Effects of 700MHz radiofrequency radiation (5G lower band) on the reproductive parameters of female Wistar rats

Authors: Jha N, Sarsaiya P, Tomar AK, Pardhiya S, Nirala JP, Chaturvedi PK, Gupta S, Rajamani P

Year: 2025 Apr 10

Category: Reproductive Toxicology

Journal: Reproductive Toxicology

DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2025.108910

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40220970/

Abstract

Overview

The advent of 5G technology has raised concerns about its potential biological effects, particularly on reproductive health. This study investigated the impact of 700MHz, a lower 5G frequency band, on the reproductive health of female Wistar rats. Short-term and long-term exposures were assessed by dividing rats into control, sham-exposed, and exposed groups (n=6 for short-term; n=8 for long-term), with exposure durations of 6 hours daily for 10 days (short-term) and 4 hours daily for 60 days (long-term).

Findings

  • Physiological parameters, such as estrous cyclicity, alongside histopathological and biochemical analyses of harvested ovaries, were evaluated.
  • Comet assay assessments indicated no DNA damage in either exposure group.
  • Serological hormone levels (estradiol and progesterone) remained within normal ranges, but there was a slight yet significant increase in testosterone levels in exposed groups.
  • Oxidative stress markers showed elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) and significant decreases in superoxide dismutase (SOD), total sulfhydryl content, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) in ovaries from exposed rats.
  • Histopathological analysis showed no significant short-term changes, but long-term exposure led to alterations such as cystic follicles and abnormal vasculature in ovarian tissue.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that 700MHz 5G radiofrequency radiation can induce oxidative stress and tissue changes in ovaries after prolonged exposure, establishing a link between electromagnetic field exposure and adverse reproductive outcomes—especially with chronic exposure.

Highlights

  • Estrous cycle length was unaffected by both short-term and long-term exposure to 700 MHz.
  • No major histoarchitectural changes were noted in short-term exposure; however, long-term exposure produced ovarian abnormalities.
  • Testosterone levels were significantly altered in exposed animals, although still within the normal range.
  • No DNA damage was found through comet assay for either exposure duration.
5G radiofrequency radiation reproductive health oxidative stress female Wistar rats ovarian morphology DNA damage
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