Abstract
Studies have shown the influence of magnetic fields on several biological systems. Some of these fields, such as shortwave (SW) magnetic fields, have been used for therapeutic purposes. However, the possible adverse effects caused by this treatment still need to be better understood. The present study aimed to ascertain whether a single daily exposure (15 min.), for 15, 30 and 60 days, to SW magnetic field (27.12 MHz) can impede spermatogenesis. Exposure to SW magnetic fields did not change the weight of body, testis, epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicle or the gonadosomatic index. The plasma testosterone levels and testicular component volumes (seminiferous tubules, lumen, lamina propria, connective tissue, blood vessels, intertubular tissue) also remained unchanged. Histopathological analysis and spermatogenesis markers showed no changes after exposure to SW magnetic fields. However, some analyses showed changes in the lamina propria, daily sperm production, individual volume and population of Leydig cells. In conclusion, exposure to SW magnetic field for up to 60 days seems to be safe for spermatogenesis, but this exposure caused minor testicular changes that need to be better understood in the long term. This is of particular interest to health professionals who handle such SW devices for long periods of time.
Highlights
As the use of the Shortwave magnetic fields (SW) magnetic field has been recommended for the treatment of diseases, the present study aimed to ascertain whether exposure to the SW magnetic field generated by shortwave equipment can change the spermatogenesis and fertility parameters in adult rats
Body weight and weight of androgen-dependent organs Body weight analysis showed no significant change after exposure to the SW magnetic field for 15 minutes daily during the 60 days of the experiment (Figure 1)
It is worth mentioning a tendency for body weight to decrease over the 30 days of exposure to the SW field
Summary
Shortwave magnetic fields (SW) are used by physiotherapists to treat diseases because of the degree penetration in the human body and effects, such as deep heating, caused by the interaction between the SW field and molecules of water in the body. This shortwave is a type of radiofrequency nonionizing radiation and the frequency commonly used is 27 MHz with a wavelength of 11 m (Shah & Farrow, 2007; Sedhom, Elnaggar, & Shokri, 2017). The SW field has already been used to facilitate treatment of pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders and degenerative joint disorders, as well as to stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts and chondrocytes and thereby reduce the inflammatory process, causing analgesia and vasodilation (Guo, Kubat, Nelson, & Isenberg, 2012; Rawe, 2014; Montenegro et al, 2017; Sedhom et al, 2017)
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