Myrtenal improves memory deficits in mice exposed to radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation during gestational and neonatal development via enhancing oxido-inflammatory, and neurotransmitter functions

Isaac Oluwatobi Akefe; Ezekiel Stephen Nyan; Victoria Aderonke Adegoke; Ibrahim Yusuf Lamidi; Matthew Phillip Ameh; Uchendu Chidiebere; Simon Azubuike Ubah; Itopa Etudaye Ajayi

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15321

Myrtenal improves memory deficits in mice exposed to radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation during gestational and neonatal development via enhancing oxido-inflammatory, and neurotransmitter functions

Heliyon. 2023 Apr 8;9(4):e15321. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15321. eCollection 2023 Apr.

Authors

Isaac Oluwatobi Akefe¹, Ezekiel Stephen Nyan², Victoria Aderonke Adegoke², Ibrahim Yusuf Lamidi³, Matthew Phillip Ameh⁴, Uchendu Chidiebere¹, Simon Azubuike Ubah⁵, Itopa Etudaye Ajayi⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
² Department of Science and Laboratory Technology, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria.
³ Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
⁴ Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
⁵ Department of Theriogenology, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
⁶ Faculty of Health Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria.

Abstract

Objective: Radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) exposure during gestational and neonatal development may interact with the foetus and neonate considered hypersensitive to RF-EMR, consequently resulting in developmental defects associated with neuropsychological and neurobehavioral disorders, including learning and memory impairment. This study assessed the potential of Myrtenal (Myrt) to improve memory deficits in C57BL/6 mice exposed to RF-EMR during gestational and neonatal development.

Method: Thirty-five male mice were randomly allocated into 5 cohorts, each comprising of 7 mice. Group I was administered vehicle, Group II: RF-EMR (900 MHz); Group III: RF-EMR (900 MHz) + 100 mg/kg Myrt; Group IV: RF-EMR (900 MHz) + 200 mg/kg Myrt; and Group V: RF-EMR (900 MHz) + donepezil 0.5 mg/kg.

Results: Myrt treatment improved short-term memory performance in RF-EMR (900 MHz)-exposed mice by augmenting activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and proinflammatory cytokines, thereby protecting the brain from oxido-inflammatory stress. Additionally, Myrt restored the homeostasis of neurotransmitters in RF-EMR-exposed animals.

Conclusion: Results from the present study shows that exposure to RF-EMR impaired short-term memory in animals and altered the response of markers of oxido-inflammatory stress, and neurotransmitters. It is therefore conceivable that the recommendation of Myrt-enriched fruits may offer protective benefits for foeti and neonates prone to RF-EMR exposure.

Keywords: Antioxidant; Memory; Mice; Myrtenal; Neonates; Radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation.