Effect of Cell Phone Radiation on Gelatinolytic Activity of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 and -9 of Mouse Pre- Antral Follicles during In Vitro Culture

Abstract

Overview

The study evaluates the controversial effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from cell phones on reproductive health, focusing on ovarian follicle development and metalloproteinases

Objectives and Methods

• Objective: To investigate the impact of cell phone radiation on the gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and -9), which are crucial for ovarian follicle development.
• Methods: Mouse pre-antral follicles were cultured with exposure to cell phone radiation for 60 minutes. Assessments included zymography for gelatinolytic activity, real-time PCR for MMPs and TIMPs gene expression, and evaluation of follicle development.

Findings

• Exposed follicles showed significant decrease in maturation parameters compared to control.
• Decreased gelatinolytic activity in exposed follicles.
• Significant change in mRNA expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 genes in exposed follicles, suggesting altered regulatory mechanisms affecting follicle growth and maturation.

Conclusion

Exposure to cell phone radiation significantly alters the growth and maturation of murine ovarian follicles through changes in gene expression related to gelatinolytic activity, implying potential risks to reproductive health.