Effects of exposure to electromagnetic field (1.8/0.9 GHz) on testicular function and structure in growing rats.

Research in veterinary science · 2012 · Mixed · Low evidence

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MixedLow evidencePaper 4427

Study snapshot

PublicationResearch in veterinary science · 2012

Study typeanimal

Reported directionMixed

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

The aim of our study was to evaluate the possible effects of whole-body electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure on reproduction in growing male rats. Male albino Wistar rats (2 days old) were exposed to EMF 1800 and 900 MHz for 2 h continuously per day for 90 days. Sham control was kept under similar conditions except that the field was not applied for the same period. After blood samples were collected, the animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last exposure and the tissues of interest were harvested. The mean plasma total testosterone showed similarity among the two study groups and was significantly higher than the sham control rats. The percentage of epididymal sperm motility was significantly higher in the 1800 MHz group (P<0.05). The morphologically normal spermatozoa rates were higher and the tail abnormality and total percentage abnormalities were lower in the 900 MHz group (P<0.05). Histopathologic parameters in the 1800 MHz group were significantly higher (P<0.05). In conclusion, the present study indicated that exposure to electromagnetic wave caused an increase in testosterone level, epididymal sperm motility (forward), and normal sperm morphology of rats. As a consequences, 1800 and 900 MHz EMF could be considered to be a cause of precocious puberty in growing rats.

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 directionmixed

PopulationMale albino Wistar rats (2 days old; growing male rats)

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureRF · 2 h/day for 90 days (continuous daily exposure)

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Male Wistar rats exposed whole-body to 1800 or 900 MHz EMF for 2 h/day for 90 days had higher mean plasma total testosterone than sham controls, while testosterone was similar between the two exposure groups. Epididymal sperm motility was higher in the 1800 MHz group, and normal sperm morphology was higher (with fewer abnormalities) in the 900 MHz group. Histopathologic parameters were reported as significantly higher in the 1800 MHz group.

Outcomes measured

Plasma total testosterone
Epididymal sperm motility
Sperm morphology (normal spermatozoa rate; tail abnormality; total abnormalities)
Histopathologic parameters of testicular tissue
Precocious puberty (as interpreted by authors)

Limitations

Sample size not reported in abstract
Exposure source and dosimetry (e.g., SAR) not reported in abstract
Histopathologic findings are described as 'higher' without clarifying whether this indicates harm or improvement
Animal study; generalizability to humans is limited

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "animal",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": null,
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "2 h/day for 90 days (continuous daily exposure)"
  },
  "population": "Male albino Wistar rats (2 days old; growing male rats)",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Plasma total testosterone",
    "Epididymal sperm motility",
    "Sperm morphology (normal spermatozoa rate; tail abnormality; total abnormalities)",
    "Histopathologic parameters of testicular tissue",
    "Precocious puberty (as interpreted by authors)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Male Wistar rats exposed whole-body to 1800 or 900 MHz EMF for 2 h/day for 90 days had higher mean plasma total testosterone than sham controls, while testosterone was similar between the two exposure groups. Epididymal sperm motility was higher in the 1800 MHz group, and normal sperm morphology was higher (with fewer abnormalities) in the 900 MHz group. Histopathologic parameters were reported as significantly higher in the 1800 MHz group.",
  "effect_direction": "mixed",
  "limitations": [
    "Sample size not reported in abstract",
    "Exposure source and dosimetry (e.g., SAR) not reported in abstract",
    "Histopathologic findings are described as 'higher' without clarifying whether this indicates harm or improvement",
    "Animal study; generalizability to humans is limited"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "electromagnetic field",
    "RF exposure",
    "900 MHz",
    "1800 MHz",
    "whole-body exposure",
    "rats",
    "testosterone",
    "sperm motility",
    "sperm morphology",
    "testicular histopathology",
    "puberty"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}

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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.rvsc.2011.10.023
PubMed: 22130559

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