• experimental
  
• epidemiological
  

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Medical/biological Study (experimental study)

Mobile phone radiation induces reactive oxygen species production and DNA damage in human spermatozoa in vitro. med./biol.

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PubMed Entry

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Aim of study (according to author)
To study the influence of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on the cell biology (e.g. oxidative stress, DNA damage) of human spermatozoa in vitro (of 22 healthy donors).
Background/further details:
In order to control thermal effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure, spermatozoa were also incubated at temperatures ranging from 21°C - 50°C for 2 h.

Endpoint

• sperm motility, sperm vitality, sperm density, DNA damage and production of reactive oxygen species

Exposure
General category: mobile phone

Field characteristics	Parameters
1.8 GHz exposure duration: continuous for 16 hr	SAR: 0.4 W/kg min value SAR: 27.5 W/kg max value

Exposed system:
intact cell/cell culture (in vitro)
human spermatozoa

Methods
Endpoint/Measurement parameters/Methodology

• genotoxicity/mutation: DNA damage (DNA fragmentation; TUNEL assay, flow cytometry)
• molecular biosynthesis: production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress (dihydroethidium assay, MitoSOX Red (MSR) assay, formation of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG); (flow cytometry))
• cell function: sperm motility (phase contrast microscopy)
• cell viability/cell division/proliferation: sperm vitality (eosin stain, light microscopy)

Main outcome of study (according to author)
Sperm motility and sperm vitality were significantly reduced after radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure with increasing SAR values, while the mitochondrial generation of reactive oxygen species and DNA fragmentation were significantly elevated. Furthermore, highly significant relationships between SAR, the oxidative DNA damage marker, 8-OH-dG, and DNA fragmentation after exposure were also observed.
In conclusion, radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure in both the power density and frequency range of mobile phones enhances mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation in human spermatozoa, decreasing the sperm motility and sperm vitality while stimulating DNA fragmentation. These data have clear implications for the safety of extensive mobile phone use by males of reproductive age, potentially affecting both their fertility and the health and well-being of their offspring.

(Study character: medical/biological study, experimental study, full/main study)

Study funded by

• National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australia
• Australian Research Council (ARC), Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development

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