Caffeic acid phenethyl ester modulates 1800 MHz microwave-induced oxidative stress in rat liver

Microwaves (MW) from cellular phones may affect biological systems by increasing free radicals, which may enhance lipid peroxidation (LP), and by changing the antioxidative activities of the liver, thus leading to oxidative damage. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis extract, exhibits antioxidant properties and several studies suggest that supplementation with antioxidant can influence MW induced hepatotoxicity. The present study was designed to determine the effects of MW on the liver oxidant/antioxidant system, and the possible protective effects of CAPE on liver toxicity, induced by MW. Twenty nine male Spraque- Dawley rats were divided into three groups: control (n = 9), 1800 MHz MW (n = 10) and 1800 MHz MW + CAPE (it = 10). CAPE was injected intraperitoneally for 30 days before exposure to MW. Liver tissue was removed to study the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), xanthine oxidase (XO) and the levels of LP. The activities of XO, CAT and level of LP increased in MW group compared with the control group although XO and LP levels were decreased by MW+ CAPE administration. The activities of SOD and GSH-Px decreased in MW group compared with the control group. Their levels were increased by MW +CAPE administration. We conclude that CAPE may prevent MW-induced oxidative changes in liver by strengthening the antioxidant defense system, by reducing reactive oxygen species, and by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities.