Long-term exposure to 4G smartphone radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation diminished male reproductive potential by directly disrupting Spock3-MMP2-BTB axis in the testes of adult rats

Authors: Yu G, Tang Z, Chen H, Chen Z, Wang L, Cao H, Wang G, Xing J, Shen H, Cheng Q, Li D, Wang G, Xiang Y, Guan Y, Zhu Y, Liu Z, Bai Z

Year: 2019 Aug 31

Category: Environmental Health, Toxicology

Journal: Sci Total Environ

Institution: Sci Total Environ

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133860

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31514029

Abstract

Abstract Overview

The interaction between long-term exposure to smartphone radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation and male fertility has heightened concern in medical research.

Study Details

The analysis focused on the impact of localized long-term exposure to the scrotal area of rats using a 4G smartphone. This involved exposure for six hours daily, with active engagement every ten minutes to replicate typical phone use.

  • Decrease in sperm quality and offspring weight was noted at 150 days of exposure.
  • No significant changes were observed at shorter exposure durations of 50 or 100 days.
  • Spock3 protein overexpression was identified as a mediator of the effects seen at 150 days.

Principal Findings

Exposure led to:

  • A decline in sperm quality.
  • Increased testicular damage and disruption of the blood-testis barrier (BTB).
  • A reduction in MMP2 activity, alongside modifications in MMP14-Spock3 and MMP14-MMP2 complexes.

Inhibiting Spock3 reversed these adverse effects, confirming its pivotal role in the damage caused by long-term exposure.

Conclusions

This pioneering study reveals direct toxic impacts of long-term 4G electromagnetic radiation on testicular function and structures, establishing critical insights into the mechanics of how such exposure could diminish male reproductive health.

electromagnetic radiation male fertility reproductive health rat study 4G exposure testicular damage Spock3-MMP2-BTB axis
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