Abstract
Under some occupational conditions, workers are inevitably exposed to high-intensity radiofrequency (RF) fields. In this study, we investigated the effects of one-month exposure to a 220 MHz pulsed modulated RF field at the power density of 50 W/m2 on the sperm quality in male adult rats. The sperm quality was evaluated by measuring the number, abnormality and survival rate of sperm cells. The morphology of testis was examined by hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining. The levels of secreting factors by Sertoli cells (SCs) and Leydig cells (LCs) were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The level of cleaved caspase 3 in the testis was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Finally, the expression levels of the apoptosis-related protein (caspase 3, BAX and BCL2) in the testis were assessed by Western blotting. Compared with the sham group, the sperm quality in the RF group decreased significantly. The levels of secreting factors of SCs and the morphology of the testis showed an obvious change after RF exposure. The level of the secreting factor of LCs decreased significantly after RF exposure. The levels of cleaved caspase 3, caspase 3, and the BAX/BCL2 ratio in the testis increased markedly after RF exposure. These data collectively suggested that under the present experimental conditions, 220 MHz pulsed modulated RF exposure could impair sperm quality in rats, and the disruption of the secreting function of LCs and increased apoptosis of testis cells induced by the RF field might be accounted for by this damaging effect.
Highlights
In recent decades, male reproductive problems, such as spermatogenesis disorders, infertility, and premature abortion, have become more prevalent worldwide [1]
The body weight of rats in the two groups increased throughout the experiment duration
The body weight (Figure 2A), weight gain (Figure 2B), testis weight (Figure 2C) and testis index (Figure 2D) showed that there were no obvious differences between the two groups (p > 0.05)
Summary
Male reproductive problems, such as spermatogenesis disorders, infertility, and premature abortion, have become more prevalent worldwide [1]. It is worth noting that infertility affects an estimated 15% of couples globally, and males were believed to contribute to 50% of cases overall [2]. Male reproductive problems have caused wide social concern. Accumulating evidence has shown that radiofrequency (RF) fields, as a kind of nonionizing radiation, potentially has negative effects on human reproductive health [3,4,5,6]. RF fields, a kind of electromagnetic field at the frequency ranging from 100 kHz to 300 GHz, has gone through phenomenal development and deployment worldwide in recent years [7].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call