2.45 GHz microwave radiation induced oxidative stress: Role of inflammatory cytokines in regulating male fertility through estrogen receptor alpha in Gallus gallus domesticus

Abstract

Overview

With the increasing prevalence of devices that emit microwave (MW) radiation, there is mounting evidence of both short and long-term biological effects that pose significant concerns for both avian and human health.

Findings

• Mechanistic insights into how a low-level 2.45 GHz MW radiation initiates oxidative and inflammatory responses in the avian testes, particularly governed by ER-α modulation are provided.
• The study involved exposure of immature male chickens to 2.45-GHz, non-thermal MW radiation for 2 hours daily over a 30-day period, which resulted in decreased testicular weight and volume, along with a drop in the gonado-somatic index.
• Substantial reductions in testicular ERα expression alongside increased oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines were observed.

Conclusion

Given the vulnerability of the testes to free radical damage, this research underscores the significant risk of male infertility in chicks from MW radiation, through the downregulation of ER-α in the testis.