Sibel Atesoglu Karabas; Atila Yoldas; Selma Solgun Dag; Aslı Yaylal; Ibrahim Seyfettin Çelik & Ömer Sögüt
This study investigates the impact of 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi radiation on ovarian primordial follicles in female rats and explores the potential protective roles of folic acid and vitamin D. A total of 42 female offspring rats, derived from six experimental groups, were analyzed for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical changes following prenatal exposure to Wi-Fi radiation. Pregnant rats were exposed to Wi-Fi for 60 minutes daily throughout gestation, with folic acid and vitamin D administered to treatment groups at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day via oral gavage. Histopathological evaluation revealed a significant increase in atretic follicle count and a decrease in total follicle number in the Wi-Fi-exposed group compared to controls. Caspase immunostaining indicated increased apoptotic activity in the Wi-Fi group, whereas no significant difference was found between treatment and Wi-Fi-only groups. Biochemical analysis showed a significant reduction in Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) and an increase in Total Oxidant Status (TOS) in the Wi-Fi group, suggesting oxidative stress. However, folic acid and vitamin D did not significantly reverse these changes. No statistically significant alterations were observed in estrogen, Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), or TGF-b1 levels across groups. In conclusion, prenatal Wi-Fi exposure may impair ovarian follicle development and induce oxidative stress in female rats. Neither folic acid nor vitamin D provided significant histological or biochemical protection under the tested conditions. Further studies are recommended to explore alternative antioxidants and varying exposure parameters.
KEY WORDS: Wi-Fi exposure; Folic acid; D vitamin; Total Oxidant Status; Total Antioxidant Status.
KARABAS, S. A.; YOLDAS, A.; DAG, S. S.; YAYLALI, A.; ÇELIK, I. S. & SÖGÜT, Ö. Impact of 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi radiation on primordial follicles in female rats: Protective role of folic acid and vitamin D. Int. J. Morphol., 44(2):645-653, 2026.
