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

The study explores the biological impacts of electromagnetic radiation (EMR), more specifically, microwave (MW) radiation, which is prevalent due to numerous gadgets in daily use. These impacts are particularly crucial for avian species and could translate to human health concerns.

Findings

• The research focuses on low-level 2.45 GHz MW radiation which induces oxidative stress and an inflammatory response in the testes of immature Gallus gallus domesticus, potentially leading to male infertility.
• Experiments involved exposing two weeks old male chickens to 2 hours per day of non-thermal low-level 2.45-GHz MW radiation for 30 days, observing changes in testicular weight, volume, and morphometrics.
• Notably, histological analysis showed decreased seminiferous tubules diameter, increased oxidative stress parameters, increased IL-1β, and decreased IL-10 immunoreactivity.
• A significant reduction in ERα expression was observed, suggesting a mechanism by which MW radiation can affect fertility.

Conclusion

The study concludes that the testes, susceptible to free radical damage, are adversely affected by MW radiation. This radiation leads to oxidative and inflammatory stress thereby influencing male infertility by downregulating ER-α in testis.