The Effect of Citrus aurantium on Uterus Apoptosis and Serum Antioxidants in Rats Exposed to Electromagnetic Fields

In the industrial world, almost everyone is unavoidably exposed to ambient electromagnetic field (EMF) generated from various technical and household appliances. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the diminishing effects of Citrus aurantium on uterus cell injury induced by EMF. In order to examine this, 40 female Wistar rats were selected and kept for 1 week in quarantine, and then, subdivided into two groups of 20 rats and were exposed to 40 Hz of EMF (non-ionizing radiation, 0.1 tesla) for 6 weeks. Group 1 received 3 cc/rat Citrus aurantium juice, and group 2 only received 3 cc Citrus aurantium. The control group only received 3 cc water using gavage method. The materials were processed and apoptosis was observed under a light microscope using TUNEL method. In the experimental rats, apoptotic cells showed significant increase in the EMF groups. However, in the exposed group that received Citrus aurantium, apoptotic cells and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) were decreased and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was increased (P < 0.05). This study showed that EMF could induce cell injury on uterus tissue, and 3 cc Citrus aurantium juice has antioxidative effects on uterus tissue by reduction of apoptosis.