Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure affects fertilization outcome in swine animal model.

Theriogenology · 2010 · Harm · Moderate evidence

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HarmModerate evidencePaper 4393

Exposure to ELF-EMF above 0.5 mT caused progressive acrosome damage in spermatozoa, reducing their fertilization capability in vitro. In vivo exposure at 1 mT significantly reduced fertilization rate and exposure of oviducts to ≥0.75 mT slowed early embryo cl…

Study snapshot

PublicationTheriogenology · 2010

Study typeanimal

Reported directionHarm

Evidence ratingModerate

Abstract

Modern society continuously exposes the population to electromagnetic radiation, the effects of which on human health, in particular reproduction, are still unknown. The aim of this research was to assess the effect of acute (1h) exposure of boar spermatozoa to a 50 Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) on early fertility outcome. The effect of intensities ranging from 0 to 2 mT on morpho-functional integrity of capacitated spermatozoa was examined in vitro. The oviducts containing or without spermatozoa were then exposed to the minimum in vivo, TD(50,) and maximum intensities determined in vitro, 4h before ovulation. The effects of ELF-EMF on spermatozoa in terms of early embryo development were evaluated after 12h and 6 days. It was found that in vitro ELF-EMF > 0.5 mT induced a progressive acrosome damage, thus compromising the ability of spermatozoa to undergo acrosomal reaction after zona pellucida stimulation and reducing the in vitro fertilization outcome. These effects became evident at 0.75 mT and reached the plateau at 1 mT. Under in vivo conditions, the ELF-EMF intensity of 1 mT was able to compromise sperm function, significantly reducing the fertilization rate. In addition, the exposure of oviducts to fields > or = 0.75 mT in the absence of spermatozoa was able to negatively affect early embryo development. In fact, it was found to cause a slowdown in the embryo cleavage. In conclusion, it was demonstrated how and at which intensities ELF-EMF negatively affect early fertility outcome in a highly predictive animal model.

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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

Populationboar spermatozoa and oviducts in swine animal model

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureELF · 0.05 MHz · 1 hour acute exposure

Evidence strengthModerateConfidence: 70% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Outcomes measured

morpho-functional integrity of capacitated spermatozoa
acrosomal reaction capability
in vitro fertilization outcome
in vivo fertilization rate
early embryo development
embryo cleavage speed

Limitations

Study conducted in swine animal model, limiting direct human applicability
Sample size and detailed experimental conditions not specified
Only acute (1 hour) exposure assessed, no long-term effects evaluated

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "animal",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF",
    "source": null,
    "frequency_mhz": 0.05,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "1 hour acute exposure"
  },
  "population": "boar spermatozoa and oviducts in swine animal model",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "morpho-functional integrity of capacitated spermatozoa",
    "acrosomal reaction capability",
    "in vitro fertilization outcome",
    "in vivo fertilization rate",
    "early embryo development",
    "embryo cleavage speed"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Exposure to ELF-EMF above 0.5 mT caused progressive acrosome damage in spermatozoa, reducing their fertilization capability in vitro. In vivo exposure at 1 mT significantly reduced fertilization rate and exposure of oviducts to ≥0.75 mT slowed early embryo cleavage, indicating negative effects on early fertility outcomes.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "Study conducted in swine animal model, limiting direct human applicability",
    "Sample size and detailed experimental conditions not specified",
    "Only acute (1 hour) exposure assessed, no long-term effects evaluated"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "moderate",
  "confidence": 0.7,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "extremely low frequency electromagnetic field",
    "ELF-EMF",
    "fertilization",
    "spermatozoa",
    "early embryo development",
    "swine model",
    "reproduction"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0.6,
      "reason": "Study of ELF-EMF exposure effects relevant to occupational or environmental exposure scenarios."
    }
  ]
}

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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: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.12.010
PubMed: 20176397

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