Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Influence of electromagnetic fields on bone fracture in rats: role of CAPE med./bio.

By: Cicek E, Gokalp O, Varol R, Cesur G

Published in: Biomed Environ Sci 2009; 22 (2): 157-160

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of exposure to 900 MHz and 1800 MHz on bone fracture and the role of CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester) on the induced changes.

Background/further details

CAPE is one of the major components of honeybee propolis. It has been used in folk medicine for many years in Middle East countries. CAPE was found to be a potent free radical scavenger and antioxidant.
48 rats were divided into five groups: 1) sham exposure (n=10); 2) 900 MHz exposure (n=8); 3) treatment with CAPE before 900 MHZ exposure (n=10) ; 4) 1800 MHz exposure (n=10); 5) treatment with CAPE before 1800 MHz exposure (n=10). At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and the left femur was removed.

Endpoint

bone fracture

Exposure

- 900–1,800 MHz
- CW continuous wave
- mobile communications
- mobile phone
- digital mobile phone
- GSM

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz Modulation type: CW Exposure duration: continuous for 30 min/day, for 28 days	power: 2 W power density: 1 mW/cm² average over time SAR: 2 W/kg
Exposure 2: 1,800 MHz Modulation type: CW Exposure duration: continuous for 30 min/day, for 28 days	power density: 1 mW/cm² average over time SAR: 2 W/kg power: 1.5 W

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	900 MHz
Type	electromagnetic field
Exposure duration	continuous for 30 min/day, for 28 days
Additional info	rats were divided into two groups: i) without CAPE treatment ii) with 10 µmol/kg CAPE treatment

Modulation

Modulation type	CW

Exposure setup

Exposure source	half wave dipole antenna
Setup	rats placed above the antenna in 12 cm long plastic tube cages with a diameter of 5.5 cm
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
power	2 W	-	-	-	-
power density	1 mW/cm²	average over time	measured	-	-
SAR	2 W/kg	-	-	whole body	-

Exposure 2

Main characteristics

Frequency	1,800 MHz
Type	electromagnetic field
Exposure duration	continuous for 30 min/day, for 28 days
Additional info	rats were divided into two groups: i) without CAPE treatment ii) with 0.569 mg CAPE treatment

Modulation

Modulation type	CW

Exposure setup

Exposure source	same setup as exposure 1
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
power density	1 mW/cm²	average over time	measured	-	-
SAR	2 W/kg	-	-	whole body	-
power	1.5 W	-	-	-	-

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

bone fracture: femoral length and outer mid-shaft width; strength of femoral shaft (three-point bending test using a mechanical testing device: values of total fracture energy (load and maximal deflection), breaking force, bending strength)

Investigated system:

tissue slices
bone

Investigated organ system:

muscular/skeletal system

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The exposure groups that were pretreated with CAPE had significantly higher values in breaking force, bending strength, and total fracture engery of the femur compared to the exposure groups without CAPE pretreatment. However, all exposure and CAPE treatment groups (2-5) showed decreased values for all three parameters compared to the sham exposed group (1).
Both radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and CAPE had effects on bones.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study

Study funded by

not stated/no funding

Onger ME et al. (2016): Effect of electromagnetic wave on bone healing in fixed and unfixed conditions
Sieron-Stoltny K et al. (2015): The influence of electromagnetic radiation generated by a mobile phone on the skeletal system of rats
Aslan A et al. (2014): Effect of 1800 MHz Electromagnetic Radiation Emitted from Cellular Phones on Fracture Healing
Aslan A et al. (2013): Effect of 900MHz electromagnetic fields emitted from cellular phones on fracture healing: an experimental study on rats
Koyu A et al. (2009): The protective effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on oxidative stress in rat liver exposed to the 900 MHz electromagnetic field
Atay T et al. (2009): Effect of electromagnetic field induced by radio frequency waves at 900 to 1800 MHz on bone mineral density of iliac bone wings
Prisco MG et al. (2008): Effects of GSM-modulated radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on mouse bone marrow cells
Hanafy E et al. (2008): Loss of bone calcium in exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields
Yildiz M et al. (2006): Influence of electromagnetic fields and protective effect of CAPE on bone mineral density in rats
Tabrah FL et al. (1998): Clinical report on long-term bone density after short-term EMF application
Yadav S et al. (1989): Electromagnetic phenomena in bone
Bassett CA et al. (1974): Acceleration of fracture repair by electromagnetic fields. A surgically noninvasive method
Bassett CA et al. (1974): Augmentation of bone repair by inductively coupled electromagnetic fields
McElhaney JH et al. (1968): Electric fields and bone loss of disuse

Influence of electromagnetic fields on bone fracture in rats: role of CAPE med./bio.

Aim of study (acc. to author)

Background/further details

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Modulation

Exposure setup

Parameters

Exposure 2

Main characteristics

Modulation

Exposure setup

Parameters

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Study funded by

Related articles