminum phthalocyanine chloride, aluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate chloride and radiation from a semiconductor laser at a fluency of 0.5 J/cm2 (Power=26 mW; lambda=.670 nm) were used. The results showed induction of apoptosis. Such alterations where observed in HeLa but not in CHO-K1 cells after Aluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate chloride (AlPcS4, photodynamic treatment. The Aluminum phthalocyanine chloride (AlPc) photodynamic treatment induced necrosis on the neoplastic cell line, and cytoplasm and nuclear alterations on the normal cell line.