Effect of a 50-Hz electromagnetic field on the gene expression of glutathione S-transferase T1 (Gstt1) in the testis and liver of male rats

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a superfamily of dimeric proteins catalyzing the conjugation of glutathione with a wide variety of compounds and provide a strong antioxidant function by neutralizing electrophiles and free radicals. The subunits of the GSTs family are placed into several classes including theta (GSTθ). The aim of this study was to demonstrate the expression of Gstt1 (a member of GSTθ) gene in the testis and liver of rat in response to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF). After exposing male Wistar rats to the stressor (ELF-EMF 50 Hz, 500 µT) for 30 days, we quantified the gene expression of the Gstt1 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in exposed and unexposed rats. Results indicated that the expression of Gstt1 in the liver and testis did not undergo any change at transcription level by environmental exposure to ELF-EMF at this duration and intensity.