Effects of Exposure to Radiofrequency at 2.45 GHz on Structural Changes Associated with Lipid Peroxidation in Prepubertal Rat Testicular Tissue

Aysegul Karadayi; Nilufer Akgun Unal; Elif Gulbahce Mutlu; Begum Korunur Engiz; Ahmet Akkoca; Salih Varol

doi:10.58600/eurjther1875

Authors

Aysegul Karadayi Department of Biophysics, Medicine Faculty, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9908-6988
Nilufer Akgun Unal Department of Biophysics, Medicine Faculty, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7750-482X
Elif Gulbahce Mutlu Department of Medical Biology, Medicine Faculty, KTO Karatay University, Konya, Turkey https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2391-2152
Begum Korunur Engiz Department of Electrical and Electronical Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3905-1791
Ahmet Akkoca Taskent Vocational School, Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8269-9385
Salih Varol Department of Biophysics, Medicine Faculty, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9954-6657

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58600/eurjther1875

Keywords:

Testicular Injury, Prepubertal Rats, Malondialdehyde, Glutathione, Radiofrequency

Abstract

Objective: The increasing use of electronic devices, accompanied by advancing technologies, has led to heightened exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (EMR). This exposure instigates the accumulation of free radicals and oxidative damage in tissues, consequently impacting biological systems. Notably, the testis is among the tissues adversely affected by EMR. Numerous studies have highlighted the pivotal role of the testis in sperm production, emphasizing the potential implications of any damage on the reproductive system. This study aims to assess the levels of lipid peroxidation through histological evaluation in the testicular tissue of prepubertal male rats exposed to electromagnetic radiation at varying electric field intensities within the 2.45 GHz radiofrequency (RF) range.

Methods: The experimental group comprises six subdivisions, including a sham control group, as well as groups exposed to varying electric field strengths (EFS) of 0.6 V/m, 1.9 V/m, 5 V/m, 10 V/m, and 15 V/m, respectively. Excluding the sham control group, the remaining subgroups were subjected to a daily 2.45 GHz RF exposure for 1 hour starting immediately after fertilization. This exposure to different electric field intensities continued for 45 days post-birth.

Results: The samples obtained from the RF radiation-exposed rats exhibited elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) values and decreased glutathione (GSH) values in the testicular tissue. Furthermore, a comparative analysis between the microwave radiation-exposed group and the control group revealed distinct histological alterations in the testicular tissue.

Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings indicate that exposure to microwave radiation at an electric field intensity of 15 V/m can lead to significant histopathological and oxidative parameter changes in Wistar rats. These results underscore the potential effects of such exposure on human health.

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