Author(s):
Maluin SM*, Jaffar FHF, Osman K, Zulkefli AF, Mat Ros MF, Ibrahim SF.
* Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Nilai.
Published in:
Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23 (1): e12606
Published: 11.09.2024
on EMF:data since 11.11.2024
Further publications: Studie gefördert durch:

Faculty of Medicine, UKM (Grant No. FF-2021-200).

Keywords for this study:
Sperm parameters  |  Effects on testes/sperm, fertility
Medical/biological studies
Go to EMF:data assessment

Exploring edible bird nest’s potential in mitigating Wi-Fi’s impact on male reproductive health.

Original Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of edible bird nest (EBN) against the detrimental impact of Wi-Fi on male reproductive health. Specifically, it examines whether EBN can mitigate Wi-Fi-induced changes in male reproductive hormones, estrogen receptors (ER), spermatogenesis, and sperm parameters. Methods: Thirty-six adult male rats were divided into six groups (n = 6): Control, Control EBN, Control E2, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi+EBN, and Wi-Fi+E2. Control EBN and Wi-Fi+EBN groups received 250 mg/kg/day EBN, while Control E2 and Wi-Fi+E2 groups received 12 μg/kg/day E2 for 10 days. Wi-Fi exposure and EBN supplementation lasted eight weeks. Assessments included organ weight, hormone levels (FSH, LH, testosterone, and E2), ERα/ERβ mRNA and protein expression, spermatogenic markers (c-KIT and SCF), and sperm quality. Results: Wi-Fi exposure led to decreased FSH, testosterone, ERα mRNA, and sperm quality (concentration, motility, and viability). EBN supplementation restored serum FSH and testosterone levels, increased serum LH levels, and the testosterone/E2 ratio, and normalized mRNA ERα expression. Additionally, EBN increased sperm concentration in Wi-Fi-exposed rats without affecting motility or viability. Conclusions: EBN plays a crucial role in regulating male reproductive hormones and spermatogenesis, leading to improved sperm concentration. This could notably benefit men experiencing oligospermia due to excessive Wi-Fi exposure.

Keywords

edible bird nest | infertility | radiofrequency radiation | sperm | Wi-Fi

Exposure:

2450 MHz
Mobile Internet / WLAN, Wi-Fi

EMF:data assessment

Summary

Edible bird’s nest (EBN) possesses a range of health-promoting properties, such as hormonal, antioxidative, and cell proliferative effects. The potential of EBN to mitigate adverse effects of mobile phone radiation and Wi-Fi has attracted public and scientific interest in the context of globally increasing male infertility. Both thermal and biological effects of non-ionizing radiation on humans have been documented. The highly complex regulation of spermatogenesis involves the interaction of various male reproductive hormones, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and estrogen. However, studies have shown that the delicate balance of this process can be disrupted by mobile phone radiation. This disruption is associated with reduced testosterone levels, impaired spermatogonia proliferation, increased sperm DNA damage, and decreased sperm quality. This study evaluated the effects of Wi-Fi exposure on male reproductive hormones, spermatogenic proliferation, and sperm quality in rats. Additionally, the potentially protective effect of EBN as a dietary supplement was investigated.

Source: ElektrosmogReport - Issue 4/2024

Study design and methods

A total of 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 experimental groups (n = 6): unexposed control, unexposed EBN, unexposed E2 (17ß-estradiol), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi EBN, Wi-Fi E2. For Wi-Fi exposure, a commercial router operating at 2,45 GHz was utilized. It was positioned approximately 20 cm from the rat cages and maintained constant communication with a Raspberry Pi via a ping protocol. The exposure period lasted 8 weeks. The weight of the testes, epididymis, and seminal vesicles was assessed as an organ coefficient (weight ratio of experimental group/control). Sperm parameters (count, motility, and viability) were determined. Furthermore, serum levels of reproductive hormones FSH, LH, testosterone, and estradiol were analyzed. As a final step, the researchers examined the expression of estrogen receptors (ER) and markers of spermatogenic proliferation on protein and mRNA basis.

Results

Wi-Fi exposure did not result in significant changes in organ coefficients. However, E2 administration led to a significant reduction in the organ coefficient of the seminal vesicles. Wi-Fi exposure caused significant deterioration in sperm parameters, which were restored by EBN supplementation in case of sperm concentration. Regarding reproductive hormones, Wi-Fi exposure resulted in a significant decrease in FSH and testosterone levels, while LH and E2 showed no significant changes. EBN supplementation mitigated the Wi-Fi effects, restoring reduced FSH and testosterone levels and significantly increasing LH and E2 levels. Estrogen receptor mRNA expression was altered following exposure: ERα was significantly reduced, while ERß was significantly increased. However, these changes were not reflected in protein expression. A similar trend was observed, but it did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

The authors of the presented publication conclude from their findings that Wi-Fi impairs male reproductive hormone production in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and testicular function during spermatogenesis. Consequently, Wi-Fi reduces sperm quality and contributes to male infertility. They hypothesize that the testosterone and ERα level decrease may be linked to Leydig cell damage. The increase in ERß could be associated with a Wi-Fi-induced shift in the sperm cell cycle. Supplementation with edible bird nest appears to mitigate the damaging effects of Wi-Fi. Sperm parameters, testosterone levels, and gonadotropin levels were significantly increased in treated animals. This may be due to an influence on estrogenic activity (increased T/E2 ratio) as well as antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of EBN. (RH)