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Oxidative Stress

The effect of melatonin on the liver of rats exposed to microwave radiation

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Djordjevic B, Sokolovic D, Kocic G, Veljkovic A, Despotovic M, Basic J, Jevtovic-Stoimenov T, Sokolovic DM. · 2015

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Microwave radiation at cell phone frequencies caused measurable liver damage in rats, with antioxidants providing only partial protection.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed rats to cell phone-frequency radiation (900 MHz) for 4 hours daily and found significant liver damage after 20-60 days, including increased oxidative stress and cellular damage. Melatonin supplements provided only partial protection, suggesting microwave radiation harms liver tissue through multiple pathways.

Why This Matters

This study adds to growing evidence that radiofrequency radiation affects organs beyond the brain, demonstrating measurable liver damage at exposure levels comparable to prolonged cell phone use. The 900 MHz frequency and power levels used mirror real-world wireless exposures, making these findings particularly relevant for understanding cumulative health effects from our wireless devices. What's especially noteworthy is that even melatonin, a powerful antioxidant, could only partially protect against the oxidative damage. The science demonstrates that EMF exposure triggers multiple pathways of cellular harm simultaneously, which explains why simple antioxidant approaches may not provide complete protection. You don't have to eliminate all wireless technology, but this research reinforces why reducing unnecessary exposures and taking breaks from devices makes biological sense.

Exposure Details

Magnetic Field
0.1 - 0.3 mG
Electric Field
54-160 V/m
Source/Device
900 MHz
Exposure Duration
4h a day, for 20, 40 and 60 days

Exposure Context

This study used 0.1 - 0.3 mG for magnetic fields:

This study used 54-160 V/m for electric fields:

Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.

Where This Falls on the Concern Scale

Study Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 0.1 - 0.3 mGExtreme Concern - 5 mGFCC Limit - 2,000 mGEffects observed in the No Concern rangeFCC limit is 20,000x higher than this level
A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 900 MHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 900 MHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

We aimed to clarify if melatonin treatment (2 mg/kg i.p.) may favorably impact the liver tissue in rats exposed to microwave radiation.

The experiment was performed on 84 six-weeks-old Wistar male rats exposed for 4h a day, for 20, 40 a...

Exposure to microwaves caused an increase in malondialdehyde after 40 (p < 0.01), protein carbonyl c...

Melatonin exerts certain antioxidant effects in the liver of rats exposed to microwaves, by diminishing the intensity of lipid peroxidation.

Cite This Study
Djordjevic B, Sokolovic D, Kocic G, Veljkovic A, Despotovic M, Basic J, Jevtovic-Stoimenov T, Sokolovic DM. (2015). The effect of melatonin on the liver of rats exposed to microwave radiation Bratisl Lek Listy. 116(2):96-100, 2015.
Show BibTeX
@article{b_2015_the_effect_of_melatonin_521,
  author = {Djordjevic B and Sokolovic D and Kocic G and Veljkovic A and Despotovic M and Basic J and Jevtovic-Stoimenov T and Sokolovic DM.},
  title = {The effect of melatonin on the liver of rats exposed to microwave radiation},
  year = {2015},
  
  url = {https://europepmc.org/article/med/25665474},
}
PubMed: 25665474

Cited By (14 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Research shows cell phone radiation can harm liver tissue. A 2015 study found that 900 MHz radiation exposure for 4 hours daily caused significant liver damage in rats after 20-60 days, including increased oxidative stress and cellular damage markers.
Yes, 900 MHz radiation appears harmful to liver health. Researchers found this frequency caused increased oxidative stress, protein damage, and cellular breakdown in rat livers after extended daily exposure, suggesting potential liver toxicity from microwave radiation.
Microwave radiation does impact liver function negatively. A controlled study demonstrated that daily exposure to cell phone frequencies increased harmful enzymes and oxidative damage markers in liver tissue, indicating compromised liver cellular processes and health.
Phone radiation poses oxidative stress risks to liver tissue. Research found daily exposure increased malondialdehyde levels, protein carbonyl content, and enzyme activity associated with cellular damage, suggesting chronic exposure may compromise liver health over time.
EMF exposure significantly increases liver oxidative stress. Studies show microwave radiation elevates harmful compounds like malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls while boosting oxidative enzymes, creating an imbalanced cellular environment that can damage liver tissue and function.