Deterioration of testicular functions in adult male rabbit after exposure to mobile phone radiation with impending recovery

Abstract EN

The accumulate effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) release from mobile phones have many effects on multiple organs.

Nevertheless, its effect on testicular function is still debated.

The objective of the study is to clarify the alterations in testicular functions after exposure to electromagnetic radiation of mobile phone and to investigate the possibility of recovery.

Eighteen adult male rabbits are enrolled into 3 groups: control, exposed and recovery group.

The exposed and recovery groups are exposed to mobile phones in standby position for 18 hours /day and six day/week for 14 weeks.

After that, the recovery group was monitored for another 14 weeks.

Results: exposure to EMR induced a significant drop in sperm count, sperm motility and sperm fast forward motility at the 6th, 12th and 9th week respectively and get maximum inhibition at the 14th week.

These finding were concomitant with degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells of Leydig.

These negative effects may be attributed to the detectable decrease in the serum level of testosterone, gonadotophic hormones, increase the level of oxidative stress and direct deterioration of testicular tissue.

The other study points (body and testicular weight, body temperature and percentage of sperm morphology and live sperm) did not show any alteration.

Recovery period significantly ameliorated the suppressed testicular functions and also, restored the hormonal and oxidative biomarkers within the 14 weeks.

In conclusion, the longitudinal exposure to EMR causes testicular dysfunction that may be mediated by hormonal disturbances, oxidative stress or direct damage on testicular tissue that could reverse and improve within the recovery period.-