Oxidative Stress and Energy Metabolism in Male Reproductive Damage from Single and Combined High-Power Microwave Exposure at 1.5 and 4.3Ghz

Authors: Li Y, Yao B, Men J, Pang Y, Gao J, Bai Y, Wang H, Zhang J, Zhao L, Xu X, Dong J, Li C, Peng R

Year: 2024 Nov 29

Category: Reproductive Toxicology

Journal: Reproductive Toxicology

DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108759

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890623824002260?via%3Dihub

Abstract

Overview

This study explores the effects of multi-frequency electromagnetic environments, specifically high-power microwave (HPM) exposure at 1.5GHz (L-band) and 4.3GHz (C-band), on male reproductive health. While the impact of single-frequency microwave exposure has been examined previously, limited comparative research exists for single versus combined frequency exposure, particularly with regard to reproductive systems.

Methods

  • Male Wistar rats were exposed to: sham, 10mW/cm² L-band, 10mW/cm² C-band, or a combined group with 5mW/cm² L-band and 5mW/cm² C-band microwaves for 15 minutes.
  • Assessment parameters included testicular pathology, sperm viability, serum sex hormone levels, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism.

Findings

  • Both single (L-band or C-band) and combined exposures resulted in damage to testicular tissue and decreased sperm quality.
  • No major differences were observed between damage from composite versus single-frequency HPM exposures.
  • Exposed groups showed significant histological and ultrastructural alterations, reduced sperm viability and motility, and decreases in serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and inhibin-B 1 and 7 days after exposure. Partial recovery occurred by day 14.
  • Exposed testicular tissues exhibited lower adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, reduced lactate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase activity, decreased superoxide dismutase activity, and increased malondialdehyde content, indicating oxidative stress and disturbed energy metabolism.
  • Key Message: Both single and combined high-power microwave exposures significantly harm the male reproductive system, predominantly through oxidative stress and energy metabolism disruption.

Conclusion

This research highlights strong evidence of biological harm and adverse reproductive outcomes from both single and combined exposure to high-power electromagnetic fields at 1.5GHz and 4.3GHz. The study underscores the potential health risk linkage due to EMF-induced oxidative stress and compromised energy metabolism pathways in the male reproductive system.

microwave exposure male reproduction oxidative stress energy metabolism high-power electromagnetic fields testicular damage sperm quality
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