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.

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

Background
Exposure to electromagnetic fields of cell phones increasingly occurs, but the potential influence on spontaneous abortion has not been thoroughly investigated.

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Use of mobile phone during pregnancy and the risk of spontaneous abortion

Background: Exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields is increasingly common, but the potential influence on pregnant women has not been thoroughly investigated. Methods: In this case-control study, 58 women who had an unexplained spontaneous abortion at 14 weeks gestation were enrolled in 2012. The women completed the questionnaire, which was used to collect data about socioeconomic and obstetric characteristics, medical and reproductive histories. Then, to evaluate the extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields , we determined the magnitude of electromagnetic fields in the  participants´ houses by an exposure level tester (3D EMF tester/ Model: ELF-828; Taiwan).The instrument covers a limited frequency range (30 HZ to 3 KHZ). Results: The magnitude of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields in the participants´ houses was significantly different between the two groups ( P <0.001). Conclusions: Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields exposure is probably related to early spontaneous abortions.

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Exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields during Pregnancy and the Risk of Spontaneous Abortion: A Case-Control Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin E, silymarin and their co-administration on oxidative stress and hormonal changes in rats whole body exposed to 950 MHz electromagnetic field (EMF) for 2months (2hrs/day, 3times/week). Vitamin E (1.35mg/Kg BW) and/or silymarin (18mg/Kg BW) were orally administered to rats for 2months before EMF exposure. Exposure to EMF provokes oxidative stress identified by significant increases in serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and protein carbonyl (CO) levels associated to significant decreases in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and glutathione (GSH) content. Oxidative stress was accompanied by significant decreases of serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and total and free testosterone levels. Vitamin E as well as silymarin has significantly reduced oxidative stress and ameliorated hormone levels. It is concluded that the co-administration of vitamin E with silymarin would provide a better protection against EMF-induced biological hazards. [Abd El Rahman NA, Abd El Hady AM, Eltahawy NA. Silymarin and Vitamin E modulate 950MHz Electromagnetic Field-induced Oxidative Stress and Hormonal Changes in Male Albino Rats. J Am Sci 2014;10(9):170-176]. (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.jofamericanscience.org. 23

Silymarin and Vitamin E modulate 950MHz Electromagnetic Field-induced Oxidative Stress and Hormonal Changes in Male Albino Rats.

Objective: Everyday use of various electronic tools and appliances has caused a large number of people to constantly be under the influence of electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Materials and Methods: For the purpose of this study, 40 female rats were randomly selected from the animals’ laboratory. The rats chosen for the study were 3 months old and weighted 20 + 200 g. The animals were then randomly divided into 4 groups; Control (n = 10), Experiment 1 (n = 10), Experiment 2 (n = 10), and Experiment 3 (n = 10). During the experiment, all 4 groups were maintained in the same conditions and received the same feeding procedure. Test groups 1, 2, and 3 were under the influence of a 50 Hz EMF for 8 weeks. Subsequently, the second and third groups were kept away from the effects of EMF for another 8 weeks. At the end of the study, after removing the ovarian using glutaraldehyde, they were prepared for electron microscopy study. Ex2 group rats were not sacrificed, and were maintained for another 8 weeks in normal laboratory environment away from the impacts of EMF. The rats were fed vitamin E (100 mg/kg) and fennel extract (1.5 gr/kg/body weight) was added to their daily food. Samples were taken from this group at the end of the second 8 weeks. Samples from the Ex3 group were taken at the end of the second 8 weeks which were maintained in normal conditions without the use of vitamin E and fennel extract. The 10 rats from the control group were biopsied simultaneously with the Ex1 group sampling. Results: This study showed that in the groups that had been exposed to electromagnetic radiation, zona pellucida cells had lost their microvilli and mitochondrial crystal structure. In the groups that were exposed to vitamin E and fennel extract, these changes were reduced. Conclusion: The use of vitamin E in combination with fennel extract can reduce the damaging effects of non-ionizing radiation with 50 Hz frequency on the zona pellucida cells of rat ovaries.

An Ultrastructural Study of the Antioxidant Effects of Vitamin E and Fennel Extract on Zona Pellucida Cell Changes of Rat Ovaries under Non-Ionizing 50Hz Electromagnetic Fields

Background: Men are unavoidably exposed to ambient electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated from various electrical gadgets and from power transmission lines. Prostate gland plays an important role in secretion of semen as largest accessory gland of male reproductive system. It seems that protection of this gland against EMF is important in spermatogenesis process. Objective: The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of non ionizing radiation on ultra structure of prostate gland. Materials and Methods: In total 50 male and 50 female rats, aged 15 weeks, were mated in animal house of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Then among born rats, 20 randomly were chosen as control and 30 were randomly chosen for exposure to EMF. They were exposed to 50 Hz EMF (8 M.T.) during in utero development (approximately 3 weeks) and postnatal life (5 weeks). Samples of prostate gland were processed and observed under light and transmission electron microscope. Results: In the experimental group, the secretory epithelial cells were generally inactive and cuboidal and their nuclei were dense with more corpus amylace compared to the control. Smooth muscle fibers spread out in different directions with heterochromatic nuclei. Mitochondria seemed without cristae and electron opaque. Conclusion: The results indicate that EMF had a deleterious effect on ultra structure of prostate gland in rat.

Nazila Tajadini

Papers

Pre and post natal exposure of 50 Hz electromagnetic fields on prostate glands of rats: an electron microscopy study