Antioxidant Effects of Allium cepa and Cinnamon on Sex Hormones and Serum Antioxidant Capacity in Female Rats Exposed to Power Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields

Abstract

Objectives: In this study we investigated whether 50 Hz power frequency electric field of 1.01x10(3) V/m and the magnetic field flux density of 3 mT have effect on serum sex hormones and antioxidant capacity and if Allium cepa and cinnamon can moderate potential adverse effects of power frequency electromagnetic exposure. Materials and Methods: Forty female Wistar rats, weighting 220 +/- 10 g were used for this study. Rats were allocated randomly to four groups. The first group (the control group) received 3 cc normal saline (0.9%) daily and was treated for 6 weeks. The second group was exposed to power frequency of 3 mT for 4 h/day, 7 days/week for 6 weeks. The third group received Allium cepa (3 cc onion juice) and cinnamon (75 mg/kg body weight) daily for 6 weeks by Gavage method. The fourth group was exposed to power frequency EMF of 3 mT for 4 h/day, 7 days/week and received Allium cepa (3 cc onion juice) and cinnamon (75 mg/kg body weight) daily for 6 weeks by Gavage method. Results: Levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen, significantly decreased in second group that exposed to power frequency EMF of 3 mT and 103 V/m (P < 0.05) and modified in exposed rats which received Allium cepa and cinnamon (P < 0.05). Also, TAC levels were significantly decreased in exposed rats and were moderate in exposed rats received Allium cepa and cinnamon (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Power frequency electromagnetic field could adversely affect sex hormones and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels in exposed rats and Allium cepa and cinnamon could prescribed as an effective pharmacological supplement to moderate exposure degenerative effects.