The effect of 900-MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields during the adolescence on the histological structure of rat testis and its androgen and estrogen receptors localization

Abstract

Overview

The study investigates the effects of radiofrequency-electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted by mobile phones on the testicular tissue of adolescent rats.

Materials and Methods

• Adolescent rats were divided into three groups: one exposed to 900 MHz RF-EMF, and two control groups (sham and untouched).
• Histopathological and biochemical analyses were used on tissues removed post-exposure.
• The thickness of testicular tissues cut to 5 mu m underwent standard histological procedures.
• Biochemical indicators of oxidative stress (Malondialdehyde - MDA, Glutathione - GSH, Catalase - CAT, and Superoxide Dismutase - SOD) were measured.

Findings

• No significant histopathological changes or differences in androgen and estrogen receptor localization were observed across the groups.
• The RF-EMF exposed group showed elevated MDA and CAT levels, indicating increased oxidative stress, despite similar apoptotic indices and TUNEL-positive cell counts.
• GSH levels were lower in the RF-EMF group compared to controls, while SOD levels remained consistent across groups.

Conclusion

Exposure to 900 MHz RF-EMF in adolescent rats induced oxidative stress in testicular tissues. However, the resulting oxidative damage was too low to detect through histopathological methods utilized in this study. Such findings hint at possible health risks associated with prolonged RF-EMF exposure.