Influence of static magnetic field on cadmium toxicity: Study of oxidative stress and DNA damage in pregnant rat tissues

In our environment, we have numerous chances to be exposed to not only static magnetic fields (SMFs) but also many chemicals containing mutagens. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of co-exposure to SMF and cadmium (Cd) on the antioxidant enzymes activity and DNA damage in pregnant rat tissues. Pregnant rats were treated with cadmium (CdCl2, 3.0 mg/Kg body weight) or exposed to SMF (128 mT/h/day) and treated with cadmium chlorides (3.0 mg/kg, body weight) for 13 consecutive days as from the 6th to 19th day of gestation. Cd treatment increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-oxodGuo levels in kidney of pregnant rats. However, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione level were decreased in kidney. Interestingly, the combined effects of SMF and Cd have no effects on activities of antioxidant in both tissues compared to cadmium treated group. However, the association between SMF and Cd decreased plasma MDA concentration. The same treatment failed to alter 8-oxodGuo concentration. Sub-acute Cd treatment altered antioxidant enzymes and DNA in kidney of pregnant rats. The results suggest that a homeostatic defence mechanism was activated when SMF was associated to Cd in pregnant rats.