The protective effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine and Epigallocatechin-3-gallate on electric field-induced hepatic oxidative stress

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effects of 12 kV/m electric (E) field sourced by power lines on oxidative and nitrosative stress, and antioxidant status. Furthermore, the study aimed to examine the protective effects of N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) in the liver tissues of guinea pigs against the possible detriments of electromagnetic field exposure.

Materials and methods: Guinea pigs were exposed to 50 Hz 12 kV/m E-field. NAC and EGCG were administerated intraperitoneally. Malonedialdehyde (MDA), a product of lipid peroxidation (LPO), and nitric oxide derivatives (nitrate (NO₃), nitrite (NO₂), total level of nitric oxide (NO_x) were estimated as biomarkers of oxidative and nitrosative stress, respectively. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were evaluated as endogenous antioxidant enzymes in liver tissues of the guinea pigs.

Results: The results of our study indicated a significant increase in the levels of oxidant products (MDA, NO₃, NO₂, NO_x), and a significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme (SOD, GSH-Px and MPO) activities. We also found that the individual or plus application of NAC and EGCG resulted in the reduction of oxidative stress prior to E field application.

Conclusion: To conclude, extremely low frequency (ELF) electric field has potential harmful effects on the living organisms by enhancing the free radical production. NAC and EGCG might have hepatoprotective effects in ELF-E field induced oxidative and nitrosative stress.

Keywords:

• Electric field
• N-acetyl-L-cysteine
• Epigallocatechin-gallate
• oxidant
• antioxidant