Differential metabolic responses of mouse Leydig and spermatogonia cells to radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure

Abstract

Introduction

Existing studies have shown that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) have a variety of effects on living organisms. However, the specific impact of RF-EMFs on the metabolism of reproductive cells and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

This study aims to explore the effects of RF-EMFs on the metabolism of mouse Leydig cells (TM3) and spermatogonia cells (GC-1) using metabolomics analysis. The goal is to reveal potential mechanisms by which RF-EMFs affect reproductive health.

Methods

• Used liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to analyze metabolomic profiles.
• Examined TM3 and GC-1 cells under two irradiation modalities: continuous and intermittent RF-EMF exposure.
• Employed KEGG pathway analysis for significantly enriched metabolic pathways.
• Used ELISA to detect glutathione levels.

Results

• Continuous irradiation had a more pronounced impact on TM3 cell metabolism, particularly affecting:
  • Amino acid metabolism
  • The citric acid cycle
  • ABC transporters
  • Bile secretion
  • Glutathione metabolism
• Intermittent irradiation altered levels of fatty acyls and purine nucleosides, showing
  • Significant enrichment in purine metabolism
  • Biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids
  • Fatty acid metabolism
• GC-1 cells exhibited lower sensitivity to RF-EMF irradiation compared to TM3 cells.
• Both irradiation modalities affected purine metabolism and lysine degradation pathways in TM3 cells.
• ADP level changes may serve as a key metabolic signature in cellular response to RF-EMF exposure.

Conclusion

Continuous RF-EMF irradiation significantly impacts TM3 cell metabolism especially in amino acid and glutathione pathways, while intermittent irradiation mainly disturbs fatty acyl and purine metabolism. GC-1 cells are less sensitive to RF-EMF. Changes in ADP levels may represent a key metabolic signature of RF-EMF exposure. These metabolic disturbances are evidence of a mechanistic link between RF-EMF exposure and altered reproductive cell function, indicating potential health risks associated with EMF exposure.