What is adverse effect of Wireless Local Area Network, using 2.45 GHz, on the reproductive system?

PURPOSE: 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, 0.0233W/kg, in 10g 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 < 0.05), 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 > 0.05). On the other hand, histopathological evaluation of testicular tissue revealed a significant difference in necrosis and spermatogenesis when compared with the control group (p < 0.05) 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; Testicular damage; cytokin

PMID: 30028652 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2018.1503430