Effects of 5G mobile phone network electromagnetic field exposure on testicular endoplasmic reticulum stress and the protective role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Abstract
Overview
Electromagnetic field (EMF) pollution is increasing with modern technology. This study specifically aimed to evaluate the impact of 5G Fr1 frequency band EMF waves on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in testicular tissue, and to explore whether coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) could mitigate these effects.
Materials and Methods
- Three groups of eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were tested:
- Group I (Control): Received only saline solution by oral gavage.
- Group II (EMF): Received saline and exposed to 5.9 GHz EMF for 2 hours/day (09:00-11:00).
- Group III (EMF+CoQ10): Exposed as in Group II, and also given daily CoQ10 at 10 mg/kg, dissolved in corn oil, for 30 days.
Findings
- Rats exposed to EMF displayed strong testicular histopathological damage, including:
- Edematous regions
- Vascular congestion
- Neutrophil inflammation
- Loss of spermatogenic cells (especially spermatozoa, spermatids)
- Increased thiobarbituric acid (TBARS, an oxidative stress marker)
- Decreased total thiol (TT), indicating reduced antioxidant levels
- High GRP-78 immunopositivity in germinal epithelial cells
- Increased CHOP immunopositivity in spermatogenic cells
- The EMF+CoQ10 group displayed the opposite pattern, suggesting protective effects.
Conclusion
CoQ10, with its antioxidant properties, effectively suppresses oxidative stress and apoptosis, making it a potential protective agent against 5G EMF-induced testicular ER damage. This study provides clear evidence that EMF exposure from 5G can cause significant testicular oxidative and cellular stress, but intervention with antioxidants like CoQ10 can reduce these harmful effects.