Oxidative stress and testicular damage induced by chronic exposure to 35.5 GHz millimeter wave radiation in male Wistar rats

Abstract

Overview

The widespread adoption of millimeter waves (MMW), especially with the rollout of 5G technology, has raised concerns regarding their health impacts. This study investigates the effects of chronic exposure to 35.5 GHz millimeter wave radiation on reproductive health in male Wistar rats.

Methods

• Randomized controlled design with three groups: control, sham-exposed, and exposed (n=6 each).
• Exposure: 2 hours/day of 35.5 GHz radiation for 60 days.
• Parameters assessed included sperm count, morphology, viability, mitochondrial activity, oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, total sulfhydryl, antioxidant capacity), and DNA damage through comet assay.

Findings

• Significant reduction in sperm viability and count in the exposed group.
• Histopathological alterations in testicular tissue morphology.
• Marked increase in lipid peroxidation; significant decrease in SOD, total sulfhydryl, and antioxidant capacity.
• Comet assay showed a significant increase in DNA damage in the exposed group, indicating genotoxicity.

Discussion

The results reveal that chronic exposure to 35.5 GHz millimeter wave radiation can induce oxidative stress and cause structural and genetic damage to testicular tissue, suggesting a direct connection between EMF exposure and adverse reproductive outcomes.

Conclusion

• Chronic exposure to 35.5 GHz frequency may negatively impact male reproductive function through oxidative stress mechanisms.
• EMF exposure presents a significant health risk to biological systems, particularly male fertility, underscoring the need for further safety research in this area.