Friday, April 03, 2015

27 EMF studies by Dasdag & colleagues

27 EMF studies by Dasdag & colleagues


After I distributed the abstract for the latest Dasdag et al. study, a colleague me to point out that this research group has been extremely productive over the past two decades.
A PubMed search revealed that along with his colleagues and students, Dr. Suleyman Dasdag, a professor in the Department of Biophysics at the Medical School of Dicle University in Turkey, has published (at least) 27 papers since 1995 on the effects of RF and ELF exposure on various endpoints in rats and humans.
The abstracts for these 27 papers appear below. Only five studies failed to find any significant bio-effects.
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EFFECTS OF 2.4 GHz RADIOFREQUENCY RADIATION EMITTED FROM WI-FI EQUIPMENT ON microRNA EXPRESSION IN BRAIN TISSUE.
Dasdag S, Akdag MZ, Erdal ME, Erdal N, Ay OI, Ay ME, Yilmaz SG, Tasdelen B, Yegin K. Int J Radiat Biol. 2015 Mar 16:1-26. [Epub ahead of print]
PURPOSE: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play paramount role in growth, differentiation, proliferation and cell death by suppressing one or more target genes. However, their interaction with radiofrequencies is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the long term effects of radiofrequency radiation emitted from a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system on some of the miRNAs in brain tissue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on sixteen Wistar Albino adult male rats by dividing them into two groups such as sham (n: 8) and exposure (n: 8). Rats in the exposure group were exposed to 2.4 GHz radiofrequency (RF) radiation for 24 hours a day for twelve months (one year). The same procedure was applied to the rats in the sham group except the Wi-Fi system was turned off. Immediately after the last exposure, rats were sacrificed and their brains were removed. miR-9-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-106b-5p, miR-107, miR-125a-3p in brain were investigated in detail.

RESULTS: The results revealed that long term exposure of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi radiation can alter expression of some of the miRNAs such as miR-106b-5p (adjP* = 0,010) and miR-107 (adjP* = 0,005). We observed that mir 107 expression is 3.3 times and miR-106b-5p expression is 3.65 times lower in the exposure group than in the control group. However, miR-9-5p, miR-29a-3p and miR-125a-3p levels in brain were not altered.

CONCLUSION: Long term exposure of 2.4 GHz RF may lead to adverse effects such as neurodegenerative diseases originated from the alteration of some miRNAs expression and more studies should be devoted to the effects of RF radiation on miRNAs expression levels. 
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Long term and excessive use of 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation alter microRNA expression in brain.
Dasdag S, Akdag MZ, Erdal ME, Erdal N, Ay OI, Ay ME, Yilmaz SG, Tasdelen B, Yegin K. Int J Radiat Biol. 2015 Apr;91(4):306-311. Epub 2015 Jan 27.

PURPOSE: We still do not have any information on the interaction between radiofrequency radiation (RF) and miRNA, which play paramount role in growth, differentiation, proliferation and cell death by suppressing one or more target genes. The purpose of this study was to bridge this gap by investigating effects of long-term 900 MHz mobile phone exposure on some of the miRNA in brain tissue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 14 Wistar Albino adult male rats by dividing them into two groups: Sham (n = 7) and exposure (n = 7). Rats in the exposure group were exposed to 900 MHz RF radiation for 3 h per day (7 days a week) for 12 months (one year). The same procedure was applied to the rats in the sham group except the generator was turned off. Immediately after the last exposure, rats were sacrificed and their brains were removed. rno-miR-9-5p, rno-miR-29a-3p, rno-miR-106b-5p, rno-miR-107 and rno-miR-125a-3p in brain were investigated in detail.

RESULTS: Results revealed that long-term exposure of 900 MHz RF radiation only decreased rno-miR107 (adjP* = 0.045) value where the whole body (rms) SAR value was 0.0369 W/kg. However, our results indicated that other microRNA evaluated in this study was not altered by 900 MHz RF radiation.

CONCLUSION: 900 MHz RF radiation can alter some of the miRNA, which, in turn, may lead to adverse effects. Therefore, further studies should be performed.

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Effect of long term 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation on enamel microhardness of rat's teeth.
Dasdag S, Yavuz I, Bakkal M, Kargul B. Oral Health Dent Manag. 2014 Sep;13(3):749-52.
PURPOSE: Oral tissues are important parts of body that absorbs radiation emitted from mobile phones which is the most popular technological equipment in the world. Because of the limited studies in this field, we aimed to investigate the effect of Radio Frequency (RF) radiation emitted from 900 MHz mobile phones on the enamel micro hardness of rat teeth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on twenty one Wistar Albino adult male rats which were divided into two groups such as control and experiment groups. For the study group (n: 14), rats exposed to the radiation 2 h per day (7 days in a week) for 10 months. For the control group (n: 7), rats were placed into the carousel and the same procedure was applied except that the generator was turned off. At the end of the study, enamel micro hardness of rat's teeth was measured.

RESULTS: The results of this study showed that 900 MHz RF radiation did not alter the enamel micro hardness of rats' teeth (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of 900 MHz RF radiation for 2 hours per day during ten months does not alter enamel micro hardness of rats' teeth. However, further studies are necessary to clarify this topic.
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Effect of long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from Wi-Fi equipment on testes functions.
Dasdag S, Taş M, Akdag MZ, Yegin K. Electromagn Biol Med. 2015 Mar;34(1):37-42. doi: 10.3109/15368378.2013.869752. Epub 2014 Jan 24.
The aim of this study was to investigate long-term effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system on testes. The study was carried out on 16 Wistar Albino adult male rats by dividing them into two groups such as sham (n: 8) and exposure (n: 8). Rats in the exposure group were exposed to 2.4 GHz RFR radiation for 24 h/d during 12 months (1 year). The same procedure was applied to the rats in the sham control group except the Wi-Fi system was turned off. Immediately after the last exposure, rats were sacrificed and reproductive organs were removed. Motility (%), concentration (×10(6)/mL), tail defects (%), head defects (%) and total morphologic defects (%) of sperms and weight of testes (g), left epididymis (g), prostate (g), seminal vesicles (g) were determined. Seminiferous tubules diameter (μm) and tunica albuginea thickness (μm) were also measured. However, the results were evaluated by using Johnsen's score. Head defects increased in the exposure group (p < 0.05) while weight of the epididymis and seminal vesicles, seminiferous tubules diameter and tunica albuginea thickness were decreased in the exposure group (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.0001). However, other alterations of other parameters were not found significant (p > 0.05). 
In conclusion, we observed that long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz RF emitted from Wi-Fi (2420 μW/kg, 1 g average) affects some of the reproductive parameters of male rats. We suggest Wi-Fi users to avoid long-term exposure of RF emissions from Wi-Fi equipment.
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Can safe and long-term exposure to extremely low frequency (50 Hz) magnetic fields affect apoptosis, reproduction, and oxidative stress?
Akdag MZ, Dasdag S, Uzunlar AK, Ulukaya E, Oral AY, Çelik N, Akşen F. Int J Radiat Biol. 2013 Dec;89(12):1053-60. doi: 10.3109/09553002.2013.817705. Epub 2013 Jul 15.
PURPOSE: To determine whether 50 Hz extremely low frequency-magnetic fields (ELF-MF) affects apoptotic processes, oxidative damage, and reproductive characteristics such as sperm count and morphology in rat testes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the present study, which were divided into three groups (sham group, n = 10, and two experimental groups, n = 10 for each group). Rats in the experimental group were exposed to 100 and 500 μT ELF-MF (2 h/day, 7 days/week, for 10 months) corresponding to exposure levels that are considered safe for humans. The same experimental procedures were applied to the sham group, but the ELF generator was turned off. Tissues from the testes were immunohistochemically stained for active (cleaved) caspase-3 in order to measure the apoptotic index by a semi-quantitative scoring system. The levels of catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), total antioxidative capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were also measured. Additionally, epididymal sperm count and sperm morphology was evaluated.

RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the reproductive and oxidative stress parameters between the sham group and the exposed groups (p > 0.05). While no difference was observed between the final apoptosis score of the sham and the 100 μT ELF-MF group (p > 0.05), the final apoptosis score was higher in the 500 μT ELF-MF exposure group than in the sham group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Long-term exposure to 100 μT and 500 μT ELF-MF did not affect oxidative or antioxidative processes, lipid peroxidation, or reproductive components such as sperm count and morphology in testes tissue of rats. However, long-term exposure to 500 μT ELF-MF did affect active-caspase-3 activity, which is a well-known apoptotic indicator.
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Long-term effects of 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from mobile phone on testicular tissue and epididymal semen quality.
Tas M, Dasdag S, Akdag MZ, Cirit U, Yegin K, Seker U, Ozmen MF, Eren LB. Electromagn Biol Med. 2014 Sep;33(3):216-22. doi: 10.3109/15368378.2013.801850. Epub 2013 Jun 19.
The purpose of this study is to bridge this gap by investigating effects of long term 900 MHz mobile phone exposure on reproductive organs of male rats. The study was carried out on 14 adult Wistar Albino rats by dividing them randomly into two groups (n: 7) as sham group and exposure group. Rats were exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency (RF) radiation emitted from a GSM signal generator. Point, 1 g and 10 g specific absorption rate (SAR) levels of testis and prostate were found as 0.0623 W/kg, 0.0445 W/kg and 0.0373 W/kg, respectively. The rats in the exposure group were subject to RF radiation 3 h per day (7 d a week) for one year. For the sham group, the same procedure was applied, except the generator was turned off. At the end of the study, epididymal sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, abnormal sperm rate, all-genital organs weights and testis histopathology were evaluated. Any differences were not observed in sperm motility and concentration (p > 0.05). However, the morphologically normal spermatozoa rates were found higher in the exposure group (p < 0.05). Although histological examination showed similarity in the seminiferous tubules diameters in both groups, tunica albuginea thickness and the Johnsen testicular biopsy score were found lower in the exposure group (p < 0.05, p < 0.0001). 
In conclusion, we claim that long-term exposure of 900 MHz RF radiation alter some reproductive parameters. However, more supporting evidence and research is definitely needed on this topic.
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Do 100- and 500-μT ELF magnetic fields alter beta-amyloid protein, protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde in rat brains?
Akdag MZ, Dasdag S, Cakir DU, Yokus B, Kizil G, Kizil M. Electromagn Biol Med. 2013 Sep;32(3):363-72. doi: 10.3109/15368378.2012.721848. Epub 2013 Jan 16.
Several studies still state that presently accepted safety standards for extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) do not provide adequate protection, and therefore the standards are still open to question. To help resolve this question, the aim of this study was to illuminate the interaction between biomolecules and ELF-MFs by investigating the effect of ELF-MFs on beta-amyloid protein (BAP), protein carbonyl (PC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat brain. For this study, 30 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used, which were divided into two experimental groups and a sham exposed group. Rats in two experimental groups were exposed to 100- and 500-μT ELF-MFs (50 Hz) for 2 h/day for 10 months, which are the generally accepted safety standards for public and occupational exposures. The same procedures were applied to the rats in the sham group, but with the generator turned off. The results of this study showed that neither ELF-MFs used in this study altered BAP level significantly (p>0.05). However, PC and MDA levels were increased by the exposure to 100- and 500-μT ELF-MFs (p < 0.0001). 
In conclusion, both PC and MDA levels were altered by long-term exposure to either 100 or 500 μT ELF-MF. However, many further and more comprehensive studies will be required to elucidate the interaction mechanisms between ELF-MFs exposure and living organisms. 
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Effect of 900 MHz radio frequency radiation on beta amyloid protein, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde in the brain.
Dasdag S, Akdag MZ, Kizil G, Kizil M, Cakir DU, Yokus B. Electromagn Biol Med. 2012 Mar;31(1):67-74. doi: 10.3109/15368378.2011.624654. Epub 2012 Jan 23.
Recently, many studies have been carried out in relation to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (RF) emitted from a mobile phone on the brain. However, there is little data concerning possible mechanisms between long-term exposure of RF radiation and biomolecules in brain. Therefore, we aimed to investigate long-term effects of 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation on beta amyloid protein, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde in the rat brain. The study was carried out on 17 Wistar Albino adult male rats. The rat heads in a carousel were exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from a generator, simulating mobile phones. For the study group (n: 10), rats were exposed to the radiation 2 h per day (7 days a week) for 10 months. For the sham group (n: 7), rats were placed into the carousel and the same procedure was applied except that the generator was turned off. In this study, rats were euthanized after 10 months of exposure and their brains were removed. Beta amyloid protein, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde levels were found to be higher in the brain of rats exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation. However, only the increase of protein carbonyl in the brain of rats exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation was found to be statistically significant (p<0 .001="" br="" nbsp="">
In conclusion, 900 MHz radiation emitted from mobile/cellular phones can be an agent to alter some biomolecules such as protein. However, further studies are necessary.

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Extremely low-frequency magnetic field decreased calcium, zinc and magnesium levels in costa of rat.
Ulku R, Akdag MZ, Erdogan S, Akkus Z, Dasdag S. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2011 Oct;143(1):359-67. doi: 10.1007/s12011-010-8855-2. Epub 2010 Sep 25.
Electromagnetic field (EMF) can affect cells due to biochemical change followed by a change in level of ions trafficking through membrane. We aimed to investigate possible changes in some elements in costa of rats exposed to long-term extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF). Rats were exposed to 100 and 500 μT ELF-MF, which are the safety standards of public and occupational exposure for 2 h/day during 10 months. At the end of the exposure period, the samples of costa were taken from the rats exposed to ELF-MF and sham. The levels of elements were measured by using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry. Ca levels decreased in the ELF-500 exposure group in comparison to sham group (p < 0.05). Statistically significant decrease was found in Mg levels in the ELF-500 exposure group in comparison to sham and ELF-100 exposure groups (p < 0.05). Zn levels were found to be lower in the ELF-500 exposure group than those in the sham and ELF-100 exposure groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences were determined between groups in terms of the levels of P, Cu and Fe. 

In conclusion, it can be maintained that long-term ELF-MF exposure can affect the chemical structure and metabolism of bone by changing the levels of some important elements such as Ca, Zn and Mg in rats.
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The effect of long-term extremely low-frequency magnetic field on geometric and biomechanical properties of rats' bone.
Akdag MZ, Dasdag S, Erdal N, Buyukbayram H, Gurgul S. Electromagn Biol Med. 2010 Jun;29(1-2):9-18. doi: 10.3109/15368371003635343.
Bone is composed of a mineral matrix reinforced by a network of collagen that governs the biomechanical functions of the skeletal system in the body. The purpose of the study was to investigate the possible effect of extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) on geometric and biomechanical properties of rats' bone. In this study, 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were divided into three groups: two experimental and one control sham. The first and second experimental group (n=10) were exposed to 100 microT and 500 microT-MF during 10 months, 2 h a day, respectively, and the third (sham) (n=10) group was treated like experimental group except ELF-MF exposure in methacrylate boxes. After ELF-MF and sham exposure, geometric and the biomechanical properties of rats' bone, such as cross-sectional area of the femoral shaft, length of the femur, cortical thickness of the femur, ultimate tensile strength (maximum load), displacement, stiffness, energy absorption capacity, elastic modulus, and toughness of bone were determined. The geometric and biomechanical analyses showed that a significant decrease in rats exposed to 100 microT-MF in comparison to sham and 500 microT-MF exposed rats about the values of cross-sectional area of the femoral shaft (P<0 .05="" 100="" 500="" absorption="" and="" as:="" between="" biomechanical="" bone="" capacity="" compared="" comparison="" cortical="" decreased="" differences="" displacement="" each="" elastic="" endpoints="" energy="" exposed="" femur="" femurs="" found="" groups="" however="" in="" increased="" length="" load="" maximum="" mf-exposed="" microt-mf="" microt="" modulus="" mut-mf="" no="" of="" other="" p="" rats="" sham="" significant="" significantly="" stiffness="" such="" that="" the="" thickness="" to="" toughness="" were="" when="">0.05). 
These experiments demonstrated that 100 microT-MF and 500 microT-MF can affect biomechanical and geometrical properties of rats' bone.
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Effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic field on caspase activities and oxidative stress values in rat brain.
Akdag MZ, Dasdag S, Ulukaya E, Uzunlar AK, Kurt MA, Taşkin A. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2010 Dec;138(1-3):238-49. doi: 10.1007/s12011-010-8615-3. Epub 2010 Feb 23.
This study was aimed to investigate the effect of extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) on apoptosis and oxidative stress values in the brain of rat. Rats were exposed to 100 and 500 µT ELF-MF, which are the safety standards of public and occupational exposure for 2 h/day for 10 months. Brain tissues were immunohistochemically stained for the active (cleaved) caspase-3 in order to measure the apoptotic index by a semi-quantitative scoring system. In addition, the levels of catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), total antioxidative capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured in rat brain. Final score of apoptosis and MPO activity were not significantly different between the groups. CAT activity decreased in both exposure groups (p < 0.05), while TAC was found to be lower in ELF 500 group than those in ELF-100 and sham groups (p < 0.05). MDA, TOS, and OSI values were found to be higher in ELF-500 group than those in ELF-100 and sham groups (p < 0.05).
In conclusion, apoptosis was not changed by long-term ELF-MF exposure, while both 100 and 500 µT ELF-MF exposure induced toxic effect in the rat brain by increasing oxidative stress and diminishing antioxidant defense system.
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Effect of mobile phone exposure on apoptotic glial cells and status of oxidative stress in rat brain.
Dasdag S, Akdag MZ, Ulukaya E, Uzunlar AK, Ocak AR. Electromagn Biol Med. 2009;28(4):342-54. doi: 10.3109/15368370903206556.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mobile phone exposure on glial cells in brain. The study carried out on 31 Wistar Albino adult male rats. The rat heads in a carousel exposed to 900 MHz microwave. For the study group (n:14), rats exposed to the radiation 2 h per day (7 days in a week) for 10 months. For the sham group (n:7), rats were placed into the carousel and the same procedure was applied except that the generator was turned off. For the cage control (n:10), nothing applied to rats in this group. In this study, rats were euthanized after 10 months of exposure periods and brains were removed. Brain tissues were immunohistochemically stained for the active (cleaved) caspase-3, which is a well-known apoptosis marker, and p53. The expression of the proteins was evaluated by a semi-quantitative scoring system. However, total antioxidative capacity (TAC), catalase, total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index were measured in rat brain. Final score for apoptosis in the exposed group was significantly lower than the sham (p < 0.001) and the cage control groups (p < 0.01). p53 was not significantly changed by the exposure (p > 0.05). The total antioxidant capacity and catalase in the experimental group was found higher than that in the sham group (p < 0.001, p < 0.05). In terms of the TOS and oxidative stress index, there was no statistically significant difference between exposure and sham groups (p > 0.05). 
In conclusion, the final score for apoptosis, total antioxidant capacity and catalase in rat brain might be altered by 900 MHz radiation produced by a generator to represent exposure of global systems for mobile communication (GSM) cellular phones.
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Extremely low frequency magnetic fields cause oxidative DNA damage in rats.
Yokus B, Akdag MZ, Dasdag S, Cakir DU, Kizil M. Int J Radiat Biol. 2008 Oct;84(10):789-95. doi: 10.1080/09553000802348203.
PURPOSE: To detect the genotoxic effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) -magnetic fields (MF) on oxidative DNA base modifications [8-hydroxyguanine (8-OH-Gua), 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine (FapyGua) and 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine (FapyAde)] in rat leucocytes, measured following exposure to ELF-MF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: After exposure to ELF-MF (50 Hz, 100 and 500 microT, for 2 hours/day during 10 months), DNA was extracted, and measurement of DNA lesions was achieved by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS).

RESULTS: Levels of FapyAde, FapyGua and 8OHdG in DNA were increased by both 100 microT and 500 microT ELF-MF as compared to a cage-control and a sham group; however, statistical significance was observed only in the group exposed to 100 microT.

CONCLUSION: This is the first study to report that ELF-MF exposure generates oxidatively induced DNA base modifications which are mutagenic in mammalian cells, such as FapyGua, FapyAde and 8-OH-Gua, in vivo. This may explain previous studies showing DNA damage and genomic instability. These findings support the hypothesis that chronic exposure to 50-Hz MF may be potentially genotoxic. However, the intensity of ELF-MF has an important influence on the extent of DNA damage.

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Whole-body exposure of radiation emitted from 900 MHz mobile phones does not seem to affect the levels of anti-apoptotic bcl-2 protein.
Yilmaz F, Dasdag S, Akdag MZ, Kilinc N. Electromagn Biol Med. 2008;27(1):65-72. doi: 10.1080/15368370701878978.
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the anti-apoptotic bcl-2 protein in rat brain and testes after whole-body exposure to radiation emitted from 900 MHz cellular phones. Two groups (sham and experimental) of Sprague-Dawley rats of eight rats each were used in the study. Exposure began approximately 10 min after transferring into the exposure cages, a period of time when rats settled down to a prone position and selected a fixed location inside the cage spontaneously. For the experimental group, the phones were in the speech condition for 20 min per day for 1 month. The same procedure was applied to the sham group rats, but the phones were turned off. Immunohistochemical staining of bcl-2 was performed according to the standardized avidin-biotin complex method. 
The results of this study showed that 20 min of the radiation emitted from 900 MHz cellular phones did not alter anti-apoptotic bcl-2 protein in the brain and testes of rats. We speculate that bcl-2 may not be involved in the effects of radiation on the brain and testes of rats.
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Mobile phone exposure does not induce apoptosis on spermatogenesis in rats.
Dasdag S, Akdag MZ, Ulukaya E, Uzunlar AK, Yegin D. Arch Med Res. 2008 Jan;39(1):40-4. Epub 2007 Aug 20.
BACKGROUND: Some studies have reported that microwave radiation can have adverse effects on reproduction. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the apoptosis-inducing effect of mobile phone exposure on spermatogonia in seminiferous tubules.

METHODS: The study was carried out on 31 Wistar albino adult male rats. The rats were separated into three groups in this study (cage control: 10, sham group: 7, and exposed group: 14). For the study group, rats were exposed to radiation 2 h/day (7 days/week) for 10 months. For the sham group, rats were placed into the carousel and the same procedure was applied except that the generator was turned off. For the cage control, nothing was applied to the rats in this group and they completed their life cycle in the cage during the study period. In this study, rats were sacrificed after 10 months of exposure and their testes were taken. Testes tissue was immunohistochemically stained for the active (cleaved) caspase-3. Positively stained cells were counted in up to ten different areas, and the frequency of positive cells was determined in percentage. Scoring was done by taking into account both the intensity of staining and the distribution of positively stained cells. Therefore, protein expression was evaluated by a semiquantitative scoring system.

RESULTS: The final score for apoptosis of testes in the exposed group was not statistically significant according to the sham and the cage control groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that 2 h/day (7 days/week) exposure of 900 MHz radiation over a period of 10 months does not affect the active (cleaved) caspase-3 levels in testes, a well-known feature of typical apoptosis.

Comment in  Does mobile phone exposure affect spermatogenesis? [Arch Med Res. 2008]
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Alteration of nitric oxide production in rats exposed to a prolonged, extremely low-frequency magnetic field.
Akdag MZ, Bilgin MH, Dasdag S, Tumer C. Electromagn Biol Med. 2007;26(2):99-106.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible effect of an extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) on nitric oxide (NO) level. In this study, 27 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were divided into three groups: two experimental and one control (sham-exposed). The first and second experimental group (n = 10) were exposed to 100 microT and 500 microT ELF-MF during 10 months, 2 h a day, respectively, and the third (n = 7) group was treated like an experimental group except for ELF-MF exposure in methacrylate boxes. After ELF-MF and sham exposure, serum nitrite levels were measured by Griess reaction. A significant reduction was observed in nitrite levels among the first and second experimental groups of rats and sham-exposed rats after exposure for 10 months, 2 h a day, to ELF-MF of 100 and 500 microT (p < 0.01). 
These results suggest that prolonged ELF-MF exposure at intensities of exposure limits, determined by ICNIRP for public and occupational, may reduce NO production probably affected by NO generation pathways.
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Effect of ELF magnetic fields on lipid peroxidation, sperm count, p53, and trace elements.
Akdag MZ, Dasdag S, Aksen F, Isik B, Yilmaz F. Med Sci Monit. 2006 Nov;12(11):BR366-71. 
Some epidemiological and laboratory studies suggest a possible connection between extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields and certain illnesses, such as cancer, immune suppression, as well as reproductive toxic effects and abnormalities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ELF magnetic fields (1.35 mT) on sperm count, malondialdehyde concentration, the histology of such organs as the testes, brain, liver, and kidney tissues, p53 immunoreactivity of bone marrow, and the serum concentrations of Cu2+, Zn2+, Mn2+, and Fe3+ in rats.

MATERIAL/METHODS: Sixteen Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into two groups. The rats in the experimental group were exposed to an ELF magnetic field 2 hr/day for 2 months (7 days a week). The rats in the control group were not exposed to the ELF magnetic field. The exposure was performed in a Faraday cage (130 x 65 x 80 cm) with grounded shielding against the electric component. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used for the statistical analysis of the data.

RESULTS: Magnetic field measurements showed that, under the experimental conditions, the magnetic field-exposure system produced a stable flux density of 1.35+/-0.018 mT and a stable frequency of 50 Hz, with negligible harmonics and no transients. However, no statistically significant alteration was observed in the parameters measured in this study except in Mn2+ concentrations (p<0 .001="" br="">
CONCLUSIONS: The present study found no evidence of an adverse effect of ELF magnetic fields on the measured parameters except for significantly increased Mn2+ concentrations (p<0 .001="" br="">
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Effect of 50-Hz 1-mT magnetic field on the uterus and ovaries of rats (electron microscopy evaluation).
Aksen F, Akdag MZ, Ketani A, Yokus B, Kaya A, Dasdag S. Med Sci Monit. 2006 Jun;12(6):BR215-20. Epub 2006 May 29.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELFMF) on the uterus and ovary of rats.

MATERIAL/METHODS: Forty-eight female Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups, one for 50 and the other for 100 days of exposure. Each group was further divided into two groups, one sham exposed (n=12) and the other the experimental group (n=12). The experimental rats were exposed to 50-Hz 1-mT ELFMF for three hours/day for 50 or 100 days. The sham groups of rats were kept under the same circumstances without applying ELFMF. Electron microscopic examination was performed to evaluate the ovaries and uterus.

RESULTS: Ultrastructural dissolution, decrease in cell organelles, cavities in cells, heterochromative appearance, and typical structural loss of the nucleus were observed in germinal epithelial cells of the rat ovaries in the 50-days ELFMF exposure group. Ultrastructural alterations in germinal epithelium and tunica albuginea of ovaries, irregularity in nucleus and nucleolus, increase in lipid vacuoles of cell cytoplasm and reduction in organelles were observed in rat ovaries in the 100-days ELFMF exposure group. Similar alterations were observed in uterus. Malondialdehyde concentration (MDA) of the ovaries and uterus increased in rats of the two exposure groups (p<0 .001="" br="">
CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed that 50 and 100 days of exposure to a 1-mT ELFMF can cause alterations at the cellular level and in MDA concentration.
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Effects of intensive and moderate cellular phone use on hearing function.
Oktay MF, Dasdag S. Electromagn Biol Med. 2006;25(1):13-21.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of radiation emitted by mobile phones on the hearing of users. The study was carried out on three groups: 1) 20 men who have used a cellular phone frequently and spoken approximately 2 h per day for four years; 2) 20 men who have used a cellular phone for 10-20 min per day for four years; and 3) 20 healthy men who have never used a cellular phone (the control group). Brainstem evoked response audiometric (BERA) and pure tone audiometric (PTA) methods were used to measure the effects of exposure on hearing function of the subjects. In BERA measurements, I-III, III-V, and I-V interpeak latencies were evaluated. Interpeak latency of subjects in two experimental groups was compared to that of subjects in the control group. The BERA results showed no differences among the groups (p > 0.05). In PTA measurements, detection thresholds at 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz, and 8000 Hz frequencies were measured in all three groups. No differences were observed between moderate mobile phone users (10-20 min. per day) and control subjects. However, detection thresholds in those who talked approximately 2 h per day were found to be higher than those in either moderate users or control subjects. Differences at 4000 Hz for both bone and air conduction for right ears, and 500 Hz, and 4000 Hz bone and air conduction for left ears were significant for mean hearing threshold. 
This study shows that a higher degree of hearing loss is associated with long-term exposure to electromagnetic (EM) field generated by cellular phones.
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Occupational safety: effects of workplace radiofrequencies on hearing function.
Oktay MF, Dasdag S, Akdere M, Cureoglu S, Cebe M, Yazicioglu M, Topcu I, Meric F. Arch Med Res. 2004 Nov-Dec;35(6):517-21.

BACKGROUND: The effects of radio frequency (RF) and microwave radiation on humans have been the subject of continuous investigation. Clinical investigations related to occupational RF/microwave exposure have been reported by investigators (1). Since one of the major groups occupationally exposed to RF and microwave radiation includes those working in radio broadcasting and TV transmitter stations, this study investigates whether RF affects auditory systems of people exposed to RF.

METHODS: The study is carried out with people working in radio broadcasting stations and living in employee residential houses close to the broadcasting stations. All subjects in the control group were similar in age, work regime, socioeconomic status, and lack of experience in working with RF sources. Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometer (BERA) and Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) were used to measure the effects of RF under investigation on hearing functions of the subjects. In BERA measurements, I-III, III-V and I-V interpeak latencies were evaluated. In pure tone audiometric measurements, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz and 8000 Hz frequencies of hearing threshold were measured in subjects of experimental and control groups. Interpeak latencies and bone conduction hearing thresholds of subjects in the experimental group were compared with those of the control group.

RESULTS: BERA results showed that I-III, I-V and III-V interpeak latencies of people occupationally exposed to RF were not higher than subjects in control groups (p>0.05). Results of BERA indicated no statistically significant differences between exposure and control subjects. In audiometric evaluation, hearing threshold of people occupationally exposed to RF were found higher than the control group subjects for frequencies of 4000 Hz and 8000 Hz in terms of bone and air conduction of right and left ear (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: The results of traditional audiometer indicated that RF promotes sensorineural hearing loss and affects cochlea parts related to 4000 Hz and 8000 Hz. These findings may have immediate implications and considerations for workplace safety in order to provide an occupationally safe environment to employees working in such settings.
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Whole body exposure of rats to microwaves emitted from a cell phone does not affect the testes.
Dasdag S, Zulkuf Akdag M, Aksen F, Yilmaz F, Bashan M, Mutlu Dasdag M, Salih Celik M. Bioelectromagnetics. 2003 Apr;24(3):182-8.
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of radiofrequency radiation emitted from cellular phones on the lipid composition, malondialdehyde concentration, p53 immune reactivity, sperm count, morphology, histological structure of testes, and on rectal temperature of rats exposed to microwave radiation emitted from cellular phones. Sixteen Spraque-Dawley rats were separated into two groups of eight, sham exposed (control) and experimental. The rats were confined in plexiglas cages specially designed for this study, and cellular phones were placed 0.5 cm under the cages. For the experimental group, cellular phones were activated 20 min per day (7 days a week) for 1 month. For the control group, the cellular phones were placed beneath the cages for 20 min a day, but the phones were turned off. Rectal temperatures were measured weekly. For 250 mW radiated power, the whole body average SAR (rms) is 0.52 W/kg and 1 g averaged peak SAR (rms) is 3.13 W/kg. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used for statistical comparisons of groups. No statistically significant alteration in any of the endpoints was noted. 
This study found no evidence suggesting an adverse effect of cell phone exposure on measures of testicular function or structure.
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Effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on hematologic and immunologic parameters in welders.
Dasdag S, Sert C, Akdag Z, Batun S. Arch Med Res. 2002 Jan-Feb;33(1):29-32.
BACKGROUND: Electric arc welding is known to cause considerable exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields. Although some studies of exposure to magnetic fields and epidemiologic studies have included groups of welders, typically little information is available concerning the hematologic and immunologic effects of ELF electromagnetic fields on welders. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate whether or not extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMF) emitted from electric arc welding affect some hematologic and immunologic parameters of welders.

METHODS: The study was carried out on 16 male welders and 14 healthy males between 20 and 40 years of age from the same geographic area and with similar life styles. The following hematologic and immunologic parameters were measured in both groups: red blood cells (RBC); hemoglobin (Hgb); hematocrit (Hct); platelets (Plt); total white blood cells (WBC); neutrophils; lymphocytes; eosinophils; and CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD4/CD8.

RESULTS: Some of the hematologic and immunologic parameters under investigation were similar in both groups. Although T lymphocyte surface antigens, such as levels of CD4 and CD8(,) were found to be lower in the welders than in the control subjects (p <0 .001="" 0.10="" 0.25="" and="" areas="" be="" between="" br="" clinically="" control="" differences="" electromagnetic="" elf="" field="" found="" hematocrit="" higher="" however="" in="" intensities="" levels="" mt.="" not="" observed="" of="" p="" significant.="" subjects="" than="" the="" those="" to="" varied="" welders="" welding="" were="">
CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ELF electromagnetic fields do not affect the hematologic and immunologic parameters of welders.
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Whole-body microwave exposure emitted by cellular phones and testicular function of rats.
Dasdag S, Ketani MA, Akdag Z, Ersay AR, Sari I, Demirtas OC, Celik MS. Urol Res. 1999 Jun;27(3):219-23.
This study investigated whether there are adverse effects due to microwave exposure emitted by cellular phones in male rats. Eighteen Wistar Albino rats were separated into three groups, a sham group and two experimental groups. The rats were confined in Plexiglas cages and cellular phones were placed 0.5 cm under the cages. In the first experimental group, cellular phones were in standby position for 2 h. In the second experimental group, phones were turned to the speech position three times each for 1 min duration over 2 h. Rats in the first and second experimental groups were exposed to microwaves emitted by phones for 2 h/day for a duration of 1 month. After the last exposure the rats were killed. Brain, eyes, ears, liver, heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys, testes, small and large intestines and skin of the rats were observed histologically. 
The decrease of epididymal sperm counts in the speech groups were not found to be significant (P > 0.05). Differences in terms of normal and abnormal sperm forms were not observed (P > 0.05). Histological changes were especially observed in the testes of rats of the speech groups. Seminiferous tubular diameter of rat testes in the standby and speech groups was found to be lower than the sham group (P < 0.05). Rectal temperatures of rats in the speech group were found to be higher than the sham and standby groups (P < 0.05). The rectal temperatures of rats before and after exposure were also found to be significantly higher in the speech group (P < 0.05). Specific absorption rate (SAR) was determined as 0.141 W/kg.
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Do radiofrequency radiation affect the auditory system of people with occupational exposure?
Meriç F, Daşdağ S, Vergili K. Environ Health Prev Med. 1998 Apr;3(1):55-8. doi: 10.1007/BF02931240.
The present study intended to investigate whether radiofrequency (RF) affects auditory system of people who are occupationally exposed to RF in terms of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) or not. The study was carried out on 31 men from 26 to 53 years of age. All of them have been working in the Diyarbakir Radio Broadcasting Station. On the other hand, the control group was based on 30 unexposed voluntary and healthy men. The range of age for control group was the same as in the exposed group (experimental group). The results of the present study showed that the incidence of NIHL in the exposed group is more and more than that of the unexposed (control) group.  The incidence of NIHL was approximately found 70 % for exposed group and 6% for unexposed group. The difference of the incidence of NIHL between exposed and unexposed groups were statistically found significant for right and left ears at "4 kHz notch" (p < 0.001). Hearing loss was not observed below 1 kHz. The percentage difference in the incidence of hearing loss (decibel) between control and experimental group was found insignificant for frequency below 1 kHz (p > 0.05). The experimental group was also divided to three subgroups of technicians, officers and men staying in the quarters of radio broadcasting station. Three subgroups were compared with one another statistically. The incidence of NIHL for the right ears of technicians was found higher than the officer (p < 0.05). The incidence of NIHL for the left ears of men staying in quarters was found higher than officers (p < 0.05). The other results of comparison were found insignificant (p > 0.05). 
In conclusion, the incidence of NIHL at "4 kHz Notch" in the experimental group was found more common than the control group.
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Do microwave ovens affect the eyes?
Inalöz SS, Aksünger A, Sari I, Daşdağ S, Deveci E. Jpn J Ophthalmol. 1997 Jul-Aug;41(4):240-3.
The cataractogenic effects of the microwave oven on rat eyes were investigated histologically. Twenty-one adult Wistar-Albino rats (2-2.5 months old) were divided into three groups (n = 7): a control group (sham-exposed) and two experimental groups. The experimental rats was confined in special cages and placed next to the closed door of a microwave oven. The first experimental group was given 15 minutes of daily exposure and the second, 30 minutes, for 1 month. Biomicroscopic examination detected no pathological damage to the lens in the experimental rats. Histologically, there was a lens of single-layered epithelium in the control group. In the first experimental group, there was slight pleomorphism in the superficial epithelial cell contours and vacuolizations in the lens fibers; the second experimental group, had pronounced pleomorphism and pyknosis of the nuclei in the superficial epithelium. Some of the superficial epithelial cells had disappeared and were histologically observed as acellular areas. Single-layered epithelium became disorganized and formed multilayered epithelial groups in the superficial epithelium. Vacuolization was more prominent in this group. Personal exposure from microwave ovens is generally minimal because of the rapid decrease in power density with distance. 
Microwave oven users do not normally stand as close to the oven as the rats in our study were placed; therefore, it is difficult to suggest that microwave ovens always have cataractogenic effects on human eyes.
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Acceptable radiation leakage of microwave ovens on pregnant and newborn rat brains.
Inalöz SS, Daşdağ S, Ceviz A, Bilici A. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 1997;24(4):215-9.
The present article was intended to investigate the possible effects of the acceptable radiation leakage of microwave ovens on pregnant and new-born rat brains. Twenty-seven pregnant Wistar-albino rats were separated into three groups (n = 9), a control group (sham-exposed) and two experimental groups. The experimental gravid rats were confined in Plexiglas cages and placed next to the closed door of a microwave oven (power-output: 550 W). The NIR 15 (NIR: non-ionising radiation) group of gravid rats were exposed to the leakage of microwave ovens daily for 15 minutes whereas the NIR 30 group was exposed daily for 30 minutes during their pregnancies. 
The most striking changes were observed in the NIR 30 group of rats. Congestive vessels, edema and degenerative neurones were noticed in all experimental dams. Chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate, and focal necrosis of neurones were seen only in the NIR 30 group of dams. Progressive edema and conspicuous congestive vessels were seen in the offspring of both experimental groups. Chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate, haemorrhage, necrotic neural tissues, and degenerative neurones with a reactive glial proliferation were observed only in the offspring of the NIR 30 groups.
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Effect of microwaves on survival of some bacterial strains.
Atmaca S, Akdag Z, Dasdag S, Celik S. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung. 1996;43(4):371-8.
While the inhibitory effect of microwave radiation on microorganisms is being researched intensively, how microwave radiation brings about this effect has been a matter of discussion. Some researchers support that this effect is of a thermal character, whereas some others maintain a non-thermal effect. In this work, 1 ml suspensions of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas acidovorans staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria were subjected to microwave radiation at 2450 MHz and 550 Watts for periods of 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 25 and 30 seconds. 
When each result was compared with the CFU/ml results obtained from unradiated control group bacterial suspensions derived from stock cultures, significant conclusions were attained (P < 0.001). The same experiments were repeated with the application of conventional heating. The difference between the CFU/ml values of similar bacterial suspensions subjected to microwave radiation and conventional heating was significant (P < 0.001). Concurrently, the fact that the effect was exacerbated upon increasing of liquid volume during the application of microwave radiation was established via the results obtained through the application of microwave radiation to 1 ml and 5 ml bacterial suspensions (P < 0.001).
-- Joel M. Moskowitz, Ph.D., Director
Center for Family and Community Health
School of Public Health
University of California, Berkeley

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