Quantitative changes in testicular structure and function in rat exposed to mobile phone radiation

Abstract

The possible effects of the electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by mobile phones on reproductive functions have been discussed in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of EMF emitted from mobile phones on the rat testis morphology and histopathology using stereological techniques. We also investigated cortisol, testosterone, FSH and LH levels. A total of thirty-two (n = 32) male Wistar albino rats were used in this study. Animals were randomly divided into four groups as control (C, n = 8), sham (Sh, n = 8), mobile phone speech (Sp, n = 8) and mobile phone standby (ST by). Morphometric measurements were made with the help of a computer-assisted stereological analysis system. The testis weight and volume were significantly lower in the EMF exposed groups. The mean volume fraction of interstitial tissue was higher, but the volume fraction of tubular tissue was lower in the EMF-exposed groups. The mean tubular and germinal tissue volume, seminiferous tubule diameter and germinal epithelium height were also lower in EMF exposed groups. The cortisol levels in the EMF-exposed groups were significantly higher. In conclusion, the EMF created by mobile phones caused morphologic and histological changes by the affecting germinal epithelium tissue negatively.

The protective effect of melatonin on radiofrequency electromagnetic fields of mobile phone‐induced testicular damage in an experimental mouse model

“…In studies of the rat model, it has been reported that exposure to mobile phones makes negative morphological and histological alternations in the testes (Mugunthan, Shanmugasamy, Anbalagan, Rajanarayanan, & Meenachi, 2016; Salama, Kishimoto, Kanayama, 2010). Cetkin et al have shown that mobile phones, both in speech and in standby condition, lead to degeneration of the germinal epithelial separation from the tunica propria in some seminiferous tubules compared to the control and sham groups (Cetkin et al., 2017). It was also seen a decrease in Leydig cell in the interstitial tissue.…”

Single-strand DNA breaks and oxidative changes in rat testes exposed to radiofrequency radiation emitted from cellular phones

“…Since testicles contain large amounts of peroxidation-sensitive polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), they are hypersensitive to ROS induced oxidative damage [30]. The electromagnetic energy emitted from cellular phones penetrates live tissue and may result in degenerative effects on different biological systems [31]. DNA is important for cellular functions, reproduction, viability and inheritance of genetic material from generation to the generation.…”

“…Even though the number of studies on the influence of cellular phones on reproductive functions has increased in recent years, no consensus has been reached. It has been put forth in many studies that exposure to RFR emitted by cellular phones may lead to various negative effects [31][32][33]. Akdag et al [28] examined whether 2.4 GHz (Wi-Fi) RFR causes DNA damage in rats brain, skin, liver, kidney and testicle tissue through the Comet assay method.…”

Effects of long-term exposure to radiofrequency radiations emitted by mobile Jammers on reproduction parameters in rats

“…And to 10 Hz and 1 mT EMF showed a decrease in the tubular diameter, seminiferous tubules area, seminiferous epithelium height, total volume of seminiferous tubule, tubular lumen, seminiferous epithelium in Wistar rats [14]. Being exposed to 10 GHz microwave radiation for 2 h per day for 45 d revealed shrinkage in the seminiferous lumen [4].…”