The effect of Non- ionizing electromagnetic field with a frequency of 50 Hz in Rat ovary: A transmission electron microscopy study.

International journal of reproductive biomedicine · 2016 · Harm · Low evidence

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HarmLow evidencePaper 4856

Compared with controls, EMF-exposed groups showed ultrastructural/morphological abnormalities including separation of the theca layer, irregular thickness of the zona layer, and ovarian stroma changes with dilated vessels and infiltration. Authors conclude EM…

Study snapshot

PublicationInternational journal of reproductive biomedicine · 2016

Study typeanimal

Reported directionHarm

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Recently, there are increasing concerns and interests about the potential effects of Electromagnetic Field (EMF) on both human and animal health. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the harmful effects of 50 Hz non-ionizing EMF on rat oocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study 30 rats were randomly taken from laboratory animals and their ags and weights were determined. These 3 month's old rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. The control group consisted of 10 rats without receiving any treatment and kept under normal conditions. Experimental group 1 (10 rats) received EMF for 8 weeks (3 weeks intrauterine +5 weeks after births) and experimental group 2 (10 rats) received EMF for 13 weeks (3 weeks intrauterine +10 weeks after birth). After removing the ovaries and isolating follicles, granulosa cells were fixed in glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide. Electron microscopy was used to investigate the traumatic effects of EMF on follicles. RESULTS: In control group nucleus membrane and mitochondria in follicle's cytoplasm seemed normal in appearance. Theca layer of primary follicles in experimental group was separated clearly, zona layer demonstrated trot with irregular thickness and ovarian stroma seemed isolated with dilated vessels showing infiltration. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that EMF has harmful effects on the ovarian follicles.

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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

PopulationRats (3 months old)

Sample size30

ExposureELF · 0.05 MHz · 8 weeks (3 weeks intrauterine + 5 weeks after birth) or 13 weeks (3 weeks intrauterine + 10 weeks after birth)

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Outcomes measured

Ovarian follicles/oocytes ultrastructure (transmission electron microscopy)
Granulosa cell and follicle morphology (e.g., nucleus membrane, mitochondria, theca layer, zona layer, ovarian stroma, vessels/infiltration)

Limitations

Exposure intensity/dose metrics not reported in abstract (e.g., field strength, SAR)
Outcome assessment appears descriptive/qualitative in abstract; statistical analysis not described
Animal study; generalizability to humans not addressed

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "animal",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF",
    "source": null,
    "frequency_mhz": 0.05,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "8 weeks (3 weeks intrauterine + 5 weeks after birth) or 13 weeks (3 weeks intrauterine + 10 weeks after birth)"
  },
  "population": "Rats (3 months old)",
  "sample_size": 30,
  "outcomes": [
    "Ovarian follicles/oocytes ultrastructure (transmission electron microscopy)",
    "Granulosa cell and follicle morphology (e.g., nucleus membrane, mitochondria, theca layer, zona layer, ovarian stroma, vessels/infiltration)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Compared with controls, EMF-exposed groups showed ultrastructural/morphological abnormalities including separation of the theca layer, irregular thickness of the zona layer, and ovarian stroma changes with dilated vessels and infiltration. Authors conclude EMF has harmful effects on ovarian follicles.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "Exposure intensity/dose metrics not reported in abstract (e.g., field strength, SAR)",
    "Outcome assessment appears descriptive/qualitative in abstract; statistical analysis not described",
    "Animal study; generalizability to humans not addressed"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "50 Hz",
    "extremely low frequency",
    "non-ionizing electromagnetic field",
    "rat ovary",
    "oocytes",
    "ovarian follicles",
    "granulosa cells",
    "transmission electron microscopy",
    "ultrastructure"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0.2,
      "reason": "Study involves 50 Hz ELF-EMF exposure, which is commonly relevant to power-frequency/occupational contexts, though the specific source is not stated."
    }
  ]
}

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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: 27200427

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