Background: Recently, studies are concerned with electromagnetic radiation (EMR) as one of the most physical factors to which a biological body and hence skin are exposed. Research also demonstrates that topical olive oil can prevent skin damage.
Aim of work: This study aimed to examine the histological, biochemical, and immunohistochemical changes in the skin tissue of adult mice after exposure to 3600 MHz (for 2 weeks) electromagnetic waves as well as the protective role of topical olive oil on mice skin For this,
Materials and Methods: Thirty adult mice were categorized equally into six groups control; olive oil; EMR-exposed: mice exposed to 3600 MHz for 2 weeks; Pre, Post-EMR groups: mice painted with topical olive oil pre and post-exposure respectively for 2 weeks; recovery group: mice left 2 weeks after exposure without any treatment. Histopathological examination and biochemical analysis were performed.
Results: Mice exposed to EMR showed several histological changes as increased thickness and discontinuation of the epidermis, flat epidermal-dermal junction, dermal cell atypia, and hair follicle degeneration, disorganized and fragmented collagen and elastic fibers. Furthermore, reduced catalase activity, and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and inflammatory cytokines, Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6. Also, up-regulation of tumor protein (P) 53, caspase 3, and HSP (heat shock proteins)-70 were observed in the skin of mice. These changes were improved by using topical olive oil that is more pronounced in Pre-EMR than Post-EMR with partial insensible effect in the recovery group.
Conclusion: The present work showed that olive oil protected mice's skin against EMR, especially when used before exposure through amelioration of oxidative, inflammatory, and heat shock stress factors. The absence of exposure leads to a partial return to the control state for further studies.