Investing the effect of 2100 MHz frequency electromagnetic field on the male rat reproductive system

Abstract

Abstract Background: This research aimed to appraise the 2100 MHz frequency of the new generation of mobile phones on the male rat reproductive system. The genital organ is one of the important systems for sustaining reproduction and generation. The consequences of mobile phone radiation exposure have been a growing general health worry in recent years. Study design: 35 Wister albino male rats were randomly divided into five groups for this study. The groups were exposed to a 2100 MHz frequency electromagnetic field for 0, 15, 60,120, 180 min/day, 70 consecutive days. At the end of the experiment, serum testosterone levels were measured, and each group was evaluated for epididymal sperm parameters, including mobility, morphology, and viability. Then, immunohistochemistry staining was performed by Cleaved-Caspase 3 antibody to show apoptosis in the testicular tissue. Results: Our results revealed that serum testosterone levels were significantly reduced in experimental groups (60 and 120 min). In addition, sperm motility was significantly reduced in experimental groups (60, 120, and 180 min), and a significant decline of sperm viability and apoptosis (P=0.001) was observed in all groups. Conclusion: This study found a significant increase in the number of dead sperm and apoptosis and a significant reduction in motility, which could impair the spermatogenesis process, reduce sexual characteristics, and eventually lower the rate of fertility.