Effects of mobile phone radiofrequency radiation on sperm quality (Review)

Abstract

Effects of mobile phone radiofrequency radiation on sperm quality (Review) Romualdo Sciorio, Luca Tramontano, Sandro C Esteves. Effects of mobile phone radiofrequency radiation on sperm quality. Zygote. 2021 Aug 13;1-10. doi: 10.1017/S096719942100037X Abstract In the last decades, the universal use of mobile phones has contributed to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation environmental pollution. The steady growth in mobile phone usage has raised concerns about the effects of phone radiation on male reproductive health. Epidemiological studies report a sharp decline in sperm counts in developing countries, and worldwide with c. 14% of couples having difficulties to conceive, many of which are attributed to a male infertility factor. Environment and lifestyle factors are known to contribute to male infertility. Exposure to heat, radiation, or radioactivity might induce damage to biological tissue organs, including the testis. Given the ubiquitous use of mobile phones, the potential adverse effects of the resulting environmental radiation needs to be elucidated further. It seems to be an apparent relationship between the increased exposure to mobile phone radiofrequency and sperm quality decline, but the evidence is not conclusive. Our review summarizes the evidence concerning the possible adverse effects of cell phone radiation on the male reproductive system, with a focus on sperm quality. Also, we critically analyze the effects of elevated testicular temperature and oxidative stress on male fertility and how these factors could interfere with the physiological activities of the testis. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Future perspectives and conclusions The rapid technological advances in personal computers and communication devices might pose a risk for human health. Cell phone devices emit radiofrequency electromagnetic waves that seem to affect male reproductive health and other body functions (McClelland 3rd and Jaboin, 2018; Sage and Burgio, 2018; Wall et al., 2019). Although the current data are not unequivocal, it seems sound to speculate that mobile phone exposure might be contributing to subfertility. However, the existing evidence primarily relates to adverse effects on sperm motility and morphology, which are limited endpoints for evaluating the male fertility potential. The exact mechanisms of how RF-EMR might affect the testis, epididymis, and sperm have not yet been fully understood. Additional studies are warranted, particularly prospective studies assessing sperm functional markers, such as sperm DNA integrity and OS, in fertile and subfertile men. Equally important will be to analyze whether the decreased sperm quality associated with mobile phone exposure translates into impaired pregnancy chances. The effects of short-term and long-term exposure and energy intensity should be also investigated in more detail, taking into account relevant confounders. Only then will scientific societies and regulatory bodies be able to provide users with transparent information concerning the risks and guidance for proper use.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

The review states there appears to be a relationship between increased exposure to mobile phone radiofrequency and declines in sperm quality, but concludes the evidence is not conclusive and current data are not unequivocal. It notes existing evidence primarily relates to adverse effects on sperm motility and morphology and calls for additional prospective studies including functional markers (e.g., DNA integrity, oxidative stress) and pregnancy outcomes.

Outcomes measured

• sperm quality
• sperm count
• sperm motility
• sperm morphology
• male fertility/subfertility
• testicular temperature
• oxidative stress
• sperm DNA integrity (as a suggested marker)
• pregnancy chances (as a suggested endpoint)

Limitations

• Evidence described as not conclusive/unequivocal
• Existing evidence primarily focuses on limited endpoints (motility and morphology)
• Mechanisms not fully understood
• Need for prospective studies and better control of confounders
• Short-term vs long-term exposure and energy intensity not sufficiently investigated

Suggested hubs

• mobile-phones (0.9)
  Review focuses on mobile phone radiofrequency radiation exposure.

{
    "study_type": "review",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "mobile phone",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Men / male reproductive system (fertile and subfertile men discussed)",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "sperm quality",
        "sperm count",
        "sperm motility",
        "sperm morphology",
        "male fertility/subfertility",
        "testicular temperature",
        "oxidative stress",
        "sperm DNA integrity (as a suggested marker)",
        "pregnancy chances (as a suggested endpoint)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "The review states there appears to be a relationship between increased exposure to mobile phone radiofrequency and declines in sperm quality, but concludes the evidence is not conclusive and current data are not unequivocal. It notes existing evidence primarily relates to adverse effects on sperm motility and morphology and calls for additional prospective studies including functional markers (e.g., DNA integrity, oxidative stress) and pregnancy outcomes.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Evidence described as not conclusive/unequivocal",
        "Existing evidence primarily focuses on limited endpoints (motility and morphology)",
        "Mechanisms not fully understood",
        "Need for prospective studies and better control of confounders",
        "Short-term vs long-term exposure and energy intensity not sufficiently investigated"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "mobile phone",
        "radiofrequency",
        "RF-EMR",
        "electromagnetic radiation",
        "sperm quality",
        "male infertility",
        "testicular temperature",
        "oxidative stress",
        "sperm motility",
        "sperm morphology"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "mobile-phones",
            "weight": 0.90000000000000002220446049250313080847263336181640625,
            "reason": "Review focuses on mobile phone radiofrequency radiation exposure."
        }
    ]
}

Comments

Log in to comment.

No comments yet.