Mitigating Heat-Induced Sperm Damage and Testicular Tissue Abnormalities: The Protective Role of Radiofrequency Radiation from Wi-Fi Routers in Rodent Models

Authors: Mahmoudi R, Karbalay-Doust S, Masoudi E, Jafari-Barmak M, Ghanbri A, Nikseresht M, Mortazavi SMJ, Mortazavi SA

Year: 2025 Dec 1

Category: Reproductive Biology, Environmental Health

Journal: J Biomed Phys Eng

DOI: 10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.2405-1759

URL: https://jbpe.sums.ac.ir/article_50328_e8a7f3e8c74e93143def214e643cc851.pdf

Abstract

Overview

Background: Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF) have long sparked concerns regarding their potential adverse effects on reproductive health. However, new evidence indicates that exposure to low-level RF-EMF may induce adaptive responses, making cells or organisms more resilient to future stressors.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if exposure to 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi radiation could reduce heat-induced damage in the reproductive system of male rats.

Materials and Methods

  • This was a factorial experimental study involving 32 adult male Wistar rats.
  • Rats were divided into four groups: control, RF-EMF alone, heat stress alone, and RF-EMF combined with heat stress.
  • RF-EMF group: exposed to RF-EMF (2 hours/day, 52 days)
  • Heat group: exposed to heat stress (10 minutes/day, 52 days)
  • Combo group: exposed to both RF-EMF and heat
  • After 52 days, testicular and sperm parameters were evaluated.

Findings

  • The 'RF-EMF + heat' group demonstrated significant improvements in testis volume, tubular epithelium, interstitium, cell counts, sperm quality, and Leydig cells compared to the heat-alone group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

This appears to be the first study examining the protective effects of RF-EMF against heat-induced testicular damage in male rats. The results suggest that RF-EMF exposure may mitigate heat-related tissue abnormalities, possibly by inducing adaptive responses in cells. These findings are particularly notable given ongoing health concerns around RF-EMF exposure, reinforcing the link between electromagnetic fields and biological effects. Further research is essential to better understand the underlying mechanisms involved.

Excerpt: Exposure Details

  • A D-Link Wi-Fi router (D-Link Corporation, Taiwan) was used as the RF-EMF source.
  • The device operated at 1W power; the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) at 30 cm from the animals' head was 0.091 W/kg.
RF-EMF Wi-Fi radiation sperm damage heat stress reproductive health adaptive response rodent model
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