Impact of nonionizing electromagnetic radiation on male infertility: an assessment of the mechanism and consequences

Abstract

Purpose

Environment and lifestyle factors are being attributed toward increased instances of male infertility. Rapid technological advancement, results in emission of electromagnetic radiations of different frequency which impacts human both biologically as well as genetically. Devices like cell phone, power line and monitors emit electromagnetic radiation and are a major source of the exposure. Numerous studies describe the detrimental consequence of radiation on physiological parameters of male reproductive system including sperm parameters (morphology, motility, and viability), metabolism and genomic instability. While the thermal and nonthermal interaction of nonionizing radiations with biological tissues can’t be ruled out, most studies emphasize the generation of reactive oxygen species. Oxidative stress alters redox equilibrium and disrupts morphology and normal functioning of sperms along with declination of total anti-oxidant capacity.

Conclusion

In this paper, we describe a detailed literature review with the intent of analyzing the impact of electromagnetic radiation and understand the consequence on male reproductive system. The underlying mechanism suggesting ROS generation and pathway of action has also been discussed. Additionally, the safety measures while using electronic gadgets and mobile phones has also been presented.

Keywords:

• Sperm
• electromagnetic radiation
• infertility
• ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species)
• mobile phone
• oxidative stress

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to Indian Counsel of Medical Research (ICMR) for project funding. EP is grateful to SERB (Scientific and Engineering Research Board) for fellowship under NPDF scheme of DST-SERB.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rohit Gautam

Rohit Gautam has completed his PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University, India in the area of Life Science. He is currently working as Research Associate at JNU, New Delhi. His research interest includes Radiation Biology, Impact of electromagnetic radiation on reproductive system, electromagnetic radiation and cancer biology.

Eepsita Priyadarshini

Eepsita Priyadarshini completed her PhD from AcSIR, India in Biological Sciences and is currently working as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Her current work involves the impact of endocrine disruptors on biological system. Her research interest includes cell biology, nanobiotechnology, ROS generation and cancer biology.

JayPrakash Nirala

Jayaprakash Nirala has completed his B.Tech in Electronics and Communication. He is currently working as a Project Scientist at School of Environment Sciences, JNU, New Delhi and has around 10 years of experience in microwave radiation, electromagnetic field measurement from mobile towers and cell phones.

Paulraj Rajamani

Paulraj Rajamani is working as a Professor in School of Environment Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Prof. Rajamani has around 15 years of experience in radiation and cancer biology. He has worked extensively for determination of health impact of radiations from mobile phone and towers on biological system.