In vitro effect of pulsed 900 MHz GSM radiation on mitochondrial membrane potential and motility of human spermatozoa

Abstract

and Key wordsEjaculated, density purified, human spermatozoa were exposed to 900 MHz GSM mobile phone radiation at two specific absorption rate levels (SAR 2.0 and 5.7 W/kg) and examined at various time points post exposure. Change in sperm mitochondrial membrane potential was analyzed using flow cytometry. Sperm motility was determined by computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA). There was no effect of 900MHz GSM radiation on mitochondrial membrane potential. This was also the case for all kinematic parameters assessed at SAR of 2.0 W/kg. However, two kinematic parameters (VSL and BCF) were statistically significantly altered after the exposure at SAR 5.7 W/kg. Effects seen cannot be ascribed to heating, as the temperature did not increase by more than 0.3ºC. A thorough investigation at lower SAR levels is required to determine the extent of the influence of RF-EMF on human sperm motility.

Mobile Phone Radiation Does Not Induce Pro-apoptosis Effects in Human Spermatozoa

“…Therefore, change in mitochondrial membrane potential as a result of RF EMF exposure could provide a sensitive marker for sperm fecundity. In a recent study (30) we found no evidence of such an interaction.…”

Mobile Phone Electromagnetic Waves and Its Effect on Human Ejaculated Semen: An in vitro Study

“…22 Other investigators like Falzone et al found no effect of RF-EMW on mitochondrial membrane potential of spermatozoa and motility at a specific absorbance rate (SAR) of 2 W/kg. 23 However, they showed a decrease in straight-line velocity and beat-cross frequency at an SAR of 5.7 W/kg. In the present study, our objective was to validate the results of several recent epidemiologic studies by establishing a causeand-effect relationship between RF-EMW emitted from a mobile phone in talk mode and changes in semen parameters.…”

“…In our study we used unprocessed semen samples, which contain both mature and immature spermatozoa to assess the effect of EMW on sperm function, whereas in a recent study conducted by Falzone et al only mature sperm from the Percoll fraction was used for analysis. 23 It has been suggested that free radical generating capacity may be higher in spermatozoa in the low-density region of the Percoll gradient (immature spermatozoa) compared with the capacity of sperm from the higher-density fraction (mature spermatozoa). 28 In a study conducted by Agarwal et al, both normal donors and patients who are infertile were studied and their effects on exposure to RF-EMW were analyzed.…”

Influence of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields on the Fertility System: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…[32] Recently, Falzone et al studied [33] the effect of pulsed 900 MHz radiation on various kinetic parameters and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of purified human spermatozoa (by percoll density gradient). They found significant decrease in straight-line velocity and beat-cross frequency at an SAR of 5.7 W/kg.…”