The Effect of 2.45 GHz Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation on Components of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in Male Rats.

The brain and the testes are connected by the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. Both organs are susceptible to the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs). This connection begins in the hypothalamus, where gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is produced. The secretion of GnRH is regulated by the neuropeptide kisspeptin (Kp). GnRH then prompts the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones regulate testosterone production and spermatogenesis in the testes. Testosterone then exerts negative feedback on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, reducing the release of kisspeptin, GnRH, FSH, and LH. This maintains physiological testosterone levels and spermatogenesis. This study examines the impact of 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi radiation on this hormonal cascade, including the upstream kisspeptin pathway, in male rats.

Eighteen adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6): a control group sham-exposed to an inactive router and two groups exposed for 4 or 24 hours daily. A commercially available Wi-Fi router served as the source, emitting Wi-Fi radiation through its 2.45 GHz antennas for 60 days. The 5 GHz band was turned off. The cages were positioned 20 cm away from the router, which was kept active via a ping protocol (10 pings per minute). The manufacturer specified the router's maximum power density as 0.141 W/m², and the whole-body specific absorption rate (SAR) was determined to be 0.41 W/kg. After the exposure period ended, kisspeptin production was examined at the mRNA level in the hypothalamus. At the same time, kisspeptin levels were measured in serum (protein level). In addition, the concentrations of GnRH, FSH, LH, and testosterone in serum, as well as testosterone in testicular tissue, were quantified using ELISA. One-way ANOVA with a Tukey post hoc test was used for statistical analysis.

The serum GnRH concentration was statistically significantly higher in both exposed groups. The testosterone concentration in testicular tissue was significantly lower in the 24-hour group than in the control group. Furthermore, a statistically significant reduction in serum testosterone levels was observed in the 24-hour group compared to the 4-hour group, though not compared to the control group. No statistically significant findings were observed for any of the other examined parameters.

Chronic exposure to 2.45-GHz Wi-Fi radiation (e.g. from commercial Wi-Fi routers) below current exposure limits may interfere with certain components of the HPG axis. The authors suggest that an increase in GnRH with unchanged kisspeptin levels indicates a kisspeptin-independent, non-thermal effect. They discuss oxidative stress in the hypothalamus as a possible mechanism. They attribute the absence of an LH and FSH response to the rise in GnRH to desensitization of the GnRH receptors because intermittent release of GnRH is essential for its physiological effects. The discrepancy between reduced testicular testosterone levels and elevated serum testosterone levels suggests delayed testosterone breakdown in the kidneys or impaired hormone transport, rather than increased synthesis.

Editor’s note:

The finding that subthermal RF-EMF exposure can damage the HPG axis is not a new discovery. The present study replicates existing publications on this topic [1–3]. The editorial team finds the hypothesis that Wi-Fi radiation may impair testosterone breakdown is particularly interesting. Testosterone is metabolized by cytochrome P450. Radiofrequency radiation has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress. Cytochrome b5 has been identified as a critical mediator of biological EMF effects [4]. However, the authors acknowledge the study's limitations, including its small sample size, the lack of blinding, and the lack of relevant biochemical markers (e.g. oxidative stress, enzymatic or kinetic parameters for testosterone breakdown). In addition, measuring kisspeptin in serum is methodologically limited because centrally produced Kp cannot cross the blood–brain barrier. (RH)

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2.        Jaffar FHF, Osman K, Hui CK, Zulkefli AF, Ibrahim SF (2022). Long-term Wi-Fi exposure from pre-pubertal to adult age on the spermatogonia proliferation and protective effects of edible bird’s nest supplementation. Frontiers in Physiology, 13, 828578. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.828578

3.        Maluin SM, Jaffar FHF, Osman K, Zulkefli AF, Mat Ros MF, Ibrahim SF (2024). Exploring edible bird nest’s potential in mitigating Wi-Fi’s impact on male reproductive health. Reproductive Medicine and Biology, 23(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1002/rmb2.12606

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