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Effects of Mobile Phone Radiation (2100 MHz) on the Serology, Stereology, and Histopathology of the Kidney in Rats

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

2 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

3 Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

4 Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

5 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, Sajjad University of Technology, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Background: Electromagnetic Field (EMF) radiation is becoming increasingly relevant to public health concerns as mobile communication technologies evolve and expand. EMF induces apoptosis, mediated through an increase in free radicals in cells. In this study, for the first time, the effect of 2100 MHz (4G) mobile phone radiation on the serology, stereology, and histopathology of the kidney in Wister rats was observed.
Methods: Thirty-five healthy male Wistar rats were divided into five groups, with seven individuals in each. The four exposure groups received 15, 60, 120, and 180 minutes of daily radiation for 70 days. After euthanizing, blood samples were drawn from the heart for analysis of urea nitrogen (BUN), calcium, phosphorus, and creatinine. Kidneys were removed, routinely processed in paraffin blocks, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Stereological estimations of the proximal convoluted tubules (PCT), distal convoluted tubules (DCT), and glomeruli (G) were conducted via the Cavalier method. 
Results: The macroscopic examination revealed consistent kidney findings without structural or color changes. Mean weight increased across all groups, with significantly higher gains in the 120- and 180-minute exposure groups (P<0.05). BUN showed a minor, non-significant increase (P = 0.116), while creatinine levels were significantly elevated in all exposure groups (P<0.001). Calcium levels remained stable (P = 0.108), but phosphorus decreased significantly in the 15-minute exposure group (P = 0.043). Histopathological examination detected no structural changes. Stereological analysis showed reduced proximal convoluted tubule volume in exposure groups (P = 0.009), lower distal tubule volume (P < 0.001), and consistently reduced glomerular volume (P <0.001).
Conclusion: Studies show that EMF radiation with a lower frequency (920 MHz) will damage renal tissues than higher frequency (2100 MHz) waves. In conclusion, this study found no macroscopic or histopathological evidence of kidney damage due to mobile phone radiation exposure. However, significant alterations in creatinine levels and renal structural parameters in certain exposure groups suggest potential effects on renal function and structure. Further research is essential to elucidate these mechanisms and their clinical relevance.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 13 December 2025
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