Abstract

Background: electromagnetic waves could cause oxidative stress and generate ROS that lead to free radical production and lipid peroxidation which damage liver tissue. Apocynin (APO) exerts its antioxidant effect by reducing ROS production via inhibition of NADPH oxidase. The present study intended to demonstrate effects of microwaves exposure on hepatic pro-oxidant/antioxidant systems and to investigate protective effects of APO against microwaves induced hepatotoxicity. Aim of the work: The aim of the present work is to evaluate the effect of Apocynin on liver toxicity induced by exposure to microwaves in rats of local strain. Subjects and Methods: Thirty local strain rats were randomly assigned into three equal groups: a) control group; b) microwave exposed group (frequency of 2.45 GHz for 15 minutes once daily for a period of 16 days); c) apocynin treated prior to microwave exposure group (apocynin 20 mg/kg intraperitoneally injected 1 hour before microwave exposure and continued during the other 16 days). Liver tissue was biochemically assessed in all groups biochemically through the determination of tissue MDA, MPO, GPx and iron in liver tissue. Also, serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) levels were estimated in all groups. Results: The microwave exposed group showed that there was a significant increase in serum ALT, AST, ALP, TNF-α, as well as significant increase in the level of MPO, MDA and iron in the liver tissue. However, there was a significant decrease in the GPx and zinc level in the liver tissue. These results Were estimated and calculated in comparison with those of control group. Moreover, Apocynin treated group showed a significant decrease in serum ALT, AST, ALP, TNF-α , in addition to a significant decrease in the level of MPO, MDA and iron, along with a significant increase in the GPx level in the liver tissue, as compared with microwave exposed group. Conclusion: It is possible to conclude considering the abovementioned results that apocynin has a significantly protective effect against hepatotoxicity induced by microwaves exposure.

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