Effect of Vitamin E and Sodium Selenite on the Expression of Bax and Bcl2 Genes and Renal Histopathology in the Electromagnetic Field-Exposed Mice

Electromagnetic field (EMF) causes damages to the kidney through the increase of oxidative stress, and the use of antioxidants can reduce the effects caused by EMF. The present study investigated the effects of vitamin E and sodium selenite on the expression levels of Bax and Bcl2 genes and renal histopathology in the EMF-exposed mice.

In this study, 48 mice with the approximate weight of 24-28 g were used. The mice were randomly assigned to six groups (n=8): 1) control; 2) EMF; 3) EMF + vitamin E; 4) EMF + sodium selenite; 5) EMF + vitamin E + sodium selenite; and 6) vitamin E + sodium selenite. Mice were exposed to the EMF for 4 hours a day for 2 months. After this duration, the mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the right kidney was taken out for the evaluation of the histopathological changes and the left kidney was used to determine the expression of Bax and Bcl2 genes by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Statistical analyses showed that EMF significantly decreased the kidney corpuscle diameter and bcl2 gene expression. Moreover, increased urinary space, basal membrane thickness, and increased expression of Bax gene were observed compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, the treatment of mice exposed to EMF with vitamin E and sodium selenite significantly decreased the effects of EMF on these parameters (P < 0.05).

The results of this study showed that vitamin E and sodium selenite could significantly inhibit the destructive effects of EMF on the expression of Bax and bcl2 genes and prevent the histopathological changes in the kidneys of mice.