Abstract
BACKGROUND: The increasing use of mobile phones has raised concerns about potential health risks. In addition, the effect of protective materials is also important. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Melatonin on cell viability, apoptosis, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) level, and gene expression of Bax and Bcl2 in L929 fibroblast cells after Radiofrequency (RF) radiation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this experimental study, cells were divided into six groups with at least 3 replications in each group. The two groups were respectively exposed to radiofrequency waves for 8 and 16 hours. They were pretreated with melatonin before radiation exposure, while the control group did not receive any radiation or melatonin during the experiment, and the melatonin group was just treated with melatonin. RESULTS: Cell survival was reduced after 8 hours of RF radiation. After 16 hours, the total apoptosis was increased, and pretreatment with melatonin increased cell survival and reduced total apoptosis. Radiation increased intracellular ROS levels. RF increased the Bax/Bcl2 ratio, and the treatment with melatonin decreased it after 8 hours. CONCLUSION: Melatonin prevents the increase in apoptosis and Bax/Bcl2 ratio, but there are no significant changes in survival and ROS levels.