Ameliorative Role of Coenzyme Q10 in RF Radiation-Associated Testicular and Oxidative Impairments in a 3.5-GHz Exposure Model

Bioelectromagnetics · 2026 · Harm · Low evidence

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HarmLow evidencePaper 2452

Study snapshot

PublicationBioelectromagnetics · 2026

Study typeanimal

Reported directionHarm

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

Category: Bioelectromagnetics, Reproductive Toxicology Tags: radiofrequency radiation, 3.5 GHz, oxidative stress, male reproductive health, Coenzyme Q10, SAR simulation, testicular damage DOI: 10.1002/bem.70043 URL: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Overview This experimental study explored the biological effects of GSM-modulated 3.5 GHz radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field exposure on the reproductive health of male Wistar rats. Furthermore, it evaluated whether Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) could serve as a protective agent against these RF-induced impairments. Findings - Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups: Control, RF, CoQ10, and RF + CoQ10. - Rats were exposed to RF for 2 hours daily over 30 days. CoQ10 was given intraperitoneally at 10 mg/kg/day. - Hormonal levels (testosterone, LH, FSH), oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, TAS, TOS), and testicular tissue histopathology were thoroughly assessed. - SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) simulations estimated whole-body SAR at 0.16995 W/kg and testis-specific SAR at 0.02669 W/kg. - RF exposure led to: - Reduced testosterone, LH, and FSH levels - Increased MDA and TOS concentrations, indicating oxidative stress - Degenerative changes in testicular histology - CoQ10 supplementation partially reversed these changes, restoring testosterone and TAS levels and reducing testicular tissue damage. Conclusion The results demonstrate that even low-SAR GSM-modulated 3.5 GHz RF exposure can negatively affect male reproductive health by disrupting hormonal balance, elevating oxidative stress, and causing structural testicular damage. There is a significant link between electromagnetic field exposure and health risks related to reproduction and oxidative balance. CoQ10 supplementation showed partial protective effects by supporting antioxidant balance and testicular function. These findings highlight the urgent need for personal protection strategies against electromagnetic fields and suggest that antioxidant agents such as CoQ10 may offer therapeutic benefits. However, as the study used a GSM-modulated waveform, results should not be generalized to FR1 5G NR signals. Further clinical and translational research is required to fully understand the health risks and to support public health guidelines addressing electromagnetic field exposure.

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AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeanimal

Effect directionharm

PopulationMale Wistar rats

Sample size28

ExposureRF · 3500 MHz · 0.16995 W/kg · 2 hours daily for 30 days

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 86% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

In male Wistar rats, GSM-modulated 3.5 GHz RF exposure (2 h/day for 30 days; simulated whole-body SAR 0.16995 W/kg; testis SAR 0.02669 W/kg) was associated with reduced testosterone, LH, and FSH, increased oxidative stress markers (increased MDA and TOS), and degenerative testicular histology. Coenzyme Q10 (10 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal) partially reversed some changes, including restoring testosterone and TAS levels and reducing testicular tissue damage.

Outcomes measured

Testosterone
LH
FSH
Oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, TAS, TOS)
Testicular histopathology / tissue damage

Limitations

Animal model (male Wistar rats); human relevance not established in abstract
Exposure waveform described as GSM-modulated; abstract notes results should not be generalized to FR1 5G NR signals
SAR values are described as simulations/estimates

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "animal",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": null,
    "frequency_mhz": 3500,
    "sar_wkg": 0.16995,
    "duration": "2 hours daily for 30 days"
  },
  "population": "Male Wistar rats",
  "sample_size": 28,
  "outcomes": [
    "Testosterone",
    "LH",
    "FSH",
    "Oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, TAS, TOS)",
    "Testicular histopathology / tissue damage"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In male Wistar rats, GSM-modulated 3.5 GHz RF exposure (2 h/day for 30 days; simulated whole-body SAR 0.16995 W/kg; testis SAR 0.02669 W/kg) was associated with reduced testosterone, LH, and FSH, increased oxidative stress markers (increased MDA and TOS), and degenerative testicular histology. Coenzyme Q10 (10 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal) partially reversed some changes, including restoring testosterone and TAS levels and reducing testicular tissue damage.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "Animal model (male Wistar rats); human relevance not established in abstract",
    "Exposure waveform described as GSM-modulated; abstract notes results should not be generalized to FR1 5G NR signals",
    "SAR values are described as simulations/estimates"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.86,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "radiofrequency",
    "3.5 GHz",
    "GSM-modulated",
    "SAR",
    "oxidative stress",
    "testosterone",
    "LH",
    "FSH",
    "testicular histopathology",
    "male reproductive health",
    "Coenzyme Q10",
    "Wistar rat"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "5g-policy",
      "weight": 0.55,
      "reason": "Uses 3.5 GHz exposure model (often associated with 5G mid-band), though waveform is GSM-modulated per abstract."
    }
  ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1002/bem.70043
PubMed: 41578890

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