Iranian Journal of War and Public Health

eISSN (English): 2980-969X
eISSN (Persian): 2008-2630
pISSN (Persian): 2008-2622
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Volume 17, Issue 4 (2025)                   3 2025, 17(4): 383-389 | Back to browse issues page
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Al-Rikabi H, Haji Ghasem Kashani M, Abiri E, Molaei Fard F, Altememy D. Effect of Tannic Acid on Apoptosis in the Testes of Mice Exposed to Mobile Phone Electromagnetic Waves. 3 2025; 17 (4) :383-389
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Abstract   (579 Views)
Nowadays, due to the increasing use of mobile phones, concerns have arisen regarding the detrimental effects of electromagnetic waves on reproductive health. Tannic acid (TA) is a natural polyphenolic compound found in the roots, leaves, and fruits of oak, chestnut, hemlock, mangrove, sumac leaves, and plant galls. It exhibits antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, the anti-apoptotic effect of TA on the testicular tissue of mice exposed to mobile phone radiofrequency waves was investigated. Forty adult male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into five groups. Control: mice that received no treatment. TA: mice that received tannic acid at a dose of 20 mg/kg intraperitoneally every other day (3 days per week). Sham: mice that received physiological saline instead of TA (other conditions were similar to the TA group). EMF: mice that were exposed to 900 MHz electromagnetic waves for 8 hours daily (from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM). EMF+TA: mice that were exposed to electromagnetic waves, as in the previous group, and also received TA at a dose of 20 mg/kg every other day (3 days per week).
After 35 days of treatment, the animals were sacrificed, and the left testes were stored at -70°C for Real-time PCR analysis of apoptosis-related genes (Apaf-1, Bad, and Foxo3a). In the EMF group, a significant increase in the expression of Foxo3a, Bad, and Apaf1 was observed compared to the sham group, indicating the destructive effect of EMF on testicular tissue. A significant decrease in the expression of these genes was observed in the EMF+TA group compared to the EMF group. Tannic acid reduces apoptosis in the testes of mice exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, and exposure to 900 MHz radiofrequency waves intensifies apoptosis in testicular tissue.
 
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