Extremely Low Frequency-Electromagnetic Fields (ELF-EMF) Can Decrease Spermatocyte Count and Motility and Change Testicular Tissue

Abstract

Background: Substantial evidence indicates that exposure to extremely low frequency-electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) affects male reproductive system. Objective:The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of long-term irradiation with ELF-EMF on sperm quality and quantity and testicular structure. Material and Methods:In this case-control study, sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups. Experimental groups were exposed to ELF-EMF (50 Hz EMF, 100 µT) for either 1 h/day for 52 days (Group 1), 4 h/day for 52 days (Group 3), 1 h/day for 5 days (Group 5), 4 h/day for 52 days (Group 7). Groups 2, 4, 6 and 8 were only sham exposed at durations equal to Groups 1, 3, 5 and 7, respectively.Results: Both count and motility of sperms were significantly decreased in animals exposed to ELF-EMF (1 h/day for 52 days, 4 h/day for 52 day, and 4 h/day for 5 days) compared to the sham-exposed groups (P<0.05). Serum testosterone levels showed a significant decrease in the animals exposed to ELF-EMF (4 h/day for 5 days) compared to the control groups (P<0.05). A significant decrease was observed in the volume of the seminiferous tubules, seminiferous tubules epithelium and interstitial tissue in the animals exposed to ELF-EMF for 4 h/day for 5 days. Tubules length was also reduced by 18% in animals exposed to ELF-EMF (4 h/day for 5 days). Conclusion:Our results show that ELF-EMF can reduce spermatocyte count and motility and is able to induce structural changes in testicular tissue.

Comprehensive Assessment of Health Impacts from Exposure to Nonionizing Radiation for Healthcare Practitioners Working with MRI and Ultrasound

“…A trend toward a dose-response relationship was found in leukemia with SIRs of 1.8 (95% CI, 1.1-2.8), 1.4 (95% CI, 0.81-2.2), 1.1 (95% CI, 0.81-2.2) and 1.1 (95% CI, 0.70-1.6) for the exposure categories of high magnetic, electrical, medium magnetic and low magnetic, respectively [33]. It was revealed that ELF-EMFs may reduce the number and motility of spermatocytes, as well as cause structural changes in testicular tissue [34]. It was found that radiologists who used intrauterine contraceptives while they were occupationally exposed to CMF from MRI scanners reported about abnormal uterine bleeding more often than not exposed to CMF radiologists [35].…”