Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: In recent decades, due to the increasing use of devices generating electromagnetic fields in modern industrial societies, the biological effects of these radiations has been taken into consideration in terms of growth and development of living organisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate pathological changes in the kidney tissue structure induced by low-frequency electromagnetic field.

Methods: In this experimental study, 80 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 20 each (one control group and 3 experimental groups). The control group did not receive any radiation. The experimental rats were exposed to electromagnetic field (cell phone waves) for 1, 2, and 3 months (20times a day, each time 15min). Finally, at the end of the experimental period, the rats were weighed and dissected. The appropriate tissue samples of the kidney were fixed in buffered formalin 10% for histopathological examinations. After preparing 4-5-μm thick sections, the tissues were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and studied by a light microscope. The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Duncan post-hoc tests. The level of significance was considered to be p<0.05.

Results: There was no significant difference in the results of body weight and kidney weight between the experimental and control group. Microscopic examinations of the experimental groups were indicative of histological changes, including hyperemia of the kidney vessels, degeneration and necrosis of tubular and glomerular cells, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and hemorrhage in the interstitial tissue.

Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that long-term exposure to cell phone waves has damaging effects on the kidney tissue structure.