Radiofrequency radiation-induced changes in Leydig cell function

Scientific Reports · 2026 · Harm · Low evidence

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HarmLow evidencePaper 6829

Study snapshot

PublicationScientific Reports · 2026

Study typein_vitro

Reported directionHarm

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

Radiofrequency radiation, emitted from commonly used wireless communication devices, has been implicated in disrupting cellular homeostasis; however, its effects on testicular somatic cells such as Leydig cells remain poorly understood. To address this, the present study investigated the frequency- and time-specific effects of RFR on cellular morphology, proliferation, and cell cycle dynamics in TM3 Leydig cells. Cells were exposed to mobile phone radiation and radiofrequency signals at 1800 MHz and 2450 MHz for 15–120 min under non-thermal conditions. Following exposure, morphological alterations were examined using Giemsa staining, while proliferation and cell cycle progression were evaluated by BrdU-ELISA and PI-based flow cytometry. BrdU assays showed a progressive reduction in DNA synthesis across conditions, indicating suppressed proliferative activity. Consistently, cell cycle analysis revealed accumulation of cells in G1 phase with a corresponding decline in S-phase population at longer durations, suggesting checkpoint activation. These changes were supported by morphological alterations such as cell rounding, loss of adherence, and membrane blebbing, features associated with stress-induced antiproliferative responses. Overall, these findings indicate that RFR disrupts cellular morphology, DNA synthesis, and cell cycle progression in a frequency- and time-dependent manner, highlighting Leydig cell vulnerability to prolonged exposure and potential implications for male reproductive health.

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 typein_vitro

Effect directionharm

PopulationTM3 Leydig cells

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureRF · 1800 MHz · 15–120 min

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 94% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

TM3 Leydig cells exposed under non-thermal conditions to mobile phone radiation and radiofrequency signals at 1800 MHz and 2450 MHz for 15–120 minutes showed reduced DNA synthesis, morphological alterations, and altered cell cycle dynamics. The abstract reports G1-phase accumulation with reduced S-phase population at longer exposure durations, indicating suppressed proliferative activity in a frequency- and time-dependent manner.

Outcomes measured

cellular morphology
cell proliferation/DNA synthesis
cell cycle progression
G1-phase accumulation
S-phase decline

Limitations

In vitro study
Sample size not stated in the abstract
Exposure details are limited in the abstract
Findings are based on cellular endpoints rather than clinical outcomes

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "in_vitro",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "mobile phone",
    "frequency_mhz": 1800,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "15–120 min"
  },
  "population": "TM3 Leydig cells",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "cellular morphology",
    "cell proliferation/DNA synthesis",
    "cell cycle progression",
    "G1-phase accumulation",
    "S-phase decline"
  ],
  "main_findings": "TM3 Leydig cells exposed under non-thermal conditions to mobile phone radiation and radiofrequency signals at 1800 MHz and 2450 MHz for 15–120 minutes showed reduced DNA synthesis, morphological alterations, and altered cell cycle dynamics. The abstract reports G1-phase accumulation with reduced S-phase population at longer exposure durations, indicating suppressed proliferative activity in a frequency- and time-dependent manner.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "In vitro study",
    "Sample size not stated in the abstract",
    "Exposure details are limited in the abstract",
    "Findings are based on cellular endpoints rather than clinical outcomes"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.94,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "radiofrequency radiation",
    "RF",
    "mobile phone radiation",
    "1800 MHz",
    "2450 MHz",
    "Leydig cells",
    "TM3 cells",
    "cell proliferation",
    "DNA synthesis",
    "cell cycle",
    "male reproductive health",
    "non-thermal exposure"
  ],
  "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: 10.1038/s41598-026-39244-6
PubMed: Not supplied

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