Effects of mobile phone radiation and exercise on testicular function in male Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mobile phone radiation and exercise on testicular function in male Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats weighing 150–198 g were used for this experiment. The animals were divided into four groups (n = 5). The first group was the control group, the second group was exposed to mobile phone radiation for 6 h daily, the third group was subjected to swimming >three times a week and >30 min each session or >90 min a week, and the fourth group containing five rats was exposed to mobile phone radiation for 6 h daily and was subjected to swimming for >three times a week and >30 min each session or >90 min a week. This experiment lasted for 30 days. A Nokia 1280 cell phone was used to emit electromagnetic waves, and the cages of Groups 2 and 4 were surrounded by aluminum foils to focus and limit the waves to the interior of the cages, with the phone being placed 0.5 cm under the cage. A radiofrequency radiometer was kept close to the cages to detect the cell phone radiation. Results: Short-term exposure of male Wistar rats to mobile phone radiation (6 h/day × 30 days at 1.6 W/kg specific absorption rate) led to a statistically insignificant (P > 0.05) decrease in the serum testosterone levels and testicular weight, whereas exercise (> three times a week and >30 min each session or > 90 min a week) in male Wistar rats led to statistically nonsignificant (P > 0.05) increase in the testosterone levels and testicular weight. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicated that short-term exposure of mobile phone radiation leads to a statistically nonsignificant decrease in serum testosterone levels and testicular weight, whereas regular exercise leads to a statistically nonsignificant increase in the testosterone levels and testicular weight.