Abstract
The use of wireless devices has increased rapidly in recent times, especially in developed countries. As a result, all living systems are to some extent permanently exposed to this artificial electromagnetic non-ionizing radiation (NIR). These modern devices provide countless benefits to the users, but the disadvantage of their excessive use is the production of electrosmog. This physical pollutant of the environment can be particularly dangerous especially during the developmental period of the individual. The aim of the current study was to elucidate the effect of Wi-Fi radiation on the mesonephros development in the chicken embryo on day 9 of incubation. Continual 9-day application of radiation with a frequency of 2.4 GHz and a power density of 200-500 µW/m(2) had no adverse effect on the general development of the mesonephros, however moderate diffuse degenerative changes were found in the developing mesonephric corpuscles and tubules. Also congested blood vessels were present in the surrounding interstitium, but no signs of inflammatory infiltrate were detected. In the Wi-Fi group, we also noted a significantly increased number of apoptotic and proliferating cells as well as a significant up-regulation of caspase-1 gene expression. The results indicated that non-ionizing radiation at the frequency and power density used in the study can interfere with the key regulatory mechanisms involved in the normal development of tissues and organs.