Effects of continuous prenatal and postnatal global system for mobile communications electromagnetic waves (GSM-EMW) exposure on the oxidative stress biomarkers in female rat liver

In light of the increased use of communication technologies, the harm caused by continuous exposure to emitted radiation on pregnancy and developing newborns is among the public concerns. Using Sprague-Dawley rats, our study investigates the effects of 24 h/day prenatal and postnatal 900 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) exposure of female rats on liver oxidative stress (OS) and other hepatic parameters at postnatal days (PND) 1, 9, and 21. Our results showed that RF-EMR exposure led to an increase in oxidative stress status as indicated by a significant elevation in MDA level at PND9 and PND21, a decrease in catalase (CAT) activity at all ages, a reduction (PND1 and PND9) in catalase amounts and mRNA expression, in addition to a decrease in GPx activity at PND21 in the exposed group. Current findings also showed a significant increase in cytoSOD at PND9 and 21 and a reduction in mitoSOD at PND21 in the exposed groups compared to the control groups. However, significant increases in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) level and mitoSOD activity were observed at all studied ages. Furthermore, cytoSOD activity showed a significant reduction in PND1, whereas in PND9 the value of this parameter increased compared to the non-exposed group. Moreover, while SOD1 mRNA expression increased at PND1, it decreased at PND9 and 21. However, GPx1 expression was shown to be always decreased in the exposed group. In addition, at PND1 and 9, exposed rats showed a similar response on Akt1, nuclear factor erythroïd 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression. Therefore, an increased oxidative stress status produced from a continuous (24 h/day) GSM-modulated 900 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) exposure during the prenatal and postnatal periods may result in adverse health effects during future life stages. •A 24 h/day GSM-EMR prenatal and postnatal exposure creates age dependent effects in female rat liver.•Pre- and post-natal EMR exposure increases oxidative stress at early development.•Continuous EMR exposure increases MDA level in female rat liver after day 9.•A 24 h/day EMR exposure decreases CAT, GPx expression and activation in new rats.•EMR exposure reduces hepatic Nrf-2, Akt1, ICAM-1 expression in female neonates. GSM; Oxidative stress; Rat; Nrf2; ICAM-1.