Numerous studies have shown that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs), such as those emitted by mobile devices, can trigger oxidative stress reactions at the cellular level. RF-EMFs may interact with ion channels and receptors on cell membranes, leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibited antioxidant defenses. Coenzyme Q10 plays a vital role in electron transport in mitochondria and is crucial for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cell membranes and DNA from oxidative damage. This study examined the impact of 3.5 GHz GSM radiation on the male reproductive system and the possible protective effects of CoQ10 in a rat model.
Twenty-eight adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of seven (n = 7): 1) Sham-exposed, 2) RF-exposed, 3) Sham-exposed + Q10, 4) RF-exposed + Q10. All groups were exposed to 3.5 GHz GSM radiation for two hours daily over a period of 30 days. The numerical model used to calculate the specific absorption rate (SAR) was validated by comparing simulated and measured field strengths. The whole-body SAR was 0.17 W/kg, while the testis-specific SAR was 0.027 W/kg. Temperature monitoring was performed. The scientists determined the following parameters: hormonal (testosterone, LH (luteinizing hormone), and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)), oxidative (MDA (malondialdehyde), GSH (glutathione), TAS (total antioxidant status), and TOS (total oxidative status)), and histopathological. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with an appropriate post hoc test.
Exposure to GSM radiation resulted in significant reductions in testosterone, LH, and FSH levels. Administering Q10 significantly mitigated the RF effect on LH and testosterone levels; however, no effect was observed for FSH. Statistically significant differences in oxidative stress markers were observed between 3.5 GHz exposure and sham exposure. MDA and TOS increased, while TAS decreased. GSH was not significantly affected. In this case, the administration of coenzyme Q10 also had a mitigating effect. Histologically, disorganization of the seminiferous tubules, degeneration of the germ epithelium, and a statistically significant decrease in the Johnsen score (an assessment of spermatogenesis) were observed. Although administering Q10 reduced histological damage, it did not reverse it completely to the level of the control group.
The results suggest that chronic exposure to 3.5 GHz GSM radiation may induce oxidative stress in testicular tissue and disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in a rat model. Consequently, changes in important reproductive characteristics were observed. The exposure parameters were selected to rule out thermal effects. Coenzyme Q10 exerts partial protection by acting as an antioxidant to maintain testosterone levels and redox balance. Overall, the results underscore the vulnerability of the male reproductive system to non-thermal effects of mobile phones. However, the authors emphasize that no conclusions should be drawn about the effects of real 5G signals due to the GSM modulation used in this study.
Editor’s note:
Thanks to its integrative design, which combines hormonal, biochemical, and histological analyses, the study is convincing. The clear documentation of non-thermal exposure conditions and transparent classification of results within the context of signal modulation (GSM vs. 5G) are also notable strengths. The use of a 5G carrier frequency of 3.5 GHz in conjunction with GSM modulation may be due to the prohibition of transmitting genuine 5G signals without authorization, as this could cause interference. In any case, this study contributes to the growing body of scientific evidence showing that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) of various frequencies are harmful to the male reproductive system [1–3]. (RH)
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2. Cordelli E, Ardoino L, Benassi B, Consales C, Eleuteri P, Marino C et al. (2024). Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure on male fertility: A systematic review of experimental studies on non-human mammals and human sperm in vitro. Environment International, 185, 108509. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.108509
3. Kaur P, Rai U, Singh R (2023). Genotoxic risks to male reproductive health from radiofrequency radiation. Cells, 12(4), 594. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12040594