The protective role of 5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone against the harmful effects of 50 Hz electric field in rat lung tissue

ABSTRACT

There is strong scientific evidence that the electric field is harmful to life. Exposure to an electric field (EF) can cause lung toxicity and respiratory disorders. In addition, the electric field has been shown to cause tissue damage through inflammation and apoptosis. Juglone (JUG) is one of the powerful antioxidants with anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory, various pharmacological properties in the biological system. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of JUG against the potential adverse effects of electric field on the lung. Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups; control group (Cont), EF group, and EF exposure+JUG-treated group (EJUG). After routine histological procedures, sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) showed significant changes in lung tissues in the EF group compared to the Cont group. Significant protective effects were observed in the building volumes and histopathology in the EJUG group. Our immunohistochemical and gene expression results increased the expression of caspase-3 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the EF group (p < 0.05). Juglon increased cytokine signal suppressor (SOCS) expression (p < 0.001). These findings were consistent with the antioxidant effect of JUG treatment. We reasoned that exposure to EF damaged rat lung tissues and administration of JUG alleviated the complications caused by 50 Hz EF.

Plain Language Summary

Depending on technological developments, the use of electric devices and equipment is increasing day by day. During the transmission and use of electrical energy, electric and magnetic fields occurs. This forces can affect the environment and people. 50 Hz electric fields damage the cells and tissues of exposed living things in many ways. In our study, we examined the hypothesis that juglone, a natural antioxidant, can reduce the damage caused by the 50 Hz electric field that we are exposed to for a long time in our daily lives. In our study, it was shown by histological and genetic approaches that juglone, which has antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, may be protective against lung damage due to electric field exposure on experimental animals. According to our study results, for increased electric field exposure as a consequence of developing technology, juglone could be an important supportive treatment option.

KEYWORDS:

• Apoptosis
• electric field
• inflammation
• juglone

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Author contributions

Supervision, conceptualization, investigation and reviewing, NŞ; conceptualization, writing-original draft preparation, visualization, editing, MŞ; conceptualization, investigation and supervision, UŞ. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.