Protective effects of selenium on electromagnetic field-induced apoptosis, aromatase P450 activity, and leptin receptor expression in rat testis

Abstract

Abstract

Overview

The detrimental impacts of electromagnetic fields (EMF), particularly from mobile devices, on male reproductive health are increasingly evident. This study focuses on the protective role of selenium against EMF-induced tissue damage in rat testes.

Materials and Methods

• 24 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: EM (2100 MHZ), EM/SE (2100 MHZ + selenium), SE (selenium alone), and CONT (control group).
• Various parameters such as hormones (LH, FSH, GnRH, testosterone), sperm characteristics, and testis morphometrics were measured.
• Immunoreactivity for leptin receptor and caspase-3 in germinal epithelia was also assessed to evaluate apoptotic changes.

Findings

Exposure to EMF significantly reduced essential reproductive metrics such as hormone levels and sperm count in the EM group compared with the control. Conversely, selenium supplementation in the EM/SE group mitigated these negative effects, improving both hormonal and sperm parameters notably.

Conclusion

This investigation reaffirms the adverse effects of EMF exposure on male fertility and highlights selenium's protective efficacy. EMF exposure is indeed a risk to male reproductive health, which can be effectively countermeasured by selenium supplementation.