ABSTRACTThe widespread use of mobile phones and other devices emitting non-ionizingelectromagnetic fields (EMF) has raised concerns about potential biologicaleffects on metabolically active organs such as the pancreas. This study inves-tigated the histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical effects ofEMF exposure and the protective role of crocin in mice. Twenty adult maleSwiss albino mice were divided into four groups: control, crocin-treated (20mg/kg), EMF-exposed (1 h/day for 8 weeks), and crocin-pretreated plus EMF-exposed. Pancreatic tissues were examined using hematoxylin and eosin,Masson’s trichrome, and insulin immunohistochemistry, with quantitativeimage analysis. EMF exposure induced marked pancreatic injury, includingacinar cell necrosis, islet degeneration, inflammatory infiltration, hemorrhage,and increased collagen deposition, accompanied by a significant reduction ininsulin immunoexpression. In contrast, crocin pretreatment significantly atte-nuated these histological alterations, reduced collagen accumulation, andimproved insulin expression toward near-normal levels. These findings demon-strate that EMF exposure induces structural and functional pancreatic damage,while crocin exerts a protective effect likely related to its antioxidant andcytoprotective properties. However, the lack of biochemical oxidative stressmarkers limits mechanistic interpretation. Overall, crocin shows potential as aprotective agent against EMF-induced pancreatic injury. |
