Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields and Redox-Responsive Pathways Linked to Cancer Drug Resistance: Insights from Co-Exposure-Based In Vitro Studies

Low-frequency electromagnetic fields influence the expression of calcium metabolism related proteins in leukocytic cell lines

Our study aimed to verify the hypothesis concerning low-frequency magnetic fields (LF-MFs)-related changes in cell viability through the biomechanism(s) based on calcineurin (CaN)-mediated signaling pathways triggered via ROS-like molecules. For experiments, Mono Mac 6 and U937 leukocytic cell lines were chosen and exposed to various LF-MFs and/or puromycin (PMC). The protein expression level of key regulatory proteins of calcium metabolism was examined by Western Blot analysis. In turn, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell viability parameters were evaluated by cytochrome C reduction assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The simultaneous action of applied MF and PMC influenced cell viability in a MF-dependent manner. The changes in cell viability were correlated with protein expression and ROS levels. It was verified experimentally that applied stress stimuli influence cell susceptibility to undergo cell death. Moreover, the evoked bioeffects might be recognized as specific to both types of leukocyte populations.

Synergistic cytotoxic effects of an extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field with doxorubicin on MCF-7 cell line

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in women worldwide. Magnetic fields have shown anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo as a non-invasive therapy method that can affect cellular metabolism remotely. Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most commonly used drugs for treating breast cancer patients. It can be assumed that combining chemotherapy and magnetotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for breast cancer. This study aimed to investigate the potential cytotoxic effect of DOX at low concentrations in combination with extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF; 50 Hz; 20 mT). The breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was examined for oxidative stress, cell cycle, and apoptosis. MCF-7 cells were treated with various concentrations of DOX as an apoptosis-inducing agent and ELF-EMF. Cytotoxicity was examined using the MTT colorimetric assay at 12, 24, and 48 h. Consequently, concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity was observed in MCF-7 cells for DOX within 24 h. The MTT assay results used showed that a 2 μM concentration of DOX reduced cell viability to 50% compared with control, and as well, the combination of ELF-EMF and DOX reduced cell viability to 50% compared with control at > 0.25 μM doses for 24 h. In MCF-7 cells, combining 0.25 μM DOX with ELF-EMF resulted in increased ROS levels and DOX-induced apoptosis. Flow cytometry analysis, on the other hand, revealed enhanced arrest of MCF-7 cells in the G0-G1 phase of the cell cycle, as well as inducing apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 cells, implying that the synergistic effects of 0.25 μM DOX and ELF-EMF may represent a novel and effective agent against breast cancer.

RNA methylation and cellular response to oxidative stress-promoting anticancer agents

Disruption of the complex network that regulates redox homeostasis often underlies resistant phenotypes, which hinder effective and long-lasting cancer eradication. In addition, the RNA methylome-dependent control of gene expression also critically affects traits of cellular resistance to anti-cancer agents. However, few investigations aimed at establishing whether the epitranscriptome-directed adaptations underlying acquired and/or innate resistance traits in cancer could be implemented through the involvement of redox-dependent or -responsive signaling pathways. This is unexpected mainly because: i) the effectiveness of many anti-cancer approaches relies on their capacity to promote oxidative stress (OS); ii) altered redox milieu and reprogramming of mitochondrial function have been acknowledged as critical mediators of the RNA methylome-mediated response to OS. Here we summarize the current state of understanding on this topic, as well as we offer new perspectives that might lead to original approaches and strategies to delay or prevent the problem of refractory cancer and tumor recurrence.

Effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields on human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells: proteomic characterization

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-MF) can modify the cell viability and regulatory processes of some cell types, including breast cancer cells. Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease where a role for ELF-MF cannot be excluded. ELF-MF may influence the biological properties of breast cells through molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that are still unclear. This study analyzed the changes in the cell viability, cellular morphology, oxidative stress response and alteration of proteomic profile in breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) exposed to ELF-MF (50 Hz, 1 mT for 4 h). Non-tumorigenic human breast cells (MCF-10A) were used as control cells. Exposed MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells increased their viability and live cell number and showed a higher density and length of filopodia compared with the unexposed cells. In addition, ELF-MF induced an increase of the mitochondrial ROS levels and an alteration of mitochondrial morphology. Proteomic data analysis showed that ELF-MF altered the expression of 328 proteins in MDA-MB-231 cells and of 242 proteins in MCF-10A cells. Gene Ontology term enrichment analysis demonstrated that in both cell lines ELF-MF exposure up-regulated the genes enriched in "focal adhesion" and "mitochondrion". The ELF-MF exposure decreased the adhesive properties of MDA-MB-231 cells and increased the migration and invasion cell abilities. At the same time, proteomic analysis, confirmed by Real Time PCR, revealed that transcription factors associated with cellular reprogramming were upregulated in MDA-MB-231 cells and downregulated in MCF-10A cells after ELF-MF exposure. MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells exposed to 1 mT 50 Hz ELF-MF showed modifications in proteomic profile together with changes in cell viability, cellular morphology, oxidative stress response, adhesion, migration and invasion cell abilities. The main signaling pathways involved were relative to focal adhesion, mitochondrion and cellular reprogramming.

Differential biological responses of adherent and non-adherent (cancer and non-cancerous) cells to variable extremely low frequency magnetic fields

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) induces biological effects on different cells through various signaling pathways. To study the impact of the ELF-EMF on living cells under an optimal physiological condition, we have designed and constructed a novel system that eliminates several limitations of other ELF-EMF systems. Apoptosis and cell number were assessed by flow cytometry and the Trypan Blue dye exclusion method, respectively. In vitro cell survival was evaluated by colony formation assay. The distribution of cells in the cell cycle, intracellular ROS level, and autophagy were analyzed by flow cytometer. Suspended cells differentiation was assessed by phagocytosis of latex particles and NBT reduction assay. Our results showed that response to the exposure to ELF-EMF is specific and depends on the biological state of the cell. For DU145, HUVEC, and K562 cell lines the optimum results were obtained at the frequency of 0.01 Hz, while for MDA-MB-231, the optimum response was obtained at 1 Hz. Long-term exposure to ELF-EMF in adherent cells effectively inhibited proliferation by arresting the cell population at the cell cycle G2/M phase and increased intracellular ROS level, leading to morphological changes and cell death. The K562 cells exposed to the ELF-EMF differentiate via induction of autophagy and decreasing the cell number. Our novel ELF-EMF instrument could change morphological and cell behaviors, including proliferation, differentiation, and cell death.

Field exposure to 50 Hz significantly affects wild‑type and unfolded p53 expression in NB69 neuroblastoma cells

Previous studies have shown that intermittent exposure to a 50 Hz, 100 µT sinusoidal magnetic field (MF) promotes proliferation of human neuroblastoma cells, NB69. This effect is mediated by activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor through a free radical-dependent activation of the p38 pathway. The present study investigated the possibility that the oxidative stress-sensitive protein p53 is a potential target of the MF, and that field exposure can affect the protein expression. To that end, NB69 cells were exposed to short intervals of 30 to 120 min to the aforementioned MF parameters. Two specific anti-p53 antibodies that allow discrimination between the wild and unfolded forms of p53 were used to study the expression and cellular distribution of both isoforms of the protein. The expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, whose regulation is mediated by p53, was also analyzed. The obtained results revealed that MF exposure induced increases in p53 gene expression and in protein expression of the wild-type form of p53. Field exposure also caused overexpression of the unfolded form of p53, together with changes in the nuclear/cytoplasmic distribution of both forms of the protein. The expression of protein Bcl-2 was also significantly increased in response to the MF. As a whole, these results indicated that the MF is capable of interacting with the function, distribution and conformation of protein p53. Such interactions could be involved in previously reported MF effects on NB69 proliferation promotion.

Lung cell toxicity of co-exposure to airborne particulate matter and extremely low-frequency magnetic field

Although the toxic effects of urban airborne particulate matter (PM) have been known on lung cells, there is less attention to co-exposure to PM and extremely low frequency magnetic (ELF-MF) in occupational settings. The present study investigated the influences of PM and ELF-MF co-exposure on toxicity in human lung cells (A549).In this case, total PM (TPM) was evaluated according to NIOSH-0500. The TPM SiO₂ and metal contents were determined based on NIOSH-7602 and 7302, respectively. Besides, 900 mG ELF-MF exposure was simulated based on field measurements. The toxicity mechanisms were assessed by examining malondialdehyde, glutathione ratio, gene expression, and DNA strand breaks. Also, the toxicity indicators of the TPM samples were MDA generation, glutathione depletion, and DNA damage, and their impacts were analysed at doses below the LD₅₀ (4 µg).In addition, gene expression of OGG1 and MTH1 was upregulated after TPM exposure at the lowest dose (2 µg). But ITPA was upregulated in the presence of ELF-MF. The co-exposure to TPM and ELF-MF decreased oxidative stress and DNA damage levels compared to a single exposure to TPM.Although the ELF-MF reduced toxicity in response to TPM, this reduction was not lower than the unexposed cells.

Extremely low-frequency pulses of faint magnetic field induce mitophagy to rejuvenate mitochondria

Humans are frequently exposed to time-varying and static weak magnetic fields (WMF). However, the effects of faint magnetic fields, weaker than the geomagnetic field, have been scarcely reported. Here we show that extremely low-frequency (ELF)-WMF, comprised of serial pulses of 10 µT intensity at 1–8 Hz, which is three or more times weaker than the geomagnetic field, reduces mitochondrial mass to 70% and the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complex II activity to 88%. Chemical inhibition of electron flux through the mitochondrial ETC complex II nullifies the effect of ELF-WMF. Suppression of ETC complex II subsequently induces mitophagy by translocating parkin and PINK1 to the mitochondria and by recruiting LC3-II. Thereafter, mitophagy induces PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis to rejuvenate mitochondria. The lack of PINK1 negates the effect of ELF-WMF. Thus, ELF-WMF may be applicable for the treatment of human diseases that exhibit compromised mitochondrial homeostasis, such as Parkinson’s disease.

The effect of extremely low-frequency pulses of faint magnetic field on mitochondria is investigated, where it led to reduced mitochondrial mass, membrane potential and electron transport chain activity, and induced mitophagy.

Cancer on-target: Selective enhancement of 3-bromopyruvate action by an electromagnetic field in vitro

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the modern world. Nowadays, most often treatment methods used in clinical oncology are drug therapies applied as monotherapy or combined therapy. Additionally, recent studies focus on developing approaches with the use of a drug in combination with other factors, not only chemical, to improve the probability and magnitude of therapeutic responses and reduce the possibility of chemoresistance. Such a promising factor seems to be an electromagnetic field (EMF) application. Here, we tested the effect of continuous or pulsed EMF on human cancer cells of different origin treated or not with 3-bromopyruvate, a small and powerful alkylating agent with a broad spectrum of anticancer activities. We provide strong evidence suggesting that ELF-EMF potentiates the anti-cancer activity of 3BP in human cancer cells through inhibition of TNFα secretion leading to irreversible p21/p27-dependent G2/M cell cycle arrest and finally cancer cell death. Our findings suggest a novel approach combining pharmacotherapy with ELF-EMF. In conclusion, electromagnetic field seems to be a potential modulator of anti-cancer efficacy of 3BP while combined therapy offers off-target activity. These features contribute to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.

Anticancer and antibacterial potentials induced post short-term exposure to electromagnetic field and silver nanoparticles and related pathological and genetic alterations: in vitro study

BACKGROUND

Resistance to antibiotics and anticancer therapy is a serious global health threat particularly in immunosuppressed cancer patients. Current study aimed to estimate the antibacterial and anticancer potentials of short-term exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) either in sole or combined form.

METHODS

Antibacterial activity was evaluated via determination of the bacterial viable count reduction percentage following exposure, whereas their ability to induce apoptosis in breast cancer (MCF-7) cell line was detected using annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate and cell cycle analysis. Also, oxidative stress potential and molecular profile were investigated.

RESULTS

ELF-EMF and AgNPs significantly (p < 0.01) reduced K. pneumonia viable count of compared to that of S. aureus in a time dependent manner till reaching 100% inhibition when ELF-EMF was applied in combination to 10 µM/ml AgNPs for 2 h. Apoptosis induction was obvious following exposure to either ELF-EMF or AgNPs, however their apoptotic potential was intensified when applied in combination recording significantly (p < 0.001) induced apoptosis as indicated by elevated level of MCF-7 cells in the Pre G1 phase compared to control. S phase arrest and accumulation of cells in G2/M phase was observed following exposure to AgNPs and EMF, respectively. Up-regulation in the expression level of p53, iNOS and NF-kB genes as well as down-regulation of Bcl-2 and miRNA-125b genes were detected post treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The antibacterial and anticancer potentials of these agents might be related to their ability to induce oxidative stress, suggesting their potentials as novel candidates for controlling infections and triggering cancer cells towards self-destruction.

Manmade Electromagnetic Fields and Oxidative Stress-Biological Effects and Consequences for Health

Concomitant with the ever-expanding use of electrical appliances and mobile communication systems, public and occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) in the extremely-low-frequency and radiofrequency range has become a widely debated environmental risk factor for health. Radiofrequency (RF) EMF and extremely-low-frequency (ELF) MF have been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), potentially leading to cellular or systemic oxidative stress, was frequently found to be influenced by EMF exposure in animals and cells. In this review, we summarize key experimental findings on oxidative stress related to EMF exposure from animal and cell studies of the last decade. The observations are discussed in the context of molecular mechanisms and functionalities relevant to health such as neurological function, genome stability, immune response, and reproduction. Most animal and many cell studies showed increased oxidative stress caused by RF-EMF and ELF-MF. In order to estimate the risk for human health by manmade exposure, experimental studies in humans and epidemiological studies need to be considered as well.

Changes in NOTCH1 gene and its regulatory circRNA, hsa_circ_0005986 expression pattern in human gastric adenocarcinoma and human normal fibroblast cell line following the exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic field

The effect of an extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MFs) on the expression levels of NOTCH1 and its regulatory circular RNA (circ-RNA) in gastric cancer has not yet investigated. This study aimed to find the expression changes of NOTCH1 and its regulatory circ-RNA, hsa_circ_0005986, in human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS) and human normal fibroblast (Hu02) cells fallowing the exposure to discontinuously magnetic flux densities (MFDs) of 0.25, 0.5 ,1 and 2 millitesla (mT) for 18h in comparison to unexposed cells. In addition, the effect of various MFDs on viability of tumor and normal cells was investigated. The cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. The relative expression of NOTCH1and hsa_circ_0005986 mRNAs was analyzed by quantitative Real-time PCR. The viability of tumor cells was decreased under the exposure of MFs, while the normal cells viability was increased. NOTCH1 was significantly down-regulated in AGS cells and up-regulated in Hu02 cells at all MFDs. The expression changes of NOTCH1 in tumor and  normal cells was depended to the MFD of MFs. According to our results, the tumor and normal cells show different behavior at the molecular level in various MFDs in terms of NOTCH1 and hsa_circ_0005986 expression level. Decrease in tumor cell survival following the exposure to ELF-MFs may be the result of decreased in the expression level of NOTCH1 and its Reg-circ-RNA. These magnetic field-reducing effects on cancer cell survival through the change on the expression of genes involved in the proliferation and progression of cancer can be a new key in cancer treatment.

The effect of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields following on upregulation of miR-21 and miR-29 in gastric cancer cell line

AIM

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields affect miRNAs expression in cancer cell. In this study, electromagnetic fields exposed to low frequency were used to compare miR-21 and miR-29 expressions in a gastric cancer cell line.

BACKGROUND

It has been recently suggested that the low frequency electromagnetic fields probably function as a treatment for cancers.

METHODS

A cultured cell line of gastric cancer was exposed to an electromagnetic radiation system. The cell line was assigned to 4 groups under continuous and discontinuous radiations of 0.25 and 2.5 ml Tesla field strength. Then, the groups were compared with a non-radiation control group. Later, RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis were prepared for miR-21 and miR-29. Real Time PCR method was used to determine how expressions of these two microRNAs differ. Finally, the results were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The percentage of cell viability in the electromagnetic field radiation experienced a significant decrease compared to that of the control group. In addition, expression of miRNA-21 and miRNA-29 had a significant increase as the strength of the electromagnetic field radiations was on an upward trend. Similarly, the percentage of cell viability saw a significant decline in the upregulation of miRNA-21 and miRNA-29 regardless of radiation types.

CONCLUSION

Findings of this study showed the therapeutic effect of low frequency electromagnetic fields on the gastric cancer cell line. They also indicated that novel biomarkers (miRNA-21 and miRNA-29) could be proposed as potential treatments of gastric cancer, but the results are required to be well established by future studies.

Role of NADPH oxidase in MAPK signaling activation by a 50 Hz magnetic field in human neuroblastoma cells

Our previous studies have shown that intermittent exposure to a 50-Hz, 100-µT sine wave magnetic field (MF) promotes human NB69 cell proliferation, mediated by activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and pathways MAPK-ERK1/2 and p38; being the effects on proliferation and p38 activation blocked by the chelator N-acetylcysteine. The present work investigates the MF effects on free radical (FR) production, and the potential involvement of NADPH oxidase, the main source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), in the MF-induced activation of MAPK pathways. To this end, the field effects on MAPK-ERK1/2, -p38 and -JNK activation in the presence or absence of the NADPH oxidase inhibitor, diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI), as well as the expression of the p67phox subunit, were analyzed. The results revealed that field exposure increases FR production and induces early, transient expression of the cytosolic component of the NADPH oxidase, p67phox. Also, the MF-induced activation of the MAPK-JNK pathway, but not that of -ERK1/2 or -p38 pathways, was prevented in the presence of the DPI, which has been shown to significantly reduce p67phox expression. These data, together with those from previous studies, identify various, FR-dependent or -independent mechanisms, involved in the MF-induced proliferative response mediated by MAPK signaling activation.

Quadruple abnormal protein aggregates in brainstem pathology and exogenous metal-rich magnetic nanoparticles (and engineered Ti-rich nanorods). The substantia nigrae is a very early target in young urbanites and the gastrointestinal tract a key brainstem portal

Fine particulate air pollution (PM_2.5) exposures are linked with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases (AD,PD). AD and PD neuropathological hallmarks are documented in children and young adults exposed lifelong to Metropolitan Mexico City air pollution; together with high frontal metal concentrations (especially iron)-rich nanoparticles (NP), matching air pollution combustion- and friction-derived particles. Here, we identify aberrant hyperphosphorylated tau, ɑ synuclein and TDP-43 in the brainstem of 186 Mexico City 27.29 ± 11.8y old residents. Critically, substantia nigrae (SN) pathology seen in mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and neuromelanin (NM) is co-associated with the abundant presence of exogenous, Fe-, Al- and Ti-rich NPs.The SN exhibits early and progressive neurovascular unit damage and mitochondria and NM are associated with metal-rich NPs including exogenous engineered Ti-rich nanorods, also identified in neuroenteric neurons. Such reactive, cytotoxic and magnetic NPs may act as catalysts for reactive oxygen species formation, altered cell signaling, and protein misfolding, aggregation and fibril formation. Hence, pervasive, airborne and environmental, metal-rich and magnetic nanoparticles may be a common denominator for quadruple misfolded protein neurodegenerative pathologies affecting urbanites from earliest childhood. The substantia nigrae is a very early target and the gastrointestinal tract (and the neuroenteric system) key brainstem portals. The ultimate neural damage and neuropathology (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and TDP-43 pathology included) could depend on NP characteristics and the differential access and targets achieved via their portals of entry. Thus where you live, what air pollutants you are exposed to, what you are inhaling and swallowing from the air you breathe,what you eat, how you travel, and your occupational longlife history are key. Control of NP sources becomes critical.

Pulsed and Discontinuous Electromagnetic Field Exposure Decreases Temozolomide Resistance in Glioblastoma by Modulating the Expression of O6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase, Cyclin-D1, and p53

Background: Glioblastoma is a malignant and very aggressive brain tumor with a poor prognosis. Despite having chemotherapy concomitant with surgery and/or radiation therapy, the median survival of glioblastoma-affected people is less than 1 year. Temozolomide (TMZ) is a chemotherapeutic used as a first line treatment of glioblastoma. Several studies have reported that resistance to TMZ due to overexpression of O⁶-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is the main reason for treatment failure. Several studies described that pulsed-electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure could induce cell death and influence gene expression. Materials and Methods: In this study the authors assessed the effects of EMF (50 Hz, 70 G) on cytotoxicity, cell migration, gene expression, and protein levels in TMZ-treated T98 and A172 cell lines. Results: In this study, the authors show that treatment with a combination of TMZ and EMF enhanced cell death and decreased the migration potential of T98 and A172 cells. The authors also observed overexpression of the p53 gene and downregulation of cyclin-D1 protein in comparison to controls. In addition, T98 cells expressed the MGMT protein following treatment, while the A172 cells did not express MGMT. Conclusion: Their data indicate that EMF exposure improved the cytotoxicity of TMZ on T98 and A172 cells and could partially affect resistance to TMZ in T98 cells.

Exposure to a 50 Hz magnetic field at 100 µT exerts no DNA damage in cardiomyocytes

The effects of exposure to magnetic fields (MFs) at electric frequencies (50-60 Hz) on carcinogenicity are still in debate. Whether exposure to MFs affects the heart is also a debated issue. This study aimed to determine whether exposure to extremely low frequency MFs (ELF-MFs) induced DNA damage in cardiomyocytes both in vitro and in vivo Human ventricular cardiomyocytes were exposed to 50 Hz ELF-MF at 100 µT for 1 h continuously or 75 min intermittently. The effects of the treatments were evaluated by DNA damage, redox status changes and relative signal molecular expression. Moreover, ten male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to a 50 Hz MF at 100 µT for 7 days, while another 10 rats were sham exposed. The protein levels of p53 and Hsp70 in heart tissue were analyzed by western blot. The results showed that exposure to ELF-MF did not induce DNA damage, changes to cell cycle distribution or increased reactive oxygen species level. No significant differences were detected in p53 and Hsp70 expression level between the ELF-MF and sham-exposure groups both in vitro and in vivo All these data indicate that MFs at power-frequency may not cause DNA damage in cardiomyocytes.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Role of Mitochondria in the Oxidative Stress Induced by Electromagnetic Fields: Focus on Reproductive Systems

Modern technologies relying on wireless communication systems have brought increasing levels of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. This increased research interest in the effects of these radiations on human health. There is compelling evidence that EMFs affect cell physiology by altering redox-related processes. Considering the importance of redox milieu in the biological competence of oocyte and sperm, we reviewed the existing literature regarding the effects of EMFs on reproductive systems. Given the role of mitochondria as the main source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), we focused on the hypothesis of a mitochondrial basis of EMF-induced reproductive toxicity. MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus database were examined for peer-reviewed original articles by searching for the following keywords: “extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs),” “radiofrequency (RF),” “microwaves,” “Wi-Fi,” “mobile phone,” “oxidative stress,” “mitochondria,” “fertility,” “sperm,” “testis,” “oocyte,” “ovarian follicle,” and “embryo.” These keywords were combined with other search phrases relevant to the topic. Although we reported contradictory data due to lack of uniformity in the experimental designs, a growing body of evidence suggests that EMF exposure during spermatogenesis induces increased ROS production associated with decreased ROS scavenging activity. Numerous studies revealed the detrimental effects of EMFs from mobile phones, laptops, and other electric devices on sperm quality and provide evidence for extensive electron leakage from the mitochondrial electron transport chain as the main cause of EMF damage. In female reproductive systems, the contribution of oxidative stress to EMF-induced damages and the evidence of mitochondrial origin of ROS overproduction are reported, as well. In conclusion, mitochondria seem to play an important role as source of ROS in both male and female reproductive systems under EMF exposure. Future and more standardized studies are required for a better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying EMF potential challenge to our reproductive system in order to improve preventive strategies.