The Effect of Electrical Substations and Cellular Communication Towers on Oxidative Stress and Thyroid Gland Hormones.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are normal byproducts of the human body under physiological conditions and serve a beneficial function as redox signaling molecules. However, ROS possess oxidative properties that can damage cellular macromolecules, such as lipids, proteins, DNA and RNA, potentially leading to cell apoptosis and pathological conditions. There are exogenous sources of ROS that can directly influence the development of oxidative stress, including radiation, heavy metals, smoke, and insecticides. The body contains many antioxidants that are designed to neutralize and detoxify the oxidative effects of ROS. Thus, oxidative stress results from either increased ROS concentrations, decreased antioxidant levels, or both.

In the present study, oxidative stress, antioxidant levels, and thyroid hormones were analyzed in the serum of workers in electrical substations (operating with ultra-high voltage) and cell tower technicians. Oxidative stress was assessed using malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidative status (TOS) as indicators, while antioxidant levels were measured using glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). For thyroid function, thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured.

The study included 40 substation workers (aged 19-60 years), 40 cell tower technicians (aged 26-55 years), and 40 healthy controls (aged 21-55 years). All participants were male. Data were collected from November 2021 to January 2022. TSH, T3, and T4 levels were determined using a Cobas e411 analyzer (Roche, Germany). TAC, TOS, MDA, and GSH levels were measured with a PD-303 APEL spectrophotometer (Japan).

There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in age, BMI, or smoking prevalence between the exposed groups and the control group. TSH levels were slightly but significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in substation workers compared to both the control group and cell tower technicians. The differences in T3 and T4 levels were not significant.

MDA levels were significantly elevated in the serum of substation workers (by 220%) and cell tower technicians (by 120%) compared to the control group. TOS concentrations were significantly elevated in the serum of substation workers (by 530%) and cell tower technicians (by 240%) compared to controls. In addition, MDA and TOS levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in substation workers than in cell tower technicians.

TAC levels were significantly reduced in the serum of substation workers (-61%) and cell tower technicians (-42%) compared to controls. GSH levels were significantly reduced in substation workers (-77%) and cell tower technicians (28%) compared to controls. Furthermore, TAC and GSH levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in substation workers than in cell tower technicians.

The results indicate an increase in lipid peroxidation (MDA) and total oxidative stress (TOS), coupled with a decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the serum of substation workers and cell tower technicians. The most severe effects were observed in substation workers. The high electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure associated with these occupations leads to increased oxidative stress and may pose several long-term health risks. (AT)

"MDA levels were significantly elevated in substation workers and cell tower technicians."