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Changes in antioxidant capacity of blood due to mutual action of electromagnetic field (1800 MHz) and opioid drug (tramadol) in animal model of persistent inflammatory state

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Bodera P, Stankiewicz W, Zawada K, Antkowiak B, Paluch M, Kieliszek J, Kalicki B, Bartosiński A, Wawer I · 2013

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Cell phone frequency radiation reduced blood antioxidant defenses in just 15 minutes, with effects worsened by common pain medication.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed rats to cell phone radiation (1800 MHz) for 15 minutes and found it significantly reduced the blood's ability to fight harmful free radicals. This antioxidant damage occurred in both healthy and inflamed animals, suggesting cell phone radiation may weaken natural cellular defenses.

Why This Matters

This study adds to mounting evidence that radiofrequency radiation at cell phone frequencies can disrupt fundamental biological processes, specifically our antioxidant defense systems. The 1800 MHz frequency used here is identical to what GSM phones emit, making these findings directly relevant to everyday exposure. What makes this research particularly concerning is that the effects occurred after just 15 minutes of exposure, and the combination with tramadol (a common pain medication) appeared to worsen the impact. The science demonstrates that EMF exposure doesn't occur in isolation - it interacts with other factors like medications and existing health conditions, potentially amplifying harmful effects. This research underscores why we need to take EMF exposure seriously, especially for people managing chronic conditions or taking medications.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 1.80 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 1.80 GHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 1800 MHz Duration: 15 min

Study Details

The aim of this study is to observe Changes in antioxidant capacity of blood due to mutual action of electromagnetic field (1800 MHz) and opioid drug (tramadol) in animal model of persistent inflammatory state

Experiments were performed in healthy rats and in rats with persistent inflammatory state induced by...

Our study revealed that single EMF exposure in 1800 MHz frequency significantly reduced antioxidant ...

The aim of the study was to examine the possible, parallel/combined effects of electromagnetic radiation, artificially induced inflammation and a centrally-acting synthetic opioid analgesic drug, tramadol, (used in the treatment of severe pain) on the antioxidant capacity of blood of rats. The antioxidant capacity of blood of healthy rats was higher than that of rats which received only tramadol and were exposed to electromagnetic fields.

Cite This Study
Bodera P, Stankiewicz W, Zawada K, Antkowiak B, Paluch M, Kieliszek J, Kalicki B, Bartosiński A, Wawer I (2013). Changes in antioxidant capacity of blood due to mutual action of electromagnetic field (1800 MHz) and opioid drug (tramadol) in animal model of persistent inflammatory state Pharmacol Rep. 65(2):421-428, 2013.
Show BibTeX
@article{p_2013_changes_in_antioxidant_capacity_1619,
  author = {Bodera P and Stankiewicz W and Zawada K and Antkowiak B and Paluch M and Kieliszek J and Kalicki B and Bartosiński A and Wawer I},
  title = {Changes in antioxidant capacity of blood due to mutual action of electromagnetic field (1800 MHz) and opioid drug (tramadol) in animal model of persistent inflammatory state},
  year = {2013},
  
  url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S173411401371017X},
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, a 2013 study found that just 15 minutes of exposure to 1800 MHz cell phone radiation significantly reduced the blood's antioxidant capacity in rats. This reduction occurred in both healthy animals and those with inflammation, suggesting brief exposures can weaken natural cellular defenses against harmful free radicals.
Research shows tramadol appears to interact with 1800 MHz electromagnetic field exposure in a synergistic way. A 2013 study found that rats given tramadol and exposed to cell phone radiation had different antioxidant responses compared to those receiving either treatment alone, suggesting potential drug-EMF interactions.
No, 1800 MHz radiation reduced antioxidant capacity equally in both healthy rats and those with paw inflammation. The 2013 study found that electromagnetic field exposure caused similar antioxidant damage regardless of whether animals had existing inflammatory conditions, suggesting universal cellular vulnerability.
Cell phone radiation at 1800 MHz can damage antioxidant systems in just 15 minutes of exposure. The 2013 research demonstrated that even this brief exposure significantly reduced the blood's ability to neutralize harmful free radicals, indicating rapid cellular effects from radiofrequency radiation.
Researchers tested 1800 MHz frequency, commonly used in GSM cell phone networks. The study specifically examined this frequency's impact on blood antioxidant capacity and found significant reductions after just 15 minutes of exposure, providing evidence for biological effects at cellular phone operating frequencies.