Nitric oxide level in the nasal and sinus mucosa after exposure to electromagnetic field
Objective
The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in nitric oxide (NO) level in the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa after exposure radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMF).
Study design and setting
Thirty male Spraque-Dawley rats were randomly grouped as follows: EMF group (group I; n, 10), EMF group in which melatonin received (group II; n, 10) and the control (sham operated) group (group III; n, 10). Groups I and II were exposed to a 900 MHz. Oral melatonin was given in group II. Control rats (group III) were also placed in the tube as the exposure groups, but without exposure to EMF. At the end of 2 weeks, the rats were sacrificed, and the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa dissected. NO was measured in nasal and paranasal mucosa.
Results
The nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa NO levels of group I were significantly higher than those of the control group (group III) (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between group II and the control group (group III) regarding NO output (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
Exposure to EMF released by mobile phones (900 MHz) increase NO levels in the sinus and nasal mucosa.
Significance
Increased NO levels may act as a defense mechanism and presumably related to tissue damage. In addition, melatonin may have beneficial effect to prevent these changes in the mucosa.
aDepartment of Otorhinolaryngology, Suleyman Demirel University School of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey.
bDepartment of Physiology, Suleyman Demirel University School of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey.
cDepartment of Pharmacology, Suleyman Demirel University School of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey.
dDepartment of Clinical Biochemistry, Suleyman Demirel University School of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey.
Reprint requests: Dr Murat Yariktaş, Yayla M. 1604 S. 5/3 32100, Isparta, Turkey
ABSTRACT