What is adverse effect of wireless local area network, using 2.45 GHz, on the reproductive system?

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the inflammatory effect and testicular damage on rats exposed to low level of electromagnetic fields (EMF) at 2.45 GHz microwave radiation.

Methods: Twenty two Wistar rats were divided into two groups. Group 1 was the control group and not exposed to EMF. Group 2 was exposed to low level EMF (average E-field 3.68 ± 0.36 V/m, whole body average SAR, 0.0233 W/kg, in 10 g tissue) at 2.45 GHz for 1 hour/day for 30 consecutive days. At the end of the study, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-32 (IL-32), C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in rat serum and IL-6, IL-10, IL-32 were measured in rat testis tissue. Furthermore, testicular tissues were evaluated histopathologically in terms of spermatogenesis and coagulation necrosis.

Results: Serum IL-6 and CRP levels were found to be significantly different in the study group compared to the control group (p < .05), but no significant difference was found in serum IL-10, IL-32 levels and testis tissue IL-6, IL-10, IL-32 levels compared to the control group (p > .05). On the other hand, histopathological evaluation of testicular tissue revealed a significant difference in necrosis and spermatogenesis when compared with the control group (p < .05).

Conclusions: It may be concluded that low level EMF at 2.45 GHz increases inflammation and testicular damage and negative impact on male reproductive system function.

Keywords:

• Electromagnetic Fields
• Inflammation
• cytokin
• Testicular damage

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Birşen Bilgici

Birşen Bilgici is an Associate Professor of Ondokuz Mayis University, Faculty of Medicine, Departments of Biochemistry, Samsun, Turkey.

Seda Gun

Dr. Seda Gun, Ondokuz Mayis University, Faculty of Medicine, Departments of pathology, Samsun, Turkey.

Bahattin Avci

Bahattin Avci, is an Associate Professor Ondokuz Mayis University, Faculty of Medicine, Departments of Biochemistry, Samsun, Turkey.

Ayşegül Akar

Ayşegül Akar is an Associate Professor Ondokuz Mayis University, Faculty of Medicine, Departments of Biophysics, Samsun, Turkey.

Begüm K. Engiz

Dr. Begüm K. Engiz, Ondokuz Mayis University, Faculty of Electronics Engineering, Samsun, Turkey.