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Kirimlioglu E, Oflamaz AO, Hidisoglu E, Ozen S, Yargicoglu P, Demir N. Short and long-term 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiation causes endoplasmic reticulum stress in rat testis. Histochem Cell Biol 2024; 162:311-321. [PMID: 38997526 PMCID: PMC11364557 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-024-02308-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Long-term radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure, which adversely affects organisms, deteriorates testicular functions. Misfolding or unfolding protein accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) initiates an intracellular reaction known as ER stress (ERS), which activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) for proteostasis. Since both RFR exposure and ERS can cause male infertility, we hypothesized that RFR exposure causes ERS to adversely affect testicular functions in rats. To investigate role of ERS in mediating RFR effects on rat testis, we established five experimental groups in male rats: control, short-term 2100-megahertz (MHz) RFR (1-week), short-term sham (sham/1-week), long-term 2100-MHz RFR (10-week), and long-term sham (sham/10-week). ERS markers Grp78 and phosphorylated PERK (p-Perk) levels and ERS-related apoptosis markers Chop and caspase 12 were investigated by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Long-term RFR exposure increased Grp78, p-Perk, and Chop levels, while short-term RFR exposure elevated Chop and caspase 12 levels. Chop expression was not observed in spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes, which may protect spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes against RFR-induced ERS-mediated apoptosis, thereby allowing transmission of genetic material to next generations. While short and long-term RFR exposures trigger ERS and ERS-related apoptotic pathways, further functional analyses are needed to elucidate whether this RFR-induced apoptosis has long-term male infertility effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esma Kirimlioglu
- Departments of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Engineering, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Asli Okan Oflamaz
- Departments of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Engineering, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Enis Hidisoglu
- Departments of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Engineering, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
- Department of Drug Science, NIS Centre, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sukru Ozen
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Piraye Yargicoglu
- Departments of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Engineering, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Necdet Demir
- Departments of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Engineering, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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López-Martín E, Sueiro-Benavides R, Leiro-Vidal JM, Rodríguez-González JA, Ares-Pena FJ. Redox cell signalling triggered by black carbon and/or radiofrequency electromagnetic fields: Influence on cell death. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 953:176023. [PMID: 39244061 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
The capacity of environmental pollutants to generate oxidative stress is known to affect the development and progression of chronic diseases. This scientific review identifies previously published experimental studies using preclinical models of exposure to environmental stress agents, such as black carbon and/or RF-EMF, which produce cellular oxidative damage and can lead to different types of cell death. We summarize in vivo and in vitro studies, which are grouped according to the mechanisms and pathways of redox activation triggered by exposure to BC and/or EMF and leading to apoptosis, necrosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis and cuproptosis. The possible mechanisms are considered in relation to the organ, cell type and cellular-subcellular interaction with the oxidative toxicity caused by BC and/or EMF at the molecular level. The actions of these environmental pollutants, which affect everyday life, are considered separately and together in experimental preclinical models. However, for overall interpretation of the data, toxicological studies must first be conducted in humans, to enable possible risks to human health to be established in relation to the progression of chronic diseases. Further actions should take pollution levels into account, focusing on the most vulnerable populations and future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena López-Martín
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Santiago de Compostela, School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Rosana Sueiro-Benavides
- Institute of Research in Biological and Chemical Analysis, IAQBUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - José M Leiro-Vidal
- Institute of Research in Biological and Chemical Analysis, IAQBUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Juan A Rodríguez-González
- Department of Applied Physics, Santiago de Compostela School of Physics, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Francisco J Ares-Pena
- Department of Applied Physics, Santiago de Compostela School of Physics, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Guo C, Wang Q, Shuai P, Wang T, Wu W, Li Y, Huang S, Yu J, Yi L. Radiation and male reproductive system: Damage and protection. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 357:142030. [PMID: 38626814 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Male fertility has been declining in recent decades, and a growing body of research points to environmental and lifestyle factors as the cause. The widespread use of radiation technology may result in more people affected by male infertility, as it is well established that radiation can cause reproductive impairment in men. This article provides a review of radiation-induced damage to male reproduction, and the effects of damage mechanisms and pharmacotherapy. It is hoped that this review will contribute to the understanding of the effects of radiation on male reproduction, and provide information for research into drugs that can protect the reproductive health of males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caimao Guo
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Qingyu Wang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Peimeng Shuai
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Tiantian Wang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Wenyu Wu
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Shuqi Huang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Lan Yi
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
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Cordelli E, Ardoino L, Benassi B, Consales C, Eleuteri P, Marino C, Sciortino M, Villani P, H Brinkworth M, Chen G, P McNamee J, Wood AW, Belackova L, Verbeek J, Pacchierotti F. 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 2024; 185:108509. [PMID: 38492496 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization is coordinating an international project aimed at systematically reviewing the evidence regarding the association between radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure and adverse health effects. Reproductive health outcomes have been identified among the priority topics to be addressed. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of RF-EMF exposure on male fertility of experimental mammals and on human sperm exposed in vitro. METHODS Three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus and EMF Portal) were last searched on September 17, 2022. Two independent reviewers screened the studies, which were considered eligible if met the following criteria: 1) Peer-reviewed publications of sham controlled experimental studies, 2) Non-human male mammals exposed at any stage of development or human sperm exposed in vitro, 3) RF-EMF exposure within the frequency range of 100 kHz-300 GHz, including electromagnetic pulses (EMP), 4) one of the following indicators of reproductive system impairment:Two reviewers extracted study characteristics and outcome data. We assessed risk of bias (RoB) using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) guidelines. We categorized studies into 3 levels of overall RoB: low, some or high concern. We pooled study results in a random effects meta-analysis comparing average exposure to no-exposure and in a dose-response meta-analysis using all exposure doses. For experimental animal studies, we conducted subgroup analyses for species, Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and temperature increase. We grouped studies on human sperm exposed in vitro by the fertility status of sample donors and SAR. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach after excluding studies that were rated as "high concern" for RoB. RESULTS One-hundred and seventeen papers on animal studies and 10 papers on human sperm exposed in vitro were included in this review. Only few studies were rated as "low concern" because most studies were at RoB for exposure and/or outcome assessment. Subgrouping the experimental animal studies by species, SAR, and temperature increase partly accounted for the heterogeneity of individual studies in about one third of the meta-analyses. In no case was it possible to conduct a subgroup analysis of the few human sperm in vitro studies because there were always 1 or more groups including less than 3 studies. Among all the considered endpoints, the meta-analyses of animal studies provided evidence of adverse effects of RF-EMF exposure in all cases but the rate of infertile males and the size of the sired litters. The assessment of certainty according to the GRADE methodology assigned a moderate certainty to the reduction of pregnancy rate and to the evidence of no-effect on litter size, a low certainty to the reduction of sperm count, and a very low certainty to all the other meta-analysis results. Studies on human sperm exposed in vitro indicated a small detrimental effect of RF-EMF exposure on vitality and no-effect on DNA/chromatin alterations. According to GRADE, a very low certainty was attributed to these results. The few studies that used EMP exposure did not show effects on the outcomes. A low to very low certainty was attributed to these results. DISCUSSION Many of the studies examined suffered of severe limitations that led to the attribution of uncertainty to the results of the meta-analyses and did not allow to draw firm conclusions on most of the endpoints. Nevertheless, the associations between RF-EMF exposure and decrease of pregnancy rate and sperm count, to which moderate and low certainty were attributed, are not negligible, also in view of the indications that in Western countries human male fertility potential seems to be progressively declining. It was beyond the scope of our systematic review to determine the shape of the dose-response relationship or to identify a minimum effective exposure level. The subgroup and the dose-response fitting analyses did not show a consistent relationship between the exposure levels and the observed effects. Notably, most studies evaluated RF-EMF exposure levels that were higher than the levels to which human populations are typically exposed, and the limits set in international guidelines. For these reasons we cannot provide suggestions to confirm or reconsider current human exposure limits. Considering the outcomes of this systematic review and taking into account the limitations found in several of the studies, we suggest that further investigations with better characterization of exposure and dosimetry including several exposure levels and blinded outcome assessment were conducted. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION Protocols for the systematic reviews of animal studies and of human sperm in vitro studies were published in Pacchierotti et al., 2021. The former was also registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021227729 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID = 227729) and the latter in Open Science Framework (OSF Registration DOI https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/7MUS3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Cordelli
- Division Health Protection Technologies, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy.
| | - Lucia Ardoino
- Division Health Protection Technologies, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Benassi
- Division Health Protection Technologies, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Consales
- Division Health Protection Technologies, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Eleuteri
- Division Health Protection Technologies, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Marino
- Division Health Protection Technologies, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paola Villani
- Division Health Protection Technologies, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Martin H Brinkworth
- School of Chemistry and Bioscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Guangdi Chen
- Bioelectromagnetics Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - James P McNamee
- Non-Ionizing Radiation Health Sciences Division, Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Andrew W Wood
- Department of Health Sciences and Biostatistics, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
| | - Lea Belackova
- University Medical Centers Amsterdam, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Cochrane Work, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jos Verbeek
- University Medical Centers Amsterdam, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Cochrane Work, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Francesca Pacchierotti
- Division Health Protection Technologies, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy.
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Maluin SM, Jaffar FHF, Osman K, Zulkefli AF, Mat Ros MF, Ibrahim SF. Exploring edible bird nest's potential in mitigating Wi-Fi's impact on male reproductive health. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12606. [PMID: 39263384 PMCID: PMC11387989 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofwatul Mokhtarah Maluin
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Nilai Malaysia
| | | | - Khairul Osman
- Centre of Diagnostic Science and Applied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Bangi Malaysia
| | - Aini Farzana Zulkefli
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Mohd Farisyam Mat Ros
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Siti Fatimah Ibrahim
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
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Rahban R, Senn A, Nef S, Rӧӧsli M. Association between self-reported mobile phone use and the semen quality of young men. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:1181-1192. [PMID: 37921737 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the association between mobile phone exposure and semen parameters. DESIGN A nationwide cross-sectional study. SETTING Andrology laboratories in close proximity to 6 army recruitment centers. PATIENTS In total, 2886 men from the general Swiss population, 18-22 years old, were recruited between 2005 and 2018 during military conscription. INTERVENTION Participants delivered a semen sample and completed a questionnaire on health and lifestyle, including the number of hours they spent using their mobile phones and where they placed them when not in use. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Using logistic and multiple linear regression models, adjusted odds ratios and β coefficients were determined, respectively. The association between mobile phone exposure and semen parameters such as volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count (TSC), motility, and morphology was then evaluated. RESULTS A total of 2759 men answered the question concerning their mobile phone use, and 2764 gave details on the position of their mobile phone when not in use. In the adjusted linear model, a higher frequency of mobile phone use (>20 times per day) was associated with a lower sperm concentration (adjusted β: -0.152; 95% confidence interval: -0.316; 0.011) and a lower TSC (adjusted β: -0.271; 95% confidence interval: -0.515; -0.027). In the adjusted logistic regression model, this translates to a 30% and 21% increased risk for sperm concentration and TSC to be below the World Health Organization reference values for fertile men, respectively. This inverse association was found to be more pronounced in the first study period (2005-2007) and gradually decreased with time (2008-2011 and 2012-2018). No consistent associations were observed between mobile phone use and sperm motility or sperm morphology. Keeping a mobile phone in the pants pocket was not found to be associated with lower semen parameters. CONCLUSION This large population-based study suggests that higher mobile phone use is associated with lower sperm concentration and TSC. The observed time trend of decreasing association is in line with the transition to new technologies and the corresponding decrease in mobile phone output power. Prospective studies with improved exposure assessment are needed to confirm whether the observed associations are causal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rahban
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Alfred Senn
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Martin Rӧӧsli
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwill, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Demirbağ B, Aktaş S, Çömelekoğlu Ü, Kara İ, Yildirim M, Yildirim DD. Protective effect of paricalcitol in rat testicular damage induced by subchronic 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 680:42-50. [PMID: 37717340 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the possible protective effects of paricalcitol (P) were investigated in testicular damage because of 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure. Male Sprague Dawley rats 8-10 weeks old (n = 28) were randomly divided into four groups as control (C) (n = 7), RFR (n = 7, 1800 MHz RFR 1 h/day for 30 days), P (n = 7, 0.2 μg/kg paricalcitol, 3 times a week for 30 days), and RFR + P (n = 7, 1800 MHz RFR 1 h/day for 30 days +0.2 μg/kg paricalcitol, 3 times a week for 30 days). Testicular tissue was evaluated with histological and biochemical methods. No statistically significant differences were detected between the groups in seminiferous tubule diameters and germinal epithelial thicknesses. While ultrastructural changes were observed in the seminiferous tubule and Leydig cells in the RFR group, these changes were decreased in the RFR + P group. It was found that the Johnsen Score, Ki67, and p63 immunoreactivity scores (IRS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities in the RFR + P group were statistically increased as compared to the RFR group and the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were decreased statistically and significantly. These results show that paricalcitol administration may have an ameliorative effect on testicular damage occurring because of 1800 MHz RFR exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Demirbağ
- Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medical, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Savaş Aktaş
- Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Ülkü Çömelekoğlu
- Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Mersin, Turkey
| | - İlker Kara
- Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Metin Yildirim
- Harran University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Şanlıurfa, Turkey.
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Nielsen JLM, Majzoub A, Esteves S, Humaidan P. Unraveling the Impact of Sperm DNA Fragmentation on Reproductive Outcomes. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:241-257. [PMID: 38092034 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in identifying subcellular causes of male infertility, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) research has been at the forefront of this focus. DNA damage can occur during spermatogenesis due to faulty chromatin compaction or excessive abortive apoptosis. It can also happen as sperm transit through the genital tract, often induced by oxidative stress. There are several methods for SDF testing, with the sperm chromatin structure assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase d-UTI nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, comet assay, and sperm chromatin dispersion test being the most commonly used. Numerous studies strongly support the negative impact of SDF on male fertility potential. DNA damage has been linked to various morphological and functional sperm abnormalities, ultimately affecting natural conception and assisted reproductive technology outcomes. This evidence-based review aims to explore how SDF influences male reproduction and provide insights into available therapeutic options to minimize its detrimental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanett L M Nielsen
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Viborg Regional Hospital, Viborg, Denmark
| | - Ahmad Majzoub
- Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Clinical Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sandro Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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9
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Karbalay-Doust S, Darabyan M, Sisakht M, Haddadi G, Sotoudeh N, Haghani M, Mortazavi SMJ. Extremely Low Frequency-Electromagnetic Fields (ELF-EMF) Can Decrease Spermatocyte Count and Motility and Change Testicular Tissue. J Biomed Phys Eng 2023; 13:135-146. [PMID: 37082547 PMCID: PMC10111108 DOI: 10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.2011-1234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Karbalay-Doust
- Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Darabyan
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sisakht
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamhassan Haddadi
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Narges Sotoudeh
- Department of Anatomy and Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Masoud Haghani
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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10
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Genotoxic Risks to Male Reproductive Health from Radiofrequency Radiation. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040594. [PMID: 36831261 PMCID: PMC9954667 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
During modern era, mobile phones, televisions, microwaves, radio, and wireless devices, etc., have become an integral part of our daily lifestyle. All these technologies employ radiofrequency (RF) waves and everyone is exposed to them, since they are widespread in the environment. The increasing risk of male infertility is a growing concern to the human population. Excessive and long-term exposure to non-ionizing radiation may cause genetic health effects on the male reproductive system which could be a primitive factor to induce cancer risk. With respect to the concerned aspect, many possible RFR induced genotoxic studies have been reported; however, reports are very contradictory and showed the possible effect on humans and animals. Thus, the present review is focusing on the genomic impact of the radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) underlying the male infertility issue. In this review, both in vitro and in vivo studies have been incorporated explaining the role of RFR on the male reproductive system. It includes RFR induced-DNA damage, micronuclei formation, chromosomal aberrations, SCE generation, etc. In addition, attention has also been paid to the ROS generation after radiofrequency radiation exposure showing a rise in oxidative stress, base adduct formation, sperm head DNA damage, or cross-linking problems between DNA & protein.
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11
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Chu KY, Khodamoradi K, Blachman-Braun R, Dullea A, Bidhan J, Campbell K, Zizzo J, Israeli J, Kim M, Petrella F, Ibrahim E, Ramasamy R. Effect of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation Emitted by Modern Cellphones on Sperm Motility and Viability: An In Vitro Study. Eur Urol Focus 2023; 9:69-74. [PMID: 36379868 PMCID: PMC9928907 DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cellphones emit radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) for transmission of data for social media communication, web browsing, and music/podcast streaming. Use of Bluetooth ear buds has probably prolonged the time during which cellphones reside in the trouser pockets of men. It has been postulated that RF-EMR increases oxidative stress and induces free radical formation. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of wireless-spectrum (4G, 5G, and WiFi) RF-EMR emitted by modern smartphones on sperm motility and viability and explore whether these effects can be mitigated using a physical barrier or distance. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Semen samples were obtained from fertile normozoospermic men aged 25-35 yr. A current-generation smartphone in talk mode was used as the RF-EMR source. A WhatsApp voice call was made using either 4G, 5G, or WiFi wireless connectivity. We determined if exposure effects were mitigated by either a cellphone case or greater distance from the semen sample. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS The semen samples were analyzed according to 2010 World Health Organization laboratory guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.28. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS We observed decreases in sperm motility and viability with WiFi exposure but not with exposure to 4G or 5G RF-EMR. With large variability among smartphones, continued research on exposure effects is needed. CONCLUSIONS Our exploratory study revealed that sperm motility and viability are negatively impacted by smartphones that use the WiFi spectrum for data transmission. PATIENT SUMMARY We looked at the effect of cellphone use on sperm motility and viability. We found that cellphones using WiFi connectivity for data usage have harmful effects on semen quality in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Y Chu
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Alexandra Dullea
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Joginder Bidhan
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - John Zizzo
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Joseph Israeli
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mitch Kim
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Francis Petrella
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Emad Ibrahim
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
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12
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Belyaev I, Blackman C, Chamberlin K, DeSalles A, Dasdag S, Fernández C, Hardell L, Héroux P, Kelley E, Kesari K, Maisch D, Mallery-Blythe E, Melnick RL, Miller A, Moskowitz JM, Sun W, Yakymenko I. Scientific evidence invalidates health assumptions underlying the FCC and ICNIRP exposure limit determinations for radiofrequency radiation: implications for 5G. Environ Health 2022; 21:92. [PMID: 36253855 PMCID: PMC9576312 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00900-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In the late-1990s, the FCC and ICNIRP adopted radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure limits to protect the public and workers from adverse effects of RFR. These limits were based on results from behavioral studies conducted in the 1980s involving 40-60-minute exposures in 5 monkeys and 8 rats, and then applying arbitrary safety factors to an apparent threshold specific absorption rate (SAR) of 4 W/kg. The limits were also based on two major assumptions: any biological effects were due to excessive tissue heating and no effects would occur below the putative threshold SAR, as well as twelve assumptions that were not specified by either the FCC or ICNIRP. In this paper, we show how the past 25 years of extensive research on RFR demonstrates that the assumptions underlying the FCC's and ICNIRP's exposure limits are invalid and continue to present a public health harm. Adverse effects observed at exposures below the assumed threshold SAR include non-thermal induction of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, cardiomyopathy, carcinogenicity, sperm damage, and neurological effects, including electromagnetic hypersensitivity. Also, multiple human studies have found statistically significant associations between RFR exposure and increased brain and thyroid cancer risk. Yet, in 2020, and in light of the body of evidence reviewed in this article, the FCC and ICNIRP reaffirmed the same limits that were established in the 1990s. Consequently, these exposure limits, which are based on false suppositions, do not adequately protect workers, children, hypersensitive individuals, and the general population from short-term or long-term RFR exposures. Thus, urgently needed are health protective exposure limits for humans and the environment. These limits must be based on scientific evidence rather than on erroneous assumptions, especially given the increasing worldwide exposures of people and the environment to RFR, including novel forms of radiation from 5G telecommunications for which there are no adequate health effects studies.
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13
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Pardhiya S, Gautam R, Nirala JP, Murmu NN, Rajamani P. Modulatory role of Bovine serum albumin conjugated manganese dioxide nanoparticle on microwave radiation induced alterations in reproductive parameters of rat. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 113:136-149. [PMID: 36089154 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, microwave (MW) radiations are being used extensively for various applications such as Wi-Fi, telecommunication, etc. due to which there have been grave concerns regarding the adverse effects of MW exposure on human health, particularly the reproductive system. MW cause damage to the reproductive system by generating free radicals, decreasing antioxidant defence, and inducing oxidative stress. Hence, the present study was aimed to counteract the harmful effect by using antioxidant enzymes mimicking nanoparticle, Bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugated manganese dioxide nanoparticle (MNP*). Male Wistar rats were exposed to MW and treated with MNP*, and their individual, as well as combined effect on reproductive parameters was investigated. Results showed that MW exposed rats had significantly reduced testosterone levels along with alterations in the testicular morphology. The antioxidant status decreased, and lipid peroxidation increased significantly in testis. MW exposure also showed altered sperm parameters such as a significant decrease in sperm count, viability, membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity with a significant increase in morphological abnormality and lipid peroxidation. As a result, the changes induced by MW may affect male fertility. However, upon combined exposure of MNP* and MW, these alterations were reduced significantly. Hence, it may be concluded that MNP* could reduce oxidative stress mediated damages in the reproductive system of rats owing to its antioxidant activity, and thus have a potential to act as a radioprotectant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Pardhiya
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Rohit Gautam
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Jay Prakash Nirala
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Nina Nancy Murmu
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Paulraj Rajamani
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.
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14
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Er H, Tas GG, Soygur B, Ozen S, Sati L. Acute and Chronic Exposure to 900 MHz Radio Frequency Radiation Activates p38/JNK-mediated MAPK Pathway in Rat Testis. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:1471-1485. [PMID: 35015292 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00844-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The use of electronic devices such as mobile phones has had a long stretch of rapid growth all over the world. Therefore, exposure to radio frequency radiation (RFR) has increased enormously. Here, we aimed to assess the balance between cell death and proliferation and also investigate the involvement of the JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway in the testis of rats exposed to 900 MHz RFR in acute and chronic periods (2 h/day, 5 days/week) for 1 or 10 weeks, respectively. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Bcl-xL, cleaved caspase-3, phosphorylated-JNK (p-JNK), and phosphorylated-p38 (p-p38) was analyzed in line with histopathology and TUNEL analysis in rat testis. There were no histopathological differences between sham and RFR groups in the acute and chronic groups. PCNA expression was not altered between groups in both periods. However, alterations for cleaved caspase-3 and Bcl-xL were observed depending on the exposure period. TUNEL analysis showed a significant increase in the RFR group in the acute period, whereas no difference in the chronic groups for the apoptotic index was reported. In addition, both p-p38 and p-JNK protein expressions increased significantly in RFR groups in both periods. Our study indicated that 900 MHz RFR might result in alterations during acute period exposure for several parameters, but this can be ameliorated in the chronic period in rat testis. Here, we also report the involvement of the p38/JNK-mediated MAPK pathway after exposure to 900 MHz RFR. Hence, this information might shed light in future studies toward detailed molecular mechanisms in male reproduction and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Er
- Department of Biophysics, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.,Department of Medical Imaging Techniques, Vocational School of Health Services, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gizem Gamze Tas
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Bikem Soygur
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sukru Ozen
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Leyla Sati
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey.
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15
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Malik S, Pati AK, Parganiha A. Short- and long-duration exposures to cell-phone radiofrequency waves produce dichotomous effects on phototactic response and circadian characteristics of locomotor activity rhythm in zebrafish, Danio rerio. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2019.1665942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Malik
- Chronobiology and Animal Behavior Laboratory, School of Studies in Life Science, Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, India
| | - Atanu Kumar Pati
- Chronobiology and Animal Behavior Laboratory, School of Studies in Life Science, Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, India
- School of Zoology, Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur, India
- Center for Translational Chronobiology, Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, India
| | - Arti Parganiha
- Chronobiology and Animal Behavior Laboratory, School of Studies in Life Science, Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, India
- Center for Translational Chronobiology, Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, India
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16
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Chen JS, Tsai LK, Yeh TY, Li TS, Li CH, Wei ZH, Lo NW, Ju JC. Effects of electromagnetic waves on oocyte maturation and embryonic development in pigs. J Reprod Dev 2021; 67:392-401. [PMID: 34690215 PMCID: PMC8668371 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2021-074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Our living environment has been full of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) due to the prevailing electronic devices and equipment. Intermediate frequency electromagnetic field (IF-EMF) or waves constitute a significant part of EMR; therefore, an increasing number of household electrical appliances have become a source of IF-EMF, and concerns about IF-EMF on health are gaining more attention. However, little information is available about its impact on female reproductive traits, such as germ cell viability and early embryonic development, particularly at the cellular and molecular levels. In this study, we used porcine oocytes as a model system to explore the effect of IF-EMF at various intensities on the in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes and their subsequent embryonic development. Our results showed that no difference in oocyte maturation rates was detected among groups, but the cleavage and blastocyst rates of parthenotes derived from EMF-treated oocytes decreased with the weaker IF-EMF intensity (25 and 50 Gauss, G) groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). For cytoplasmic maturation, the weaker IF-EMF intensity groups also showed a peripheral pattern of mitochondrial distribution resembling that of immature oocytes and increased autophagy activity. No obvious differences in cytoskeletal distribution and total cell numbers of blastocysts were investigated in the four IF-EMF treatments compared to those in the control group. Although the underlying mechanism associated with EMF effects on oocytes and embryos is still elusive, we have demonstrated that low intensity IF-EMF exerts harmful effects on porcine oocytes during the maturation stage, carrying over such effects to their subsequent embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Si Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Li-Kuang Tsai
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yu Yeh
- Ph.D. Program in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
| | - Tzai-Shiuan Li
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Han Li
- Department of Bio-Industrial Mechatronics Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
| | - Zung-Hang Wei
- Department of Research and Development, Weistron Co., Ltd., Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Neng-Wen Lo
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Tunghai University, Taichung 40704, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Cherng Ju
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.,Translational Medicine Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.,Department of Animal Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan.,Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
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17
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Hassanzadeh-Taheri M, Khalili MA, Hosseininejad Mohebati A, Zardast M, Hosseini M, Palmerini MG, Doostabadi MR. The detrimental effect of cell phone radiation on sperm biological characteristics in normozoospermic. Andrologia 2021; 54:e14257. [PMID: 34628682 DOI: 10.1111/and.14257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation emitted from cell phone has harmful effects on some organs of the body, such as the brain, heart, and testes. This study aimed to assess the effects of cell phones on sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis in normozoospermic. Normal sperm samples were divided into two groups of control and case. The samples from the case were placed for 60 min at a distance of approximately 2.5 cm from the cell phone set in the active antenna position. Control samples were exposed to cell phones without active antennas. All specimens were analysed by World Health Organization criteria. Sperm viability, sperm with chromatin abnormality and maturity, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis were examined. Viability and motility in the case were significantly lower than the control (p < .001, p = .004 respectively). The percentage of apoptotic sperms and DNA fragmentation were significantly higher in the case when compared with the control (p = .031, p < .001 respectively). The other parameters studied such as morphology, chromatin abnormality, and maturity showed no significant difference between the case and control groups. Cell phone waves had a detrimental effect on human sperm's biological features. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the cell phone away from the pelvis as much as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadmehdi Hassanzadeh-Taheri
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Khalili
- Research, and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | | | - Mahmood Zardast
- Department of Pathology, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mehran Hosseini
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Maria Grazia Palmerini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Mohammad Reza Doostabadi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Research, and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Royesh Infertility Center, Birjand University of Medical Science, Birjand, Iran
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18
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Abstract
In the last decades, the universal use of mobile phones has contributed to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation environmental pollution. The steady growth in mobile phone usage has raised concerns about the effects of phone radiation on male reproductive health. Epidemiological studies report a sharp decline in sperm counts in developing countries, and worldwide with c. 14% of couples having difficulties to conceive, many of which are attributed to a male infertility factor. Environment and lifestyle factors are known to contribute to male infertility. Exposure to heat, radiation, or radioactivity might induce damage to biological tissue organs, including the testis. Given the ubiquitous use of mobile phones, the potential adverse effects of the resulting environmental radiation needs to be elucidated further. It seems to be an apparent relationship between the increased exposure to mobile phone radiofrequency and sperm quality decline, but the evidence is not conclusive. Our review summarizes the evidence concerning the possible adverse effects of cell phone radiation on the male reproductive system, with a focus on sperm quality. Also, we critically analyze the effects of elevated testicular temperature and oxidative stress on male fertility and how these factors could interfere with the physiological activities of the testis.
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19
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Yu G, Bai Z, Song C, Cheng Q, Wang G, Tang Z, Yang S. Current progress on the effect of mobile phone radiation on sperm quality: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of human and animal studies. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 282:116952. [PMID: 33862271 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Potential suppression of fertility due to mobile phone radiation remains a focus of researchers. We conducted meta-analyses on the effects of mobile phone radiation on sperm quality using recent evidence and propose some perspectives on this issue. Using the MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, WOS, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases, we retrieved and screened studies published before December 2020 on the effects of mobile phone use/mobile phone RF-EMR on sperm quality. Thirty-nine studies were included. Data quality and general information of the studies were evaluated and recorded. Sperm quality data (density, motility, viability, morphology, and DFI) were compiled for further analyses, and we conducted subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses. The pooled results of human cross-sectional studies did not support an association of mobile phone use and a decline in sperm quality. Different study areas contributed to the heterogeneity of the studies. In East Europe and West Asia, mobile phone use was correlated with a decline in sperm density and motility. Mobile phone RF-EMR exposure could decrease the motility and viability of mature human sperm in vitro. The pooled results of animal studies showed that mobile phone RF-EMR exposure could suppress sperm motility and viability. Furthermore, it reduced sperm density in mice, in rats older than 10 weeks, and in rats restrained during exposure. Differences regarding age, modeling method, exposure device, and exposure time contributed to the heterogeneity of animal studies. Previous studies have extensively investigated and demonstrated the adverse effects of mobile phone radiation on sperm. In the future, new standardized criteria should be applied to evaluate potential effects of mobile phone RF-EMR dosages. Further sperm-related parameters at the functional and molecular levels as well as changes in biological characteristics of germ cells should be evaluated. Moreover, the impact of mobile phone RF-EMR on individual organs should also be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Yu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiming Bai
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Haikou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, China; Haikou Center for Medical Synchrotron Radiation Research, Haikou People's Hospital, Haikou, China
| | - Chao Song
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Cheng
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Haikou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Haikou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, China
| | - Zeping Tang
- Guangdong Environmental Radiation Monitoring Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sixing Yang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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20
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Schuermann D, Mevissen M. Manmade Electromagnetic Fields and Oxidative Stress-Biological Effects and Consequences for Health. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073772. [PMID: 33917298 PMCID: PMC8038719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Concomitant with the ever-expanding use of electrical appliances and mobile communication systems, public and occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) in the extremely-low-frequency and radiofrequency range has become a widely debated environmental risk factor for health. Radiofrequency (RF) EMF and extremely-low-frequency (ELF) MF have been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), potentially leading to cellular or systemic oxidative stress, was frequently found to be influenced by EMF exposure in animals and cells. In this review, we summarize key experimental findings on oxidative stress related to EMF exposure from animal and cell studies of the last decade. The observations are discussed in the context of molecular mechanisms and functionalities relevant to health such as neurological function, genome stability, immune response, and reproduction. Most animal and many cell studies showed increased oxidative stress caused by RF-EMF and ELF-MF. In order to estimate the risk for human health by manmade exposure, experimental studies in humans and epidemiological studies need to be considered as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Schuermann
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (D.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Meike Mevissen
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 124, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (D.S.); (M.M.)
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21
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Nath Barbhuiya S, Barhoi D, Giri A, Giri S. Arsenic and smokeless tobacco exposure induces DNA damage and oxidative stress in reproductive organs of female Swiss albino mice. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2020; 38:384-408. [PMID: 33382011 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2020.1860400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic contamination in the groundwater of Southern Assam, India is well-documented. A specific type of smokeless tobacco (sadagura, SG) is highly prevalent among the local population. Thus, the present study is aimed to evaluate the toxicological implications of arsenic and smokeless tobacco co-exposure on the reproductive health of female mice. The estrous cycle of experimental animals was monitored for 30 days. Histopathological studies and comet assay of ovarian and uterine tissues were performed after 30 days of exposure to SG and arsenic (sodium arsenite, SA). Oxidative stress was estimated biochemically by taking tissue glutathione, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and superoxide dismutase activity as endpoints. Our findings indicated a prolonged diestrus phase in the SG + L + SA group (p < 0.001). Histopathological study revealed abnormal tissue architecture in treated groups. Comet assay study showed that SG + SA exposure significantly induced DNA damage in test animals. The elevated LPO level in the SG + SA group indicated oxidative stress generation in the reproductive tissues. The present study suggests that female reproductive organs are vulnerable to SA and SG and oxidative stress generation may be the possible mechanism behind DNA damage, impaired follicular growth, atresia, and altered estrous cycle in the mice test system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweety Nath Barbhuiya
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India
| | - Dharmeswar Barhoi
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India
| | - Anirudha Giri
- Environment and Human Toxicology, Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India
| | - Sarbani Giri
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India
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22
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Alkis ME, Akdag MZ, Dasdag S, Yegin K, Akpolat V. Single-strand DNA breaks and oxidative changes in rat testes exposed to radiofrequency radiation emitted from cellular phones. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2019.1696702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Esref Alkis
- Departmen of Occupational Health and Safety, Health School, Muş Alparslan University, Muş, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Zulkuf Akdag
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Suleyman Dasdag
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Korkut Yegin
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Engineering School, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Veysi Akpolat
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
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Vornoli A, Falcioni L, Mandrioli D, Bua L, Belpoggi F. The Contribution of In Vivo Mammalian Studies to the Knowledge of Adverse Effects of Radiofrequency Radiation on Human Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E3379. [PMID: 31547363 PMCID: PMC6765993 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The proliferation of cellular antennas and other radiofrequency radiation (RFR) generating devices of the last decades has led to more and more concerns about the potential health effects from RFR exposure. Since the 2011 classification as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), more experimental studies have been published that support a causal association between RFR exposure and health hazards. As regard cancer risk, two long-term experimental studies have been recently published by the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the Italian Ramazzini Institute (RI). Despite important experimental differences, both studies found statistically significant increases in the development of the same type of very rare glial malignant tumors. In addition to carcinogenicity, reproductive organs might be particularly exposed, as well as sensitive to RFR. In this work, we reviewed the currently available evidence from in vivo studies on carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity studies in order to summarize the contribution of experimental research to the prevention of the adverse effects of RFR on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vornoli
- Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center, Ramazzini Institute, Castello di Bentivoglio, via Saliceto 3, Bentivoglio, 40010 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Laura Falcioni
- Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center, Ramazzini Institute, Castello di Bentivoglio, via Saliceto 3, Bentivoglio, 40010 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Daniele Mandrioli
- Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center, Ramazzini Institute, Castello di Bentivoglio, via Saliceto 3, Bentivoglio, 40010 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Luciano Bua
- Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center, Ramazzini Institute, Castello di Bentivoglio, via Saliceto 3, Bentivoglio, 40010 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Fiorella Belpoggi
- Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center, Ramazzini Institute, Castello di Bentivoglio, via Saliceto 3, Bentivoglio, 40010 Bologna, Italy.
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Gajski G, Žegura B, Ladeira C, Novak M, Sramkova M, Pourrut B, Del Bo' C, Milić M, Gutzkow KB, Costa S, Dusinska M, Brunborg G, Collins A. The comet assay in animal models: From bugs to whales - (Part 2 Vertebrates). MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2019; 781:130-164. [PMID: 31416573 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The comet assay has become one of the methods of choice for the evaluation and measurement of DNA damage. It is sensitive, quick to perform and relatively affordable for the evaluation of DNA damage and repair at the level of individual cells. The comet assay can be applied to virtually any cell type derived from different organs and tissues. Even though the comet assay is predominantly used on human cells, the application of the assay for the evaluation of DNA damage in yeast, plant and animal cells is also quite high, especially in terms of biomonitoring. The present extensive overview on the usage of the comet assay in animal models will cover both terrestrial and water environments. The first part of the review was focused on studies describing the comet assay applied in invertebrates. The second part of the review, (Part 2) will discuss the application of the comet assay in vertebrates covering cyclostomata, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, in addition to chordates that are regarded as a transitional form towards vertebrates. Besides numerous vertebrate species, the assay is also performed on a range of cells, which includes blood, liver, kidney, brain, gill, bone marrow and sperm cells. These cells are readily used for the evaluation of a wide spectrum of genotoxic agents both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the use of vertebrate models and their role in environmental biomonitoring will also be discussed as well as the comparison of the use of the comet assay in vertebrate and human models in line with ethical principles. Although the comet assay in vertebrates is most commonly used in laboratory animals such as mice, rats and lately zebrafish, this paper will only briefly review its use regarding laboratory animal models and rather give special emphasis to the increasing usage of the assay in domestic and wildlife animals as well as in various ecotoxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Gajski
- Mutagenesis Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Bojana Žegura
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Carina Ladeira
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Centro de Investigação e Estudos em Saúde de Publica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Matjaž Novak
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Monika Sramkova
- Biomedical Research Center, Cancer Research Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Bertrand Pourrut
- EcoLab, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Cristian Del Bo'
- DeFENS-Division of Human Nutrition, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mirta Milić
- Mutagenesis Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Solange Costa
- Environmental Health Department, National Health Institute Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal; EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Dusinska
- Health Effects Laboratory, Department of Environmental Chemistry-MILK, NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Kjeller, Norway
| | - Gunnar Brunborg
- Department of Molecular Biology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andrew Collins
- Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Abstract
During recent years, an increasing percentage of male infertility has to be attributed to an array of environmental, health and lifestyle factors. Male infertility is likely to be affected by the intense exposure to heat and extreme exposure to pesticides, radiations, radioactivity and other hazardous substances. We are surrounded by several types of ionizing and non-ionizing radiations and both have recognized causative effects on spermatogenesis. Since it is impossible to cover all types of radiation sources and their biological effects under a single title, this review is focusing on radiation deriving from cell phones, laptops, Wi-Fi and microwave ovens, as these are the most common sources of non-ionizing radiations, which may contribute to the cause of infertility by exploring the effect of exposure to radiofrequency radiations on the male fertility pattern. From currently available studies it is clear that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) have deleterious effects on sperm parameters (like sperm count, morphology, motility), affects the role of kinases in cellular metabolism and the endocrine system, and produces genotoxicity, genomic instability and oxidative stress. This is followed with protective measures for these radiations and future recommendations. The study concludes that the RF-EMF may induce oxidative stress with an increased level of reactive oxygen species, which may lead to infertility. This has been concluded based on available evidences from in vitro and in vivo studies suggesting that RF-EMF exposure negatively affects sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Mail Code X-11, 10681 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville, 7535 South Africa
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Role of Mitochondria in the Oxidative Stress Induced by Electromagnetic Fields: Focus on Reproductive Systems. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:5076271. [PMID: 30533171 PMCID: PMC6250044 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5076271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Modern technologies relying on wireless communication systems have brought increasing levels of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. This increased research interest in the effects of these radiations on human health. There is compelling evidence that EMFs affect cell physiology by altering redox-related processes. Considering the importance of redox milieu in the biological competence of oocyte and sperm, we reviewed the existing literature regarding the effects of EMFs on reproductive systems. Given the role of mitochondria as the main source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), we focused on the hypothesis of a mitochondrial basis of EMF-induced reproductive toxicity. MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus database were examined for peer-reviewed original articles by searching for the following keywords: “extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs),” “radiofrequency (RF),” “microwaves,” “Wi-Fi,” “mobile phone,” “oxidative stress,” “mitochondria,” “fertility,” “sperm,” “testis,” “oocyte,” “ovarian follicle,” and “embryo.” These keywords were combined with other search phrases relevant to the topic. Although we reported contradictory data due to lack of uniformity in the experimental designs, a growing body of evidence suggests that EMF exposure during spermatogenesis induces increased ROS production associated with decreased ROS scavenging activity. Numerous studies revealed the detrimental effects of EMFs from mobile phones, laptops, and other electric devices on sperm quality and provide evidence for extensive electron leakage from the mitochondrial electron transport chain as the main cause of EMF damage. In female reproductive systems, the contribution of oxidative stress to EMF-induced damages and the evidence of mitochondrial origin of ROS overproduction are reported, as well. In conclusion, mitochondria seem to play an important role as source of ROS in both male and female reproductive systems under EMF exposure. Future and more standardized studies are required for a better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying EMF potential challenge to our reproductive system in order to improve preventive strategies.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Global industrialization has increased population exposure to environmental toxins. A global decline in sperm quality over the last few decades raises questions about the adverse impact of environmental toxins on male reproductive health. RECENT FINDINGS Multiple animal- and human-based studies on exposure to environmental toxins suggest a negative impact on semen quality, in terms of sperm concentration, motility, and/or morphology. These toxins may exert estrogenic and/or anti-androgenic effects, which in turn alter the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPGA), induce sperm DNA damage, or cause sperm epigenetic changes. This chapter will discuss the most recent literature about the most common environmental toxins and their impact on spermatogenesis and its consequences on male fertility. Understanding the presence and underlying mechanism of these toxins will help us preserve the integrity of the male reproduction system and formulate better regulations against their indiscriminate use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Mima
- University of Illinois at Chicago, 820 S. Wood St., Suite 515 CSN, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - David Greenwald
- University of Illinois at Chicago, 820 S. Wood St., Suite 515 CSN, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Samuel Ohlander
- University of Illinois at Chicago, 820 S. Wood St., Suite 515 CSN, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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Pandey N, Giri S. Melatonin attenuates radiofrequency radiation (900 MHz)-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in germ cells of male Swiss albino mice. Toxicol Ind Health 2018; 34:315-327. [DOI: 10.1177/0748233718758092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Increasing male infertility of unknown aetiology can be associated with environmental factors. Extensive use of mobile phones has exposed the general population to unprecedented levels of radiofrequency radiations (RFRs) that may adversely affect male reproductive health. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of RFR Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) type, 900 MHz and melatonin supplementation on germ cell development during spermatogenesis. Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups. One group received RFR exposure for 3 h twice/day for 35 days and the other group received the same exposure but with melatonin ( N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) (MEL; 5 mg/kg bw/day). Two other groups received only MEL or remain unexposed. Sperm head abnormality, total sperm count, biochemical assay for lipid peroxides, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase activity and testis histology were evaluated. Additionally, flow cytometric evaluation of germ cell subtypes and comet assay were performed in testis. Extensive DNA damage in germ cells of RFR-exposed animals along with arrest in pre-meiotic stages of spermatogenesis eventually leading to low sperm count and sperm head abnormalities were observed. Furthermore, biochemical assays revealed excess free radical generation resulting in histological and morphological changes in testis and germ cells morphology, respectively. However, these effects were either diminished or absent in RFR-exposed animals supplemented with melatonin. Hence, it can be concluded that melatonin inhibits pre-meiotic spermatogenesis arrest in male germ cells through its anti-oxidative potential and ability to improve DNA reparative pathways, leading to normal sperm count and sperm morphology in RFR-exposed animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelam Pandey
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India
| | - Sarbani Giri
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India
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