Low frequency electromagnetic fields long-term exposure effects on testicular histology, sperm quality and testosterone levels of male rats

The protective role of 5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone against the harmful effects of 50 Hz electric field in rat lung tissue

There is strong scientific evidence that the electric field is harmful to life. Exposure to an electric field (EF) can cause lung toxicity and respiratory disorders. In addition, the electric field has been shown to cause tissue damage through inflammation and apoptosis. Juglone (JUG) is one of the powerful antioxidants with anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory, various pharmacological properties in the biological system. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of JUG against the potential adverse effects of electric field on the lung. Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups; control group (Cont), EF group, and EF exposure+JUG-treated group (EJUG). After routine histological procedures, sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) showed significant changes in lung tissues in the EF group compared to the Cont group. Significant protective effects were observed in the building volumes and histopathology in the EJUG group. Our immunohistochemical and gene expression results increased the expression of caspase-3 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the EF group (p < 0.05). Juglon increased cytokine signal suppressor (SOCS) expression (p < 0.001). These findings were consistent with the antioxidant effect of JUG treatment. We reasoned that exposure to EF damaged rat lung tissues and administration of JUG alleviated the complications caused by 50 Hz EF.

Extremely Low Frequency-Electromagnetic Fields (ELF-EMF) Can Decrease Spermatocyte Count and Motility and Change Testicular Tissue

Background

Substantial evidence indicates that exposure to extremely low frequency-electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) affects male reproductive system.

Objective

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of long-term irradiation with ELF-EMF on sperm quality and quantity and testicular structure.

Material and Methods

In this case-control study, sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups. Experimental groups were exposed to ELF-EMF (50 Hz EMF, 100 µT) for either 1 h/day for 52 days (Group 1), 4 h/day for 52 days (Group 3), 1 h/day for 5 days (Group 5), 4 h/day for 52 days (Group 7). Groups 2, 4, 6 and 8 were only sham exposed at durations equal to Groups 1, 3, 5 and 7, respectively.

Results

Both count and motility of sperms were significantly decreased in animals exposed to ELF-EMF (1 h/day for 52 days, 4 h/day for 52 day, and 4 h/day for 5 days) compared to the sham-exposed groups (P<0.05). Serum testosterone levels showed a significant decrease in the animals exposed to ELF-EMF (4 h/day for 5 days) compared to the control groups (P<0.05). A significant decrease was observed in the volume of the seminiferous tubules, seminiferous tubules epithelium and interstitial tissue in the animals exposed to ELF-EMF for 4 h/day for 5 days. Tubules length was also reduced by 18% in animals exposed to ELF-EMF (4 h/day for 5 days).

Conclusion

Our results show that ELF-EMF can reduce spermatocyte count and motility and is able to induce structural changes in testicular tissue.

Effects of 150 kHz intermediate frequency electromagnetic radiation on fertility indicators in male rats

Background

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of whole-body exposure to 150 kHz Intermediate-frequency electromagnetic radiation (IF EMR) on fertility indicators of male rats since human exposure to this frequency has increased in recent years. Fourteen adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. The rats were randomly divided into a control and an EMR group (n = 7/group). The EMR group was continuously irradiated with 150 kHz EMR for 8 weeks. Male fertility indicators, body mass, testicular mass, rectal temperature, testicular histology, histometry, sperm analysis, and serum gonadotrophic hormone levels were evaluated.

Results

The study showed no negative effect on body mass (grams) (323.78 ± 37.09 to 305.09 ± 26.36; p = 0.72), rectal temperature (Control: 34.5 °C-35.8 °C; EMR: 34.4 °C-36.1 °C; p < 0.05), and testicular histology. There were significant reductions in left and right testicular mass (1.04 ± 0.10 to 0.96 ± 0.32: p = 0.03 and 1.02 ± 0.08 to 0.96 ± 0.35 p = 0.04, respectively), interstitial cell count/1000 μm² (5.33 ± 0.56 to 4.47 ± 0.48; p = 0.01), sperm motility trajectories (p = 0.05) and sperm distal cytoplasmic droplet (%) (2.27 ± 2.28 to 6.84 ± 5.01; p = 0.05). A significant increase in follicle-stimulating hormone levels was observed (13.44 ± 6.38 IU/ml to 26.96 ± 8.07 IU/ml; p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Most male fertility parameters of rats in the present study were not affected by 8 weeks of whole-body exposure to 150 kHz EMR. However, significant decreases in testicular mass, interstitial cell count/1000 μm², sperm motility trajectories, and distal cytoplasmic droplets were observed, as well as an increase in FSH level.

Relationship between exposure to Extremely Low-Frequency (ELF) magnetic field and the level of some reproductive hormones among power plant workers

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Today, human beings are exposed to the ELF magnetic field of electrical equipment and power lines, which can damage Leydig cells and alter the secretion of reproductive hormones. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between exposure to ELF magnetic field and the level of some reproductive hormones in male power plant workers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present cross-sectional study was carried out among all male employees of different units of the selected power plant around Tehran, Iran. All participants were asked to complete demographic data sheets and General Health questionnaire, on condition of consent and meeting the inclusion criteria. Time-weighted average (TWA) exposure to magnetic field of 122 men was measured by IEEE Std C95.3.1 method using TES 1393 Gauss meter. Based on the exposure level, subjects were divided into three groups. Serum Levels of Free Testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in participants were determined. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and the relationships between variables were assessed by linear regression and correlation using SPSS v.25 software.

RESULTS

There was no significant statistical correlation between the level of ELF exposure and serum levels of free testosterone, LH, and FSH, (r = 0.158). Serum levels of LH decreased significantly with age and duration of work experience (P < .05, r = -.25, P = .005, r = -.203, P = .025).

CONCLUSION

There was no relationship between exposure to magnetic field in power plants and reproductive hormone levels, although it is impossible to make definitive comments without using more accurate methods to estimate male fertility.

Effect and Safety Evaluation of XETHRU X4 Radar Radiation on Sexual Hormone Levels in Mice

While Novelda's XeThru X4 ultra-wideband(UWB) pulse radar, being a monitor device of human signal, has been used in many industries, it is worth to test its safety and influence in human body. Unfortunately, there is not many research report on safety assessment of the device in radiation-sensitive reproductive systems. In this experiment, C57 mice were directly irradiated by XeThru X4, and the control group was placed in a normal environment for continuous observation for 90 days. It was found that the sex hormone levels of C57 mice changed under XeThru X4 radar radiation, especially testosterone (T) and sex hormone binding protein (SHBG), but there was no statistical difference during the 90-day observation period. At the same time, a special phenomenon was observed in the experiment. C57 female mice showed different degrees of hair loss on the back after 60 days, and increased with the XeThru X4 radar irradiation time. However, this phenomenon was not observed in male mice under the same radiation and in normal environments C57 mice, which may be related to sex hormone levels. Other aspects of the damage to mice remain to be investigated.

Electromagnetic field in human sperm cryopreservation improves fertilizing potential of thawed sperm through physicochemical modification of water molecules in freezing medium

Physicochemical properties of water molecules as the main compositions of the freezing media can be affected by the electromagnetic fled. The purpose of this study was to apply extremely low repetition rate electromagnetic fields (ELEFs) to change the molecular network of water molecules existing in freezing media used for human sperm cryopreservation. First, different time periods and pulsed electromagnetic fields were used to evaluate the physiochemical properties of water. The lowest rate of cluster size, surface tension, viscosity, and density was observed for water samples exposed to 1000 Hz ELEF for 60 min (P < 0.05) that could be results in small ice crystal formation. Therefore, this treatment was selected for further evaluations in human sperm freezing because there was minimal probability of amorphous ice crystallization in this group. To assess fertilizing potential, human semen samples were subjected to ELEF (1000 Hz) water-made freezing medium and cryopreserved. The highest percentage of total motility, progressive motility, viability, membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA integrity, and TAC were obtained in frozen ELEF as compared to other groups. The percentage of viable spermatozoa (Annexin V-/PI-) in frozen ELEF was significantly higher than in frozen control. The level of ROS was significantly lower in frozen ELEF when compared to frozen control. It can be concluded that the modification of physicochemical properties of water existing in cryopreservation media by ELEF is a suitable strategy to improve the outcome of cryopreservation.

Comparison of polymerization and structural behavior of microtubules in rat brain and sperm affected by the extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field

Background

Microtubule proteins are able to produce electromagnetic fields and have an important role in memory formation, and learning. Therefore, microtubules have the potential to be affected by exogenous electromagnetic fields. This study aimed to examine the comparison of microtubule polymerization and its structural behavior in brain and sperm affected by 50 Hz extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELEF).

Results

Twenties adult male rats were randomly and equally divided into control and experimental groups, to evaluate the effect of 50 Hz ELEF on the sperm and brain functions. Plus-maze, serum testosterone and corticosterone, and sperm evaluation were performed. Next, the semen and brain samples were obtained, and they were divided into four experimental groups for investigation of microtubule polymerization. There was no significant difference in testosterone and, corticosterone levels, anxiety behaviors, and sperm morphology between control and ELEF-exposure groups. The sperm viability, total and progressive motility were significantly higher in the ELEF-exposed group than that of the control group. The microtubule polymerization in sperm ELEF was significantly higher than in other groups. The secondary and tertiary structures of tubulins were significantly affected in the brain, and sperm ELEF groups.

Conclusion

It seems that the polymerization of microtubules and conformational changes of tubulin dimers are improved by ELEF application.

Osteogenic Effect and Cell Signaling Activation of Extremely Low-Frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields in Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

Extremely low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (ELF-PEMF) devices have been used in the clinic for the treatment of bone disorders over the past 30 years. However, the underlying mechanism of which ELF-PEMFs exert an effect on tissues at a cellular level is not well understood. Hence, in this study, we explored the potential of different ELF-PEMF signals in modulating human adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells' (hAMSC) osteogenic capability. The cell proliferation rate was assessed using carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) method. The osteogenesis potential of cells was determined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin-Red S staining, and RT-qPCR. Finally, the intracellular signaling pathway of a selected ELF-PEMF signal was examined using the PathScan Intracellular Signaling Array. Among the tested ELF-PEMF signals, program 20 (26 Hz) showed activation of the Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling cascade and significant upregulations of collagen I, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin when compared to nonstimulated cells. This study demonstrates the potential of certain ELF-PEMF signal parameters to induce osteogenic differentiation of hAMSC and provides important clues in terms of the molecular mechanisms for the stimulation of osteogenic effects by ELF-PEMF on hAMSC.