Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic wave exposure from cellular phones on the reproductive pattern in male Wistar rats

Appl Biochem Biotechnol · 2011 · Harm · Low evidence

← Research stream

HarmLow evidencePaper 6836

Study snapshot

PublicationAppl Biochem Biotechnol · 2011

Study typeanimal

Reported directionHarm

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

The present study investigates the effect of free radical formation due to mobile phone exposure and effect on fertility pattern in 70-day-old male Wistar rats (sham exposed and exposed). Exposure took place in Plexiglas cages for 2 h a day for 35 days to mobile phone frequency. The specific absorption rate was estimated to be 0.9 W/kg. An analysis of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.001) and superoxide dismutase (P < 0.007) showed a decrease, while an increase in catalase (P < 0.005) was observed. Malondialdehyde (P < 0.003) showed an increase and histone kinase (P = 0.006) showed a significant decrease in the exposed group. Micronuclei also show a significant decrease (P < 0.002) in the exposed group. A significant change in sperm cell cycle of G(0)-G(1) (P = 0.042) and G(2)/M (P = 0.022) were recorded. Generation of free radicals was recorded to be significantly increased (P = 0.035). Our findings on antioxidant, malondialdehyde, histone kinase, micronuclei, and sperm cell cycle are clear indications of an infertility pattern, initiated due to an overproduction of reactive oxygen species. It is concluded that radiofrequency electromagnetic wave from commercially available cell phones might affect the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa.

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 directionharm

Population70-day-old male Wistar rats

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureRF · 0.9 W/kg · 2 h/day for 35 days

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 94% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

In male Wistar rats exposed to mobile phone radiofrequency radiation for 2 h/day over 35 days, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase decreased, catalase and malondialdehyde increased, histone kinase decreased, and free radical generation increased. The study also reported significant changes in sperm cell cycle and concluded these findings indicated an infertility pattern and possible reduced fertilizing potential of spermatozoa.

Outcomes measured

antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase)
malondialdehyde
histone kinase
micronuclei
sperm cell cycle
free radical generation
fertility pattern/fertilizing potential of spermatozoa

Limitations

Animal study
Sample size not stated in the abstract
Exposure frequency not specified in the abstract

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "animal",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "mobile phone",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": 0.9,
    "duration": "2 h/day for 35 days"
  },
  "population": "70-day-old male Wistar rats",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase)",
    "malondialdehyde",
    "histone kinase",
    "micronuclei",
    "sperm cell cycle",
    "free radical generation",
    "fertility pattern/fertilizing potential of spermatozoa"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In male Wistar rats exposed to mobile phone radiofrequency radiation for 2 h/day over 35 days, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase decreased, catalase and malondialdehyde increased, histone kinase decreased, and free radical generation increased. The study also reported significant changes in sperm cell cycle and concluded these findings indicated an infertility pattern and possible reduced fertilizing potential of spermatozoa.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "Animal study",
    "Sample size not stated in the abstract",
    "Exposure frequency not specified in the abstract"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.94,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "RF",
    "mobile phone",
    "Wistar rats",
    "male reproductive effects",
    "sperm",
    "oxidative stress",
    "reactive oxygen species",
    "SAR",
    "fertility"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}

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: 10.1007/s12010-010-9156-0
PubMed: 21240569

Read the original paper →

Related papers

← Back to the Research Library