Effects of wireless local area network exposure on testicular morphology and VEGF levels

Authors: Çakmak E, Bilgici B, Engiz BK, et al.

Year: 2026

Category: Toxicology

Journal: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-37323-2

URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-37323-2

Abstract

Overview

This study investigated the impact of exposure to a 2.45 GHz electromagnetic field (EMF), typical of wireless local area networks (WLAN), on testicular health in rats. The focus was on both histological changes and alterations in the HIF1A-VEGF pathway, crucial for vascular function and tissue health.

  • 🌡️ Twenty-four adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into a control group (no EMF exposure) and an experimental group (exposed to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation at 3 V/m, SAR 0.00208 W/kg) for one hour daily over 60 days.
  • 🔬 Testicular tissue was analyzed post-exposure for:
    • Histopathological changes
    • Gene expression levels (VEGFA and HIF1A)
    • VEGFA protein concentration

Findings

  • ⬆️ VEGFA gene expression (p < 0.05) and protein levels (p < 0.001) were elevated in the EMF-exposed group, while HIF1A expression remained unchanged.
  • 🔻 Significant histological damage was observed in the EMF group:
    • Reduced seminiferous tubule diameter (p < 0.001)
    • Decreased epithelial thickness (p < 0.001)
    • Lower tubule density (p < 0.001)
    • Reduced Sertoli cell count (p = 0.0098)

Conclusion

Exposure to EMF at 2.45 GHz increases VEGF levels independently of HIF1A, suggesting the risk of testicular damage associated with wireless LAN frequency EMF. This provides clear evidence of a link between EMF exposure and male reproductive health risks.

EMF wireless LAN testicular damage VEGF HIF1A-VEGF pathway male fertility 2.45 GHz
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