The Effect of 2.45 GHz Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation on Components of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in Male Rats

Int J Mol Sci · 2026 · Mixed · Low evidence

← Research stream

MixedLow evidencePaper 6877

No significant changes were observed in hypothalamic Kiss1 gene expression or serum kisspeptin. GnRH increased significantly in both exposed groups, while FSH and LH were unchanged. Testicular testosterone was significantly reduced in the 24 h group, and seru…

Study snapshot

PublicationInt J Mol Sci · 2026

Study typeanimal

Reported directionMixed

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

The brain and testes are connected via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Both are vulnerable to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR). However, no comprehensive study had evaluated the effects of RF-EMR on key hormones along this axis. Hereby, this study evaluated the effect of RF-EMR on the hormonal changes along the axis, including the neuropeptide kisspeptin. A total of 18 (N = 18) adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups (n = 6): Control, 4 h, and 24 h. The Control group was sham-exposed to an inactive router. The exposed groups were subjected to 2.45 GHz RF-EMR for 4 and 24 h daily, for 60 days at a 20 cm distance. The power density was 0.141 W/m2 with a whole-body specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0.41 W/kg. No significant changes were observed in hypothalamic Kiss1 gene expression or serum kisspeptin levels. GnRH levels increased significantly in both exposed groups, while FSH and LH remained unchanged. Testicular testosterone was significantly reduced in the 24 h group, while serum testosterone was elevated in the 24 h group compared to the 4 h group. In conclusion, prolonged 2.45 GHz RF-EMR exposure caused selective changes in components of the HPG axis, particularly involving GnRH and testosterone, suggesting potential endocrine effects on male reproductive regulation.

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

PopulationAdult male Sprague-Dawley rats

Sample size18

ExposureRF · 2450 MHz · 0.41 W/kg · 4 or 24 h daily for 60 days at 20 cm distance

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 90% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Outcomes measured

Hypothalamic Kiss1 gene expression
Serum kisspeptin levels
GnRH levels
FSH levels
LH levels
Testicular testosterone
Serum testosterone

Limitations

Animal study in rats; direct applicability to humans is not established in the abstract.
Small sample size: 18 rats total, 6 per group.
Abstract reports selective hormonal changes, with some endpoints unchanged and testosterone findings differing by tissue/serum comparison.

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "animal",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "inactive/router exposure setup; 2.45 GHz RF-EMR",
    "frequency_mhz": 2450,
    "sar_wkg": 0.41,
    "duration": "4 or 24 h daily for 60 days at 20 cm distance"
  },
  "population": "Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats",
  "sample_size": 18,
  "outcomes": [
    "Hypothalamic Kiss1 gene expression",
    "Serum kisspeptin levels",
    "GnRH levels",
    "FSH levels",
    "LH levels",
    "Testicular testosterone",
    "Serum testosterone"
  ],
  "main_findings": "No significant changes were observed in hypothalamic Kiss1 gene expression or serum kisspeptin. GnRH increased significantly in both exposed groups, while FSH and LH were unchanged. Testicular testosterone was significantly reduced in the 24 h group, and serum testosterone was elevated in the 24 h group compared with the 4 h group.",
  "effect_direction": "mixed",
  "limitations": [
    "Animal study in rats; direct applicability to humans is not established in the abstract.",
    "Small sample size: 18 rats total, 6 per group.",
    "Abstract reports selective hormonal changes, with some endpoints unchanged and testosterone findings differing by tissue/serum comparison."
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.9,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "2.45 GHz",
    "radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation",
    "RF-EMR",
    "HPG axis",
    "male reproduction",
    "rats",
    "kisspeptin",
    "GnRH",
    "testosterone",
    "SAR"
  ],
  "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: 10.3390/ijms27104582
PubMed: 42196560

Read the original paper →

Related papers

← Back to the Research Library