---

Background: Noticing the daily advancement of the role of electromagnetic field generators in human life, examination of the biologic impacts of these waves has come to be extensively appreciated by researchers. During pregnancy, vitamin A is extremely essential for the development of fetus and its lack, insufficiency or excess can result in embryonic malformations. This study investigated the synergetic effects of vitamin A and extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on the development of embryo skin in Balb/C mice. Materials and Methods: This study was experimental in nature. Eighteen pregnant mice were divided into control, sham-exposed and experimental groups. The mice in the experimental group were given an intra-peritoneal injection of 15000 IU/kg vitamin A on the 10.5th day of gestation and were, then, exposed to a 50Hz electromagnetic field 4 hours a day from 10 through 12th day of gestation. The animals were dissected and investigated morphologically and histologically on 17.5th day of gestation. Results: The results showed an increase in the mean weight of fetuses in the experimental group in comparison to the sham- exposed group (p<0.05). Also, Crown-Rump of fetuses in the experimental group increased in comparison to those in the sham- exposed group (p<0.001). Epidermis thickness increased significantly in experimental group in comparison to sham- exposed (p<0.05), while the average number of basal, spinous cells and hair follicles decreased significantly in the experimental group compared to the sham- exposed (p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings indicate that vitamin A usage and synergetic exposure to low frequency electromagnetic fields (50Hz) profoundly affect the development and growth of skin epidermis in the fetus of Balb/C mouse.

---

Abstract

Background: Nanoparticles are used in various applications due to unique mechanical and physicochemical properties such as their increased surface area to volume ratio and quantum effects. This study was designed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of zinc oxide nanopaticles on hematological and biochemical parameters BALB/c mice.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 28 adult male mice BALB/c, were divided into four groups (one control group and three experimental groups). The mice in the experimental groups orally received Zinc Oxide nanoparticles with doses of 50, 100 and 300 mg/kg for 14 days. The control group received distillated water only. On 15th day, some hematological and biochemical parameters were studied on the blood samples collected.

Results: Results showed that Zinc Oxide nanoparticles cause changes in blood cells. In high concentration, nanoparticles increased some of factors such as white blood cells, hemoglubin, MCV and neutrophil and besides decreased amount of RBCs, pLTs, hematocrit, lymphocytes, glucose and kratenin significantly (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The findings showed that zinc oxide nanoparticles cause harmful effects due to the considerable variations in hematological and serum parameters in mice  in a dose-dependent way.