RF Safe

The Effects of Cell Phone Waves (900 MHz-GSM Band) on Sperm Parameters and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Rats.

International journal of fertility & sterility · 2013 · Harm · Low evidence

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HarmLow evidencePaper 3104

In all exposure groups, sperm viability, motility, and total antioxidant capacity were significantly decreased compared with controls (p<0.05). Increasing exposure duration from 2 to 3 weeks further decreased sperm viability and motility (p<0.05).

Study snapshot

PublicationInternational journal of fertility & sterility · 2013
Study typeanimal
Reported directionHarm
Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is tremendous concern regarding the possible adverse effects of cell phone microwaves. Contradictory results, however, have been reported for the effects of these waves on the body. In the present study, the effect of cell phone microwaves on sperm parameters and total antioxidant capacity was investigated with regard to the duration of exposure and the frequency of these waves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This experimental study was performed on 28 adult male Wistar rats (200-250 g). The animals were randomly assigned to four groups (n=7): i. control; ii. two-week exposure to cell phone-simulated waves; iii. three-week exposure to cell phonesimulated waves; and iv. two-week exposure to cell phone antenna waves. In all groups, sperm analysis was performed based on standard methods and we determined the mean sperm total antioxidant capacity according to the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) method. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test using SPSS version 16 software. RESULTS: The results indicated that sperm viability, motility, and total antioxidant capacity in all exposure groups decreased significantly compared to the control group (p<0.05). Increasing the duration of exposure from 2 to 3 weeks caused a statistically significant decrease in sperm viability and motility (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Exposure to cell phone waves can decrease sperm viability and motility in rats. These waves can also decrease sperm total antioxidant capacity in rats and result in oxidative stress.

Machine Enhanced Logic

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
PopulationAdult male Wistar rats (200–250 g)
Sample size28
ExposureRF · 900 MHz · 2 weeks; 3 weeks
Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

In all exposure groups, sperm viability, motility, and total antioxidant capacity were significantly decreased compared with controls (p<0.05). Increasing exposure duration from 2 to 3 weeks further decreased sperm viability and motility (p<0.05).

Outcomes measured

  • Sperm viability
  • Sperm motility
  • Sperm total antioxidant capacity (FRAP)

Limitations

  • No SAR or exposure intensity metrics reported in abstract
  • Small group sizes (n=7 per group)
  • Animal study; generalizability to humans not established in abstract
  • Exposure conditions described as simulated/antenna waves without detailed dosimetry in abstract
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "animal",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "mobile phone",
    "frequency_mhz": 900,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "2 weeks; 3 weeks"
  },
  "population": "Adult male Wistar rats (200–250 g)",
  "sample_size": 28,
  "outcomes": [
    "Sperm viability",
    "Sperm motility",
    "Sperm total antioxidant capacity (FRAP)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In all exposure groups, sperm viability, motility, and total antioxidant capacity were significantly decreased compared with controls (p<0.05). Increasing exposure duration from 2 to 3 weeks further decreased sperm viability and motility (p<0.05).",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "No SAR or exposure intensity metrics reported in abstract",
    "Small group sizes (n=7 per group)",
    "Animal study; generalizability to humans not established in abstract",
    "Exposure conditions described as simulated/antenna waves without detailed dosimetry in abstract"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "900 MHz",
    "GSM",
    "cell phone waves",
    "microwaves",
    "rats",
    "Wistar",
    "sperm parameters",
    "motility",
    "viability",
    "total antioxidant capacity",
    "FRAP",
    "oxidative stress"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "mobile-phones-rf",
      "weight": 0.9,
      "reason": "Animal experiment assessing 900 MHz GSM cell phone-simulated/antenna RF exposure effects on sperm outcomes."
    }
  ]
}
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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: Not supplied
PubMed: 24520459

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