The effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on sperm function.
Mobile phone usage has become an integral part of our lives. However, the effects of the radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) emitted by these devices on biological systems and specifically the reproductive systems are currently under active debate. A fundamental hindrance to the current debate is that there is no clear mechanism of how such non-ionising radiation influences biological systems. Therefore, we explored the documented impacts of RF-EMR on the male reproductive system and considered any common observations that could provide insights on a potential mechanism. Among a total of 27 studies investigating the effects of RF-EMR on the male reproductive system, negative consequences of exposure were reported in 21. Within these 21 studies, 11 of the 15 that investigated sperm motility reported significant declines, 7 of 7 that measured the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) documented elevated levels and 4 of 5 studies that probed for DNA damage highlighted increased damage due to RF-EMR exposure. Associated with this, RF-EMR treatment reduced the antioxidant levels in 6 of 6 studies that discussed this phenomenon, whereas consequences of RF-EMR were successfully ameliorated with the supplementation of antioxidants in all 3 studies that carried out these experiments. In light of this, we envisage a two-step mechanism whereby RF-EMR is able to induce mitochondrial dysfunction leading to elevated ROS production. A continued focus on research, which aims to shed light on the biological effects of RF-EMR will allow us to test and assess this proposed mechanism in a variety of cell types.
Priority Research Centre for Reproductive ScienceSchool of Environmental and Life Sciences brendan.houston@uon.edu.au.
B J
BJ
Houston
Priority Research Centre for Reproductive ScienceSchool of Environmental and Life Sciences.
B
B
Nixon
School of Mathematical and Physical SciencesUniversity of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
B V
BV
King
Priority Research Centre for Reproductive ScienceSchool of Environmental and Life Sciences.
G N
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De Iuliis
Priority Research Centre for Reproductive ScienceSchool of Environmental and Life Sciences.
R J
RJ
Aitken
D000818:Animals; D040421:Cell Phone; D060733:Electromagnetic Radiation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000528:radiation effects*; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects
D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species