A Comparative Study of the Effect of Electromagnetic Radiation Emitted from 2G versus 4G Cell Phones on the Thyroid Gland of the Adult Male Albino Rat

Abstract

Introduction: The massive increase in cell phone use in the world increases worries about its possible side effects on the human health. The cell phones release nonionizing radiofrequency waves that can affect the thyroid gland due its anatomical position. Thyroid gland regulates the metabolic rate of the body and plays an important role in the human health. Aim of the work: The present study aimed to compare the effects of electromagnetic waves emitted from 2G versus 4G mobile phone on the thyroid gland using the adult male albino rat as an experimental model. Material and methods: 45 adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups: Group I (Control), Group II (Sham exposed), Group III in which the rats were exposed to Nokia Asha 501 phones as sources of 2G radiation emitted by ringing for one hour per day for eight weeks and Group IV in which the rats were exposed to Lenovo B phones as sources of 4G-LTE radiation emitted by ringing for one hour per day for eight weeks. At the end of the experiment, thyroid gland specimens were processed for histological examination. Also, statistical and morphometric studies were done. Results: Histological sections from groups III and IV showed signs of hypoactivity in the form of significant increase in the follicular diameter and significant decrease in the follicular epithelium height. In addition, some follicles showed signs of degeneration in the form of denuded follicles, exfoliated epithelium in the follicular lumen. Some follicular cells showed vacuolated cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei. In the interstitial tissue between the follicles, dilated and congested blood vessels were noticed and there was apparent increase in the parafollicular and mast cells. These results were confirmed by electron microscopic examination. Conclusion: Electromagnetic radiation emitted from 2G and 4G cell phones resulted in pathological changes in the thyroid gland.