RF radiation (900 MHz)-induced DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in testicular germ cells in mice

Abstract

Overview

The study explores the impact of 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted by mobile phones on the transformation kinetics of male germ cells in Swiss albino mice, considering both direct exposure effects and post-exposure recovery.

Findings

• Mitochondrial Destabilization: Exposure led to mitochondrial membrane depolarization, disturbing cellular redox balance.
• Cellular Damage: Significant increases in germ cell damage and sperm head defects were observed.
• Alteration in Germ Cell Populations: Exposure resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in spermatogonial populations and decreases in spermatids, indicating a premeiotic arrest in spermatogenesis.
• Histological Changes: Notable changes included sloughing of immature germ cells and maturation arrest, with low sperm count evident from histology.

Conclusion

The study confirms that exposure to RFR induces oxidative stress leading to significant DNA damage in germ cells. These changes affect cell cycle progression and sperm production, underscoring potential reproductive health risks. Importantly, some of these effects showed signs of reversibility post-exposure.