Oxidative stress and energy metabolism in male reproductive damage from single and combined high-power microwave exposure at 1.5 and 4.3GHz

Abstract

Overview

The medical community has shown growing concern over the effects of multi-frequency electromagnetic environments on male reproductive health. While earlier studies have focused on the mechanisms of single-frequency microwave exposure, there is limited comparative research on the impacts of both composite (multi-frequency) and single high-power microwave (HPM) exposures.

Methods

• Male Wistar rats were exposed for 15 minutes to electromagnetic radiation at 1.5 GHz (L-band) and 4.3 GHz (C-band).
• Exposure groups included: Sham, 10 mW/cm² L-band, 10 mW/cm² C-band, and a combined exposure of 5 mW/cm² L-band + 5 mW/cm² C-band.
• Post-exposure, evaluations were made on testicular tissue pathology, sperm viability, serum sex hormones, oxidative stress markers, and energy metabolism in the tissue.

Findings

• Exposure to both single and combined 1.5 GHz and 4.3 GHz microwaves caused testicular tissue damage and diminished sperm quality in rats.
• No significant difference was observed between the severity of damage from the composite versus single HPM exposures.
• Histological and ultrastructural alterations were present, along with:
  • Reduced sperm viability and motility
  • Lowered serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and inhibin-B on days 1 and 7 after exposure (with partial recovery by day 14)
  • Decreased testicular adenosine triphosphate and activities of lactate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase
  • Reduced superoxide dismutase activity and elevated malondialdehyde content

Conclusion

Both single and compound exposures to L-band and C-band high-power microwaves negatively affect the male reproductive system. The damage is linked to oxidative stress and disrupted energy metabolism, underscoring a strong connection between high-power electromagnetic field exposure and adverse reproductive effects.