Effects of paternal 5G RFR exposure on health of male offspring mice

Authors: Zhaowen Z, Ling G, Guiqiang Z, Jiajin L, Tongzhou Q, Jiangyi L, Jing L, Fuli W, Guirong D

Year: 2025

Category: Reproductive Toxicology, Epigenetics

Journal: Reproductive Toxicology

DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2025.109139

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890623825003107

Abstract

Overview

With the widespread application of 5G communication technology, the potential health risks of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) have been paid much attention. Prior studies have demonstrated that the testes are highly sensitive to RFR, and notably, paternal epigenetic modifications can be transmitted to offspring, impacting their reproductive and neurobehavioral phenotypes.

Study Design

  • Investigated intergenerational effects of paternal exposure to 5G RFR (4.9GHz) on health of male offspring in C57BL/6 mice.
  • Male mice were divided into Sham and 4.9GHz RFR groups (16 per group).
  • Exposed group received RFR for 1 hour/day over 42 consecutive days.
  • Male offspring from exposed and control fathers were raised to adulthood and assessed.

Measures Assessed

  • Anxiety and depression-like behaviors
  • Learning and memory capabilities
  • Sperm quality
  • Fertility in male offspring
  • LRGUK gene methylation, mRNA, and protein expression

Findings

  • Paternal 5G RFR exposure induced anxiety-like behaviors and impaired sperm quality in first-generation (F1) males.
  • These changes were potentially associated with RFR-induced hypermethylation of the paternal LRGUK gene and downregulation of its expression in offspring testes.
  • No significant effects were observed on depression-like behaviors, cognitive performance, or fertility across F1-F2 generations.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that paternal 5G RFR exposure induces intergenerational adverse effects on F1 male offspring, potentially mediated by germ cell epigenetic modifications. This study highlights a scientific link between 5G radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and biological health outcomes across generations.

5G radiofrequency radiation paternal exposure epigenetics sperm quality anxiety behavior intergenerational effects
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