The protective effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine and epigallocatechin-3-gallate on electric field-induced hepatic oxidative stress

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effects of 12 kV/m electric (E) field sourced by power lines on oxidative and nitrosative stress, and antioxidant status. Furthermore, the study aimed to examine the protective effects of N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) in the liver tissues of guinea pigs against the possible detriments of electromagnetic field exposure.

Materials and methods: Guinea pigs were exposed to 50 Hz 12 kV/m E-field. NAC and EGCG were administered intraperitoneally. Malonedialdehyde (MDA), a product of lipid peroxidation (LPO), and nitric oxide derivatives (nitrate (NO(3)), nitrite (NO(2)), total level of nitric oxide (NO(x)) were estimated as biomarkers of oxidative and nitrosative stress, respectively. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were evaluated as endogenous antioxidant enzymes in liver tissues of the guinea pigs.

Results: The results of our study indicated a significant increase in the levels of oxidant products (MDA, NO(3), NO(2), NO(x)), and a significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme (SOD, GSH-Px and MPO) activities. We also found that the individual or plus application of NAC and EGCG resulted in the reduction of oxidative stress prior to E field application.

Conclusion: To conclude, extremely low frequency (ELF) electric field has potential harmful effects on the living organisms by enhancing the free radical production. NAC and EGCG might have hepatoprotective effects in ELF-E field induced oxidative and nitrosative stress.