Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Influence of electromagnetic fields on reproductive system of male rats med./bio.

By: Kumar S, Behari J, Sisodia R

Published in: Int J Radiat Biol 2013; 89 (3): 147-154

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the effects of a 10 GHz electromagnetic field on male rat's reproductive system.

Background/further details

70 days old rats were sham exposed (n=6) or exposed (n=6). After the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for determining chromosome aberration, testosterone level and performing micronucleus test. Additionally, spermatozoa were collected for determining the caspase-3 activity and morphology, as well as performing a comet assay. The experiments were repeated thrice.

Endpoint

genotoxicity/mutation: DNA strand breaks, chromosome aberration damage, micronuclei formation
effects on the reproductive system: testosterone level, morphology of seminiferous tubules, weight of testis, caspase-3 activity

Exposure

- 10 GHz
- microwaves

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 10 GHz Exposure duration: continuous for 2 h/day for 45 days	power density: 0.21 mW/cm² maximum SAR: 0.014 W/kg maximum (whole body)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	10 GHz
Type	electromagnetic field
Exposure duration	continuous for 2 h/day for 45 days

Modulation

Modulation type	unspecified

Exposure setup

Exposure source	horn antenna
Chamber	rats placed in Plexiglas cages, ventilated with 1 cm diameter holes; the cages were pasted with anechoic material (top was not covered)
Setup	exposure cage was placed vertically below the antenna, so that all animals were exposed homogeneously with the same power level
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
power density	0.21 mW/cm²	maximum	measured	-	-
SAR	0.014 W/kg	maximum	calculated	whole body	-

Measurement and calculation details

SAR was calculated for an average size of small animals following the work of Durney et al. (1984: An empirical formula for broad band SAR calculations of prolate spheroidal models of humans and animal. In: Osepchuk JM, editor. Biological effects of electromagnetic radiation. New York: IEEE Press. pp 85¿90.). SAR estimation was based on one animal.

Exposed system:

animal
rat/Wistar
whole body

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

genotoxicity/mutation: abnormalities in chromosomes (chromosomale aberration assay), number of micronuclei (flow cytometry)
effects on the reproductive system: weight of testis, caspase-3 enzyme activity as a marker of apoptosis in sperms (colorimetric assay), diameter of seminiferous tubules (scanning electron microscope), DNA strand breaks in sperms (comet assay)
endocrine changes: testosterone level (ELISA)

Investigated system:

isolated bio./chem. substance
DNA/RNA
blood samples, sperm, sperm lysates

Investigated organ system:

testis

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The incidence of occurence of micronuclei increased statistically significant in the exposed group compared to the sham exposed group. No abnormalities in chromosomal number and structure was found in the exposed group in comparison to the sham exposed group. In the comet assay, a significant increase in tail length and intensity was shown in the exposed samples as compared to the sham exposed group. Sperm caspase-3 activity increased significantly in the exposure group, compared to the sham exposure group. The seminiferous tubules of the exposed group showed a significantly reduced diameter compared to them of the sham exposed groups. The serum testosterone level decreased significantly in exposed animals, as compared to sham exposed animals. The mean testicular weight of the exposed group was significantly reduced in comparison to the sham exposed group.
The authors conclude that the sperms of rats could be injured by 10 GHz electromagnetic fields.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study
blind study

Study funded by

not stated/no funding

Pandey N et al. (2017): Radiofrequency radiation (900 MHz)-induced DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in testicular germ cells in swiss albino mice
Tumkaya L et al. (2016): Mobile phone radiation during pubertal development has no effect on testicular histology in rats
Dasdag S et al. (2015): Effect of long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from Wi-Fi equipment on testes functions
Gurbuz N et al. (2014): No genotoxic effect in exfoliated bladder cells of rat under the exposure of 1800 and 2100 MHz radio frequency radiation
Meena R et al. (2014): Therapeutic approaches of melatonin in microwave radiations-induced oxidative stress-mediated toxicity on male fertility pattern of Wistar rats
Ghanbari M et al. (2013): The effects of cell phone waves (900 MHz-GSM band) on sperm parameters and total antioxidant capacity in rats
Poulletier de Gannes F et al. (2013): Rat fertility and embryo fetal development: influence of exposure to the Wi-Fi signal
Al-Damegh MA (2012): Rat testicular impairment induced by electromagnetic radiation from a conventional cellular telephone and the protective effects of the antioxidants vitamins C and E
Kesari KK et al. (2012): Evidence for mobile phone radiation exposure effects on reproductive pattern of male rats: role of ROS
Kumar S et al. (2012): Impact of microwave at X-band in the aetiology of male infertility
Ozlem Nisbet H et al. (2012): Effects of exposure to electromagnetic field (1.8/0.9 GHz) on testicular function and structure in growing rats
Avendano C et al. (2012): Use of laptop computers connected to internet through Wi-Fi decreases human sperm motility and increases sperm DNA fragmentation
Lee HJ et al. (2012): The effects of simultaneous combined exposure to CDMA and WCDMA electromagnetic fields on rat testicular function
Sarookhani MR et al. (2011): The influence of 950 MHz magnetic field (mobile phone radiation) on sex organ and adrenal functions of male rabbits
Agarwal A et al. (2011): Cell Phones and Male Infertility: A Review of Recent Innovations in Technology and Consequences
Meo SA et al. (2011): Hypospermatogenesis and spermatozoa maturation arrest in rats induced by mobile phone radiation
Kesari KK et al. (2011): Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic wave exposure from cellular phones on the reproductive pattern in male wistar rats
Imai N et al. (2011): Effects on rat testis of 1.95-GHz W-CDMA for IMT-2000 cellular phones
Kumar S et al. (2011): Influence of microwave exposure on fertility of male rats
Kesari KK et al. (2010): Mobile phone usage and male infertility in Wistar rats
Desai NR et al. (2009): Pathophysiology of cell phone radiation: oxidative stress and carcinogenesis with focus on male reproductive system
Mailankot M et al. (2009): Radio frequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from GSM (0.9/1.8GHz) mobile phones induces oxidative stress and reduces sperm motility in rats
Dasdag S et al. (2008): Mobile phone exposure does not induce apoptosis on spermatogenesis in rats
Aitken RJ et al. (2005): Impact of radio frequency electromagnetic radiation on DNA integrity in the male germline