Recent Reports of Wi-Fi and Mobile Phone-Induced Radiation on Oxidative Stress and Reproductive Signaling Pathways in Females and Males

• Published in: The Journal of membrane biology 2013-12, Vol.246 (12), p.869-875
• Main Authors: Nazıroğlu, Mustafa, Yüksel, Murat, Köse, Seyit Ali, Özkaya, Mehmet Okan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biochemistry; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cell Phone; Cellular telephones; Electromagnetic Fields - adverse effects; Environmental Exposure - adverse effects; Female; Fertility - radiation effects; Human exposure; Human Physiology; Humans; Infertility; Life Sciences; Male; Membranes; Oxidative stress; Oxidative Stress - radiation effects; Radiation; Reproduction - radiation effects; Signal Transduction - radiation effects; Topical Review; Wireless networks; Wireless Technology
• ISSN: 0022-2631; 1432-1424
• DOI: 10.1007/s00232-013-9597-9

Environmental exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) has been increasing with the increasing demand for communication devices. The aim of the study was to discuss the mechanisms and risk factors of EMR changes on reproductive functions and membrane oxidative biology in females and males. It was reported that even chronic exposure to EMR did not increase the risk of reproductive functions such as increased levels of neoantigens abort. However, the results of some studies indicate that EMR induced endometriosis and inflammation and decreased the number of follicles in the ovarium or uterus of rats. In studies with male rats, exposure caused degeneration in the seminiferous tubules, reduction in the number of Leydig cells and testosterone production as well as increases in luteinizing hormone levels and apoptotic cells. In some cases of male and female infertility, increased levels of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation and decreased values of antioxidants such as melatonin, vitamin E and glutathione peroxidase were reported in animals exposed to EMR. In conclusion, the results of current studies indicate that oxidative stress from exposure to Wi-Fi and mobile phone-induced EMR is a significant mechanism affecting female and male reproductive systems. However, there is no evidence to this date to support an increased risk of female and male infertility related to EMR exposure.