The Role of Vitamin E and Sodium Selenite Supplementation on the Apoptosis of Renal Cells from Mice under the Electromagnetic Field Exposure

Introduction: By increasing the oxidative stress and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), electromagnetic field (EMF) is potentially able to damage body tissues, especially renal cells. Therefore, antioxidants by neutralizing the ROS may decrease the harmful effects caused by EMF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of vitamin E and sodium selenite on the apoptosis of renal cells in mice under EMF exposure. Material and Methods: Forty-eight mice, weighing between 24-28 g, were under EMF exposure for 4 hours a day during 2 months. Mice were categorized into 6 groups, containing 6 mice in each group, and were treated with vitamin E or sodium selenite or both. The control group received nothing. To evaluated the apoptosis rate, mice were sacrificed through cervical dislocation and the right kidney was extracted in the end of intervention period. Apoptosis rate was assessed by Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Results: It was detected that apoptosis was significantly increased in the EMF exposed mice. Treatment with vitamin E resulted in significantly decreased apoptotic cells in the EMF exposed mice. However, sodium selenite was unable to significantly decrees the apoptosis in the EMF exposed mice. Combinational therapy of vitamin E and sodium selenite resulted in more decreased apoptotic cells in comparison to the mice receiving only the vitamin E. Conclusion: Combinational therapy of vitamin E and sodium selenite has beneficial effects in reducing the harmful effects of EMF on renal cells.