effects of electromagnetic cell phone radiation on thyroid gland tissue in rats treated with hydroalcholic allium sativum extract

abstract background & aim: recent increase of hormonal disorders in human may be correlated to the increased exposure to electromagnetic fields produced by various instruments, including cell phones. thyroid gland is one of the organs most likely to be exposed to cell phone radiation. whereas garlic is known as reducing risk factors for various diseases. the aim of this study is to assess the adverse effects of cell phone radiation along with the protective effects of garlic on thyroid tissue. 5 groups of rats (n=8) were used: control, sham (exposed to 900 mhz wavelength), experimental1 (receiving 400 garlic extract), experimental2 (receiving 200 garlic extract and microwaves) and experimental3 (receiving 400 garlic extract and microwaves). after a month, thyroid glands were removed and their probable histological changes were studied. histological examination of thyroid revealed a reduction in the number of cubic cells and disorder among them, as well as a reduction in the amount of follicular fluid and follicular diameter in groups exposed to radiation and received garlic extract. as a result, exposure to radiation can cause damage to the thyroid gland, and garlic consumption are not always beneficial in reducing deleterious effects of cell phones.