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Oxidative Stress233 citations

Oxidative damage in the kidney induced by 900-MHz-emitted mobile phone: protection by melatonin.

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Oktem F, Ozguner F, Mollaoglu H, Koyu A, Uz E · 2005

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Cell phone radiation caused measurable kidney damage in rats through oxidative stress, but melatonin supplementation prevented these effects.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed rats to 900-MHz cell phone radiation for 30 minutes daily over 10 days and found significant kidney damage through oxidative stress (cellular damage from harmful molecules called free radicals). The study showed increased markers of kidney damage and reduced antioxidant defenses, but when rats were given melatonin before exposure, these harmful effects were largely prevented.

Why This Matters

This study adds to the growing body of evidence that radiofrequency radiation from mobile phones can cause oxidative damage to organs beyond the brain. What makes this research particularly relevant is that many people carry their phones on their belts or in pockets near the kidney area, potentially exposing these organs to concentrated RF energy. The 900-MHz frequency used matches older GSM networks, though modern phones operate across multiple frequency bands. The finding that melatonin provided protection suggests the damage occurs through oxidative stress pathways, which aligns with other research showing similar mechanisms in various tissues. While this was an animal study with relatively short exposure periods, it demonstrates measurable biological effects at the cellular level that warrant attention given our constant proximity to these devices.

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 Duration: 30 min/day for 10 days

Study Details

The aim of this study was to examine 900-MHz mobile phone-induced oxidative stress that promotes production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on renal tubular damage and the role of melatonin on kidney tissue against possible oxidative damage in rats.

The animals were randomly grouped as follows: 1) sham-operated control group and 2) study groups: i)...

In the EMR-exposed group, while tissue MDA and urine NAG levels increased, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px acti...

These results show that melatonin may exhibit a protective effect on mobile phone-induced renal impairment in rats.

Cite This Study
Oktem F, Ozguner F, Mollaoglu H, Koyu A, Uz E (2005). Oxidative damage in the kidney induced by 900-MHz-emitted mobile phone: protection by melatonin. Arch Med Res.36(4):350-355, 2005.
Show BibTeX
@article{f_2005_oxidative_damage_in_the_2484,
  author = {Oktem F and Ozguner F and Mollaoglu H and Koyu A and Uz E},
  title = {Oxidative damage in the kidney induced by 900-MHz-emitted mobile phone: protection by melatonin.},
  year = {2005},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15950073/},
}
PubMed: 15950073

Cited By (233 papers)

View all 233 citing papers on Semantic Scholar

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, a 2005 study found that 30 minutes of daily 900 MHz cell phone radiation for 10 days caused significant kidney damage in rats through oxidative stress. The radiation increased harmful molecules and reduced protective antioxidant enzymes in kidney tissue.
Yes, melatonin provided strong protection against 900 MHz cell phone radiation kidney damage in rats. When given melatonin before radiation exposure, the harmful effects on kidney tissue and antioxidant systems were largely prevented or reversed.
Just 10 days of 30-minute daily 900 MHz radiation exposure caused measurable kidney oxidative stress in rats. The study showed increased tissue damage markers and decreased protective antioxidant enzyme activity within this short timeframe.
900 MHz radiation significantly reduced three key kidney antioxidant enzymes: SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), and GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase). These enzymes normally protect cells from oxidative damage but were weakened by radiation exposure.
Research suggests yes - just 30 minutes of daily 900 MHz radiation exposure increased kidney free radical damage in rats. The study found elevated MDA levels, indicating harmful oxidative stress that could potentially damage kidney tissue over time.