Effect of acute exposure of microwave radiation on some liver and testicular functions of male albino rats: protective role of propolis and zinc therapy

ABSTRACT

This present study was conducted to investigate some adverse effects due to microwave exposure as well as investigating the possible effects of acute exposure to radiation on liver and testicular tissues, antioxidant enzymes as superoxide dismutase and toxic free radical lipid peroxide that results from stress oxidative tissue damage as well as the effect of microwaves on some trace elements that act as metalloenzyme as zinc and copper. In this work, four groups of adult male albino rats were used. The first act as a control group, the second group was exposed to microwaves radiation 3 hr/day for seven days consecutively at a dose of 170mw/cm2.sec. and frequency of 2.06 GHz [acute exposure]. The third group was exposed to microwave radiations like the second group in addition to concomitant administration to propolis [10mg/kg b. wt. oral for 7 days] and the fourth group was exposed to microwave radiation like the second group in addition to concomitant administration to oral zinc sulphate [3.14 mg/kg b. wt. oral for 7 days]. After the last exposure, rats were treated with pentobarbital sodium and blood samples were taken by heart puncture for determination of alkaline phosphatase [ALP], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone [FSH]. After blood collection, the animals were decapitated by cervical dislocation, testes and liver were histopathologically observed. Oxidative stress was examined by determination of lipid peroxidation [MDA] and measurement of Cu/Zn ratio