Current progress on the effect of mobile phone radiation on sperm quality: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of human and animal studies

Authors: Gang Yu, Zhiming Bai, Song Chao, Qing Cheng, Gang Wang, Zeping Tang, Sixing Yang

Year: 03/30/2021

Category: Environmental Health

Journal: Environmental Pollution

DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116952

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749121005340

Abstract

Overview

Potential suppression of fertility due to mobile phone radiation remains a focus of researchers. This systematic review and meta-analysis incorporates the recent evidence to deepen the understanding of how mobile phone radiation perturbs sperm quality.

Methodology

We utilized MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, WOS, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases, screening studies published before December 2020. Thirty-nine studies were evaluated, focusing on varying sperm parameters like density, motility, viability, morphology, and DFI. Analysis approaches included subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias methodologies.

Findings

Pooled results from human cross-sectional studies found no strong support for an association between mobile phone use and decline in sperm quality, though regional studies showed significant correlations.
In vitro studies displayed that mobile phone RF-EMR impaired mature human sperm motility and viability.
Animal studies indicated similar declines in sperm motility and viability, with variations based on age, exposure type, and study conditions.

Conclusions

This review underscores potential regional effects of mobile phone radiation on sperm quality, and calls for standardized criteria in future research. Mobile phone RF-EMR's influence on spermatogenesis and individual organ systems is a crucial area requiring further investigation.

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