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A novel antioxidant agent caffeic acid phenethyl ester prevents long-term mobile phone exposure-induced renal impairment in rat. Prognostic value of malondialdehyde, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase and nitric oxide determination.

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Ozguner F, Oktem F, Ayata A, Koyu A, Yilmaz HR. · 2005

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Mobile phone radiation at 900 MHz caused measurable kidney damage in rats through oxidative stress mechanisms.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed rats to 900 MHz mobile phone radiation (the same frequency used by many cell phones) and found it caused significant kidney damage through oxidative stress - essentially, the radiation generated harmful molecules that damaged kidney tissue and reduced the kidneys' natural antioxidant defenses. When the researchers treated another group of rats with an antioxidant compound, it prevented most of this kidney damage, suggesting that cell phone radiation harms organs by overwhelming the body's ability to neutralize harmful free radicals.

Why This Matters

This study adds to mounting evidence that radiofrequency radiation affects organs beyond the brain, demonstrating measurable kidney damage at the cellular level. The 900 MHz frequency tested here is identical to what GSM mobile phones emit, making these findings directly relevant to everyday cell phone use. What's particularly significant is that the researchers identified the biological mechanism behind the damage - oxidative stress that overwhelms the body's natural antioxidant systems. The fact that antioxidant treatment prevented most of the damage suggests our bodies can defend against EMF-induced harm, but only to a point. This research supports the growing scientific consensus that EMF exposure triggers oxidative stress throughout the body, not just in tissues closest to the radiation source.

Exposure Information

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

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 900 MHz

Study Details

The aim of this study was to examine long-term applied 900 MHz emitting mobile phone-induced oxidative stress that promotes production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, was to investigate the role of CAPE on kidney tissue against the possible electromagnetic radiation (EMR)-induced renal impairment in rats.

Malondialdehyde (MDA, an index of lipid peroxidation) levels, urinary N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (...

In the EMR exposed group, while tissue MDA, NO levels and urinary NAG levels increased (p < 0.0001),...

In conclusion, the increase in NO and MDA levels of renal tissue, and in urinary NAG with the decrease in renal SOD, CAT, GSH-Px activities demonstrate the role of oxidative mechanisms in 900 MHz mobile phone-induced renal tissue damage, and CAPE, via its free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties, ameliorates oxidative renal damage. These results strongly suggest that CAPE exhibits a protective effect on mobile phone-induced and free radical mediated oxidative renal impairment in rats.

Cite This Study
Ozguner F, Oktem F, Ayata A, Koyu A, Yilmaz HR. (2005). A novel antioxidant agent caffeic acid phenethyl ester prevents long-term mobile phone exposure-induced renal impairment in rat. Prognostic value of malondialdehyde, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase and nitric oxide determination. Mol Cell Biochem. 277(1-2):73-80, 2005.
Show BibTeX
@article{f_2005_a_novel_antioxidant_agent_1690,
  author = {Ozguner F and Oktem F and Ayata A and Koyu A and Yilmaz HR.},
  title = {A novel antioxidant agent caffeic acid phenethyl ester prevents long-term mobile phone exposure-induced renal impairment in rat. Prognostic value of malondialdehyde, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase and nitric oxide determination.},
  year = {2005},
  doi = {10.1007/s11010-005-5074-9},
  url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11010-005-5074-9},
}
DOI: 10.1007/s11010-005-5074-9

Cited By (86 papers)

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Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, a 2005 study found that 900 MHz mobile phone radiation caused significant kidney damage in rats through oxidative stress. The radiation increased harmful molecules and reduced the kidneys' natural antioxidant defenses, demonstrating cellular damage at the frequency many cell phones use.
Research shows that caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a powerful antioxidant, prevented most kidney damage caused by 900 MHz mobile phone radiation in rats. This suggests antioxidant supplements may help protect organs from cell phone radiation-induced oxidative stress.
Studies found that 900 MHz mobile phone radiation significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide levels, and urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) in rat kidneys. These markers indicate oxidative damage and reduced kidney function from radiation exposure.
Mobile phone radiation at 900 MHz significantly reduced three key antioxidant enzymes in rat kidney tissue: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). This reduction weakens the kidney's natural defense against harmful free radicals.
Yes, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) treatment completely reversed the oxidative kidney damage caused by 900 MHz mobile phone radiation in rats. CAPE restored normal antioxidant enzyme levels and reduced harmful oxidative stress markers back to baseline levels.