Journal of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility

Cell Phone Alters Oxidative Status and Impairs Testicular Function of Male Wistar Rats

Mobile phone has become a necessity rather than a communication tool. In fact, it has been integrated into everyday life. However, exposure of humans to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from mobile phone has raised public concerns because of the adverse effects of RF-EMR emitted from this communication device. The current study was designed to investigate the effects of RF-EMR from mobile phone on the testes. Adult male Wistar rats weighing 180 g – 200 g were randomly allotted to control (switched off mode exposure), 1 h exposure group (1H-exposure), 2 h exposure group (2H-exposure) and 3 h exposure group (3H-exposure). The Animals were exposed to RF-EMR of Nokia 105 for a period of 28 days. Histomorphometry and biochemical investigations were carried out. The microscopic examination of spermatozoa showed low sperm count, altered sperm morphology and progressivity in the experimental groups. Also, histomorphometric parameters showed altered cross section, lumen and germinal epithelia diameter in all the experimental groups, and sera levels of malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase, which are markers of reactive oxygen species significantly increased and decreased respectively in all the experimental groups compared to control group. In addition, sera levels of male sex hormones (follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone) significantly decreased (p<0.05) in 1H- and 2H- exposure groups compared to the control group. The study demonstrates that chronic exposure to RFEMR from cell phone causes oxidative stress and impairs testicular function that is accompanied by decreased sex hormone profile.

Author(s):

Oyewopo AO, Olaniyi SK, Oyewopo CI and Jimoh AT

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