Author(s):
Yardim A*, Sirav Aral B, Tomruk A, Oruç S, Delen K, Kuzay Aksoy D, Seymen CM, Take Kaplanoğlu G.
* Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara.
Turkey
Published in:
Turk J Med Sci 2024; 54 (4): 858-865, Artikel-ID 29
Published: 04.03.2024
on EMF:data since 11.11.2024
Further publications: Studie gefördert durch:

Gazi University with project number 01/2018-05.

Medical/biological studies
Go to EMF:data assessment

The histological and biochemical analysis of the effects of radiofrequency radiation on testis tissue of rats and the protective effect of melatonin.

Original Abstract

Background/aim: Primarily due to wireless communication devices, especially mobile phones, there has been a steady rise in the intensity of nonionizing radiofrequency radiation (RFR). In recent years, increased human health problems raised concerns about whether there is a positive relationship between intense exposure to RFR and public health. The present study aims to investigate the effects of GSM-like RFR exposure on the male reproductive system and the impact of melatonin treatment (synergistic, antagonist, or additive).Materials and methods: Thirty-six male Wistar Albino rats were used and separated into six groups: i. Control; ii. Sham; iii. RFR exposure; iv. Control-melatonin; v. Sham-melatonin; vi. Melatonin + RFR exposure. Animals were exposed to 2600 MHz RFR with electric (E) field levels of 21.74 V/m for 30 min per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. All testicular tissue samples were evaluated under a light microscope for hematoxylin-eosin staining. Biochemical analyses were performed by measuring malondialdehyde, total nitric oxide, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase levels. We evaluated the combined effects of prolonged RFR exposure and melatonin treatment on ROS-mediated structural changes in testicular tissues.Results: Results showed that reactive intermediates (malondialdehyde and total nitric oxide) increased significantly with RFR exposure, while the protective effect of melatonin effectively reduced the radical levels of the tissues. Histological evaluation revealed a decrease in cell population and connective tissue elements under RFR exposure, accompanied by marked edema in the testicular tissues.Conclusion: The structural and functional effects of prolonged RFR exposure might be ROS-based. Moreover, these adverse effects might be compensated with externally treated supplements. There is a need for new extensive research.

Keywords

hematoxylin-eosin | Radiofrequency | rat | reactive oxygen species | testis

Exposure:

2600 MHz
GSM
Ganzkörper-SAR: 0,616 W/kg (1 g Durchschnitt) | 0,297 W/kg (10 g Durchschnitt)

EMF:data assessment

Summary

Increasing health issues in humans have raised questions about a possible link to mobile phone radiation. The interaction of radiofrequency radiation may include structural changes in biomolecules and disruptions of regulatory cascades in biochemical processes. A mobile phone-induced depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane can trigger excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydroxyl radicals. A common hypothesis on how mobile phones negatively affect male fertility involves these radicals attacking reproductive tissue. The main effects of exogenous melatonin treatment are likely to be on the electron transport chain as an antioxidant. Detoxification of excess radicals through increased activity of antioxidant protective mechanisms may have significant benefits for the reproductive system. The present study investigates the impact of GSM-like 2600 MHz radiofrequency irradiation on the male reproductive system and the potential protective role of melatonin using a rat model.

Source: ElektrosmogReport - Issue 4/2024

Study design and methods

Study design and implementation:

Male Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups (n = 6):
i. unexposed control;
ii. sham-exposed control;
iii. high-frequency exposed;
iv. unexposed + melatonin;
v. sham-exposed + melatonin;
vi. high-frequency exposed + melatonin.

The electric field strength within the exposure apparatus was 21.74 V/m, resulting in a whole-body SAR of 0.616 W/kg (1 g average) and 0.297 W/kg (10 g average). Exposure was conducted at 2600 MHz for a period of 4 weeks, 5 days per week, 30 minutes per day. The researchers examined histological changes in testicular tissue as well as oxidative and antioxidative biochemical parameters (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase).

Results

The overall histological structure of the testes was identical in the sham and unexposed groups, both with and without melatonin administration. However, it was observed that the melatonin-treated groups displayed increased spermatocytes in some seminiferous tubules and higher sperm density in the lumen. GSM-like exposure did not cause structural disruptions in the seminiferous tubules. However, severe edema was observed in the germinal epithelium of the seminiferous tubules, accompanied by structural and functional disruption of the epithelium. Tubular connections between cells were interrupted. Prominent vacuolization was observed in the interstitium. Furthermore, spermatogenic cell populations and connective tissue elements were reduced compared to the control groups. Melatonin administration improved the radiofrequency-radiation-induced damage, although edema and disrupted intercellular connections were still observed. Compared to the exposed group without melatonin, regeneration of spermatogenic cell populations in the interstitium was observed. Oxidative stress parameters mirrored the histological findings. Compared to the controls, the exposed group (iii) showed significantly increased lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide concentrations. Simultaneously, glutathione and glutathione peroxidase levels were significantly reduced. Melatonin treatment led to a significant improvement in oxidative stress parameters in the exposed animals.

Conclusions

This study examined the effects of GSM-like radiofrequency irradiation on rat testicular tissue and the potential protective role of the antioxidant melatonin. The results, from both histological and biochemical analyses, indicate a harmful effect of mobile phone exposure on male reproduction. Administration of exogenous melatonin may to reduce these adverse effects. Furthermore, the data suggest that melatonin increases sperm production, raising the question whether its stimulatory and/or antioxidant effects contribute to mitigating the effects of radiofrequency irradiation. The authors note that further studies are needed, particularly quantitative histological analyses of testicular tissue. (RH)