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

Institution: 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 updated systematic review and meta-analysis explores recent findings on how mobile phone radiation affects sperm quality.

Methodology

Meta-analyses were conducted using data from MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, WOS, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov.
Thirty-nine studies were reviewed, emphasizing sperm quality parameters such as density, motility, viability, morphology, and DNA fragmentation index (DFI).
Subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses were performed to ascertain the outcomes.

Findings

Human cross-sectional studies showed mixed results, without a strong general association between mobile phone use and sperm quality decline. However, regional variations were noted.
In East Europe and West Asia, a definite link was found between mobile phone use and decreased sperm density and motility.
Direct impairment of mature human sperm motility and viability was observed under in vitro mobile phone RF-EMR exposure.
The impact on animal sperm highlighted suppressed motility and viability, especially in mature restrained rats.

Conclusion

The study confirms the detrimental effects of mobile phone RF-EMR on sperm quality in certain regions and conditions. It underscores the necessity for further research using standardized methodologies to understand better the biological impacts at the functional and molecular levels.

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