1
|
Houston BJ, Nixon B, McEwan KE, Martin JH, King BV, Aitken RJ, De Iuliis GN. Whole-body exposures to radiofrequency-electromagnetic energy can cause DNA damage in mouse spermatozoa via an oxidative mechanism. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17478. [PMID: 31767903 PMCID: PMC6877509 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53983-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificially generated radiofrequency-electromagnetic energy (RF-EME) is now ubiquitous in our environment owing to the utilization of mobile phone and Wi-Fi based communication devices. While several studies have revealed that RF-EME is capable of eliciting biological stress, particularly in the context of the male reproductive system, the mechanistic basis of this biophysical interaction remains largely unresolved. To extend these studies, here we exposed unrestrained male mice to RF-EME generated via a dedicated waveguide (905 MHz, 2.2 W/kg) for 12 h per day for a period of 1, 3 or 5 weeks. The testes of exposed mice exhibited no evidence of gross histological change or elevated stress, irrespective of the RF-EME exposure regimen. By contrast, 5 weeks of RF-EME exposure adversely impacted the vitality and motility profiles of mature epididymal spermatozoa. These spermatozoa also experienced increased mitochondrial generation of reactive oxygen species after 1 week of exposure, with elevated DNA oxidation and fragmentation across all exposure periods. Notwithstanding these lesions, RF-EME exposure did not impair the fertilization competence of spermatozoa nor their ability to support early embryonic development. This study supports the utility of male germ cells as sensitive tools with which to assess the biological impacts of whole-body RF-EME exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brendan J Houston
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Cancer Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Kristen E McEwan
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Jacinta H Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Cancer Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Bruce V King
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Cancer Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. .,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Cancer Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Narayanan SN, Mohapatra N, John P, K N, Kumar RS, Nayak SB, Bhat PG. Radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation exposure effects on amygdala morphology, place preference behavior and brain caspase-3 activity in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2018; 58:220-229. [PMID: 29413766 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the changes in amygdala morphology and emotional behaviors, upon exposure to chronic RF-EMR in adolescent rats. Four weeks old male albino Wistar rats were exposed to 900 MHz (power density:146.60 μW/cm2) from a mobile phone in silent-mode for 28 days. Amygdala morphology was studied using cresyl violet, TUNEL and Golgi-Cox staining. Place preference behavior was studied using light/dark chamber test and following this brain caspase-3 activity was determined. Number of healthy neurons was decreased in the basolateral amygdala and cortical amygdala but not in the central amygdala after RF-EMR exposure. It also induced apoptosis in the amygdala. RF-EMR exposure altered dendritic arborization pattern in basolateral amygdala but not in the central amygdala. Altered place preference and hyperactivity-like behavior was evident after RF-EMR exposure, but brain caspase-3 activity did not change. RF-EMR exposure perturbed normal cellular architecture of amygdala and this was associated with altered place preference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sareesh Naduvil Narayanan
- Department of Physiology, Melaka Manipal Medical College (Manipal Campus), Manipal University, Manipal, 576104, India.
| | - Nirupam Mohapatra
- Department of Biochemistry, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Pamala John
- Department of Biochemistry, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Nalini K
- Department of Biochemistry, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Raju Suresh Kumar
- Department of Physiology, Melaka Manipal Medical College (Manipal Campus), Manipal University, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Satheesha B Nayak
- Department of Anatomy, Melaka Manipal Medical College (Manipal Campus), Manipal University, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - P Gopalakrishna Bhat
- Division of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, 576 104, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kıvrak EG, Yurt KK, Kaplan AA, Alkan I, Altun G. Effects of electromagnetic fields exposure on the antioxidant defense system. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2017; 5:167-176. [PMID: 30023251 PMCID: PMC6025786 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmau.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Technological devices have become essential components of daily life. However, their deleterious effects on the body, particularly on the nervous system, are well known. Electromagnetic fields (EMF) have various chemical effects, including causing deterioration in large molecules in cells and imbalance in ionic equilibrium. Despite being essential for life, oxygen molecules can lead to the generation of hazardous by-products, known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), during biological reactions. These reactive oxygen species can damage cellular components such as proteins, lipids and DNA. Antioxidant defense systems exist in order to keep free radical formation under control and to prevent their harmful effects on the biological system. Free radical formation can take place in various ways, including ultraviolet light, drugs, lipid oxidation, immunological reactions, radiation, stress, smoking, alcohol and biochemical redox reactions. Oxidative stress occurs if the antioxidant defense system is unable to prevent the harmful effects of free radicals. Several studies have reported that exposure to EMF results in oxidative stress in many tissues of the body. Exposure to EMF is known to increase free radical concentrations and traceability and can affect the radical couple recombination. The purpose of this review was to highlight the impact of oxidative stress on antioxidant systems. Abbreviations: EMF, electromagnetic fields; RF, radiofrequency; ROS, reactive oxygen species; GSH, glutathione; GPx, glutathione peroxidase; GR, glutathione reductase; GST, glutathione S-transferase; CAT, catalase; SOD, superoxide dismutase; HSP, heat shock protein; EMF/RFR, electromagnetic frequency and radiofrequency exposures; ELF-EMFs, exposure to extremely low frequency; MEL, melatonin; FA, folic acid; MDA, malondialdehyde.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elfide Gizem Kıvrak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Kıymet Kübra Yurt
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Arife Ahsen Kaplan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Işınsu Alkan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Gamze Altun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|