What is adverse effect of wireless local area network, using 2.45 GHz, on the reproductive system?

Int J Radiat Biol. 2018 Nov;94(11):1054-1061. doi: 10.1080/09553002.2018.1503430. Epub 2018 Sep 27.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the inflammatory effect and testicular damage on rats exposed to low level of electromagnetic fields (EMF) at 2.45 GHz microwave radiation.

Methods: Twenty two Wistar rats were divided into two groups. Group 1 was the control group and not exposed to EMF. Group 2 was exposed to low level EMF (average E-field 3.68 ± 0.36 V/m, whole body average SAR, 0.0233 W/kg, in 10 g tissue) at 2.45 GHz for 1 hour/day for 30 consecutive days. At the end of the study, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-32 (IL-32), C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in rat serum and IL-6, IL-10, IL-32 were measured in rat testis tissue. Furthermore, testicular tissues were evaluated histopathologically in terms of spermatogenesis and coagulation necrosis.

Results: Serum IL-6 and CRP levels were found to be significantly different in the study group compared to the control group (p < .05), but no significant difference was found in serum IL-10, IL-32 levels and testis tissue IL-6, IL-10, IL-32 levels compared to the control group (p > .05). On the other hand, histopathological evaluation of testicular tissue revealed a significant difference in necrosis and spermatogenesis when compared with the control group (p < .05).

Conclusions: It may be concluded that low level EMF at 2.45 GHz increases inflammation and testicular damage and negative impact on male reproductive system function.

Keywords: Electromagnetic Fields; Inflammation; Testicular damage; cytokin.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism
  • Interleukins / blood
  • Interleukins / metabolism
  • Local Area Networks / instrumentation*
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Reproduction / radiation effects*
  • Spermatogenesis / radiation effects
  • Testis / metabolism
  • Testis / physiology
  • Testis / radiation effects
  • Wireless Technology*

Substances

  • Interleukins
  • C-Reactive Protein