Radiofrequency radiation emitted from Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) causes impaired insulin secretion and increased oxidative stress in rat pancreatic islets

Abstract

Purpose: There is a great concern regarding the possible adverse effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). This study investigated the effects of EMR induced by Wi-Fi (2.45 GHz) on insulin secretion and antioxidant redox systems in the rat pancreas.

Materials and methods: Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats in the weight range of 230–260 g were divided into control, sham, Wi-Fi exposed groups. After long-term exposure (4 h/day for 45 days) to Wi-Fi EMR, plasma levels of glucose and insulin during intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test were measured. Islet insulin secretion and content, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant status in pancreas of rats were determined.

Results: Our data showed that the weight gain in the WI-FI exposed group was significantly lower than the control group (p < .05). Wi-Fi (2.45 GHz)-exposed group showed hyperglycemia. Plasma insulin level and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic islet were significantly reduced in the Wi-Fi-exposed group. EMR emitted from Wi-Fi caused a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and a significant decrease in GSH level, SOD, and GPx activities of the pancreas.

Conclusions: These data showed that EMR of Wi-Fi leads to hyperglycemia, increased oxidative stress, and impaired insulin secretion in the rat pancreatic islets.

Keywords:

• Insulin secretion
• oxidative stress
• electromagnetic radiation
• Wi-Fi

Acknowledgements

This study is a part of Ms. Thesis by Ali Masoumi. The funders had no role in study design, data collection, and analysis and preparation of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The present work was financially supported by Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran [grant no. 12632].

Notes on contributors

Ali Masoumi

Ali Masoumi is a postgraduate researcher in the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

Narges Karbalaei

Narges Karbalaei, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

S. M. J. Mortazavi

S.M.J Mortazavi, Ph.D., is a Full Professor in the Department of Medical Physics and Medical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

Mohammad Shabani

Mohammad Shabani, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.