Evaluation of testicular degeneration induced by low-frequency electromagnetic fields.

Journal of applied toxicology : JAT · 2012 · Mixed · Low evidence

← Research stream

MixedLow evidencePaper 4469

Study snapshot

PublicationJournal of applied toxicology : JAT · 2012

Study typeanimal

Reported directionMixed

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

The population exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has been growing in recent decades. The generation, distribution and use of electric energy can generate low-frequency electromagnetic fields. The present study investigates the effects of EMF (60 Hz and 1 mT) on spermatogenesis of rats during different periods of maturation. Wistar rats were exposed to EMF from day 13 of gestation to postnatal day 21 or 90 in three daily applications of 30 min. Plasma testosterone concentration was not changed by EMF exposure; however, histopathological and histomorphometrical analyses of the testes showed testicular degeneration in a subset of animals exposed to EMF. The magnitude of the degenerative process varied between those individuals affected, indicating different individual sensitivity to EMF. The main alterations observed through transmission electron microscopy were highly electron-dense mitochondria with loss of their organization and cristae. Exposure to 60 Hz and 1 mT EMF can disturb spermatogenesis and may produce subfertility or infertility.

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

PopulationWistar rats exposed during gestation and postnatal maturation

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureELF · 6e-05 MHz · From gestation day 13 to postnatal day 21 or 90; three daily applications of 30 min

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Rats exposed to 60 Hz, 1 mT EMF from gestation through postnatal development showed testicular degeneration on histopathological/histomorphometrical assessment in a subset of exposed animals, with variable severity across individuals. Plasma testosterone was not changed. Electron microscopy findings included highly electron-dense mitochondria with loss of organization and cristae.

Outcomes measured

Spermatogenesis
Testicular histopathology/histomorphometry (testicular degeneration)
Plasma testosterone concentration
Testicular ultrastructure (transmission electron microscopy; mitochondrial alterations)
Potential subfertility/infertility

Limitations

Sample size not reported in the abstract
Degeneration occurred only in a subset of exposed animals (heterogeneous response)
Fertility outcomes (e.g., mating success) not directly reported; subfertility/infertility is suggested rather than measured

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "animal",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF",
    "source": "electric energy (generation/distribution/use)",
    "frequency_mhz": 6e-05,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "From gestation day 13 to postnatal day 21 or 90; three daily applications of 30 min"
  },
  "population": "Wistar rats exposed during gestation and postnatal maturation",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Spermatogenesis",
    "Testicular histopathology/histomorphometry (testicular degeneration)",
    "Plasma testosterone concentration",
    "Testicular ultrastructure (transmission electron microscopy; mitochondrial alterations)",
    "Potential subfertility/infertility"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Rats exposed to 60 Hz, 1 mT EMF from gestation through postnatal development showed testicular degeneration on histopathological/histomorphometrical assessment in a subset of exposed animals, with variable severity across individuals. Plasma testosterone was not changed. Electron microscopy findings included highly electron-dense mitochondria with loss of organization and cristae.",
  "effect_direction": "mixed",
  "limitations": [
    "Sample size not reported in the abstract",
    "Degeneration occurred only in a subset of exposed animals (heterogeneous response)",
    "Fertility outcomes (e.g., mating success) not directly reported; subfertility/infertility is suggested rather than measured"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "extremely low frequency",
    "ELF EMF",
    "60 Hz",
    "1 mT",
    "rats",
    "Wistar",
    "spermatogenesis",
    "testicular degeneration",
    "testosterone",
    "transmission electron microscopy",
    "mitochondria"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0.32,
      "reason": "Exposure described as low-frequency fields associated with electric energy generation/distribution/use (relevant to power-frequency environments)."
    }
  ]
}

AI can be wrong. Always verify against the paper.

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/jat.1680
PubMed: 21452164

Read the original paper →

Related papers

← Back to the Research Library