What is adverse effect of wireless local area network, using 2.45 GHz, on the reproductive system?

AIM

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, 0.0233 W/kg, in 10 g 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 < .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 > .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 < .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.