Therapeutic effects of melatonin in long-term exposure to 2100MHz radiofrequency radiation on rat sperm characteristics

Abstract

Therapeutic effects of melatonin in long-term exposure to 2100MHz radiofrequency radiation on rat sperm characteristics Özgen M, Take G, Kaplanoğlu İ, Erdoğan D, Seymen CM. Therapeutic effects of melatonin in long-term exposure to 2100MHz radiofrequency radiation on rat sperm characteristics. Rev Int Androl. 2023 Jul 4;21(4):100371. doi: 10.1016/j.androl.2023.100371. Abstract Introduction: Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) are one of the risk factors for male reproductive health and melatonin can be an ideal candidate for therapeutic development against RF-induced male fertility problems due to its antioxidant properties. The possible therapeutic role of melatonin in the destructive effects of 2100MHz RF radiation on rat sperm characteristics is investigated in the present study. Methods: Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups and the experiment continued for ninety consecutive days; Control, Melatonin (10mg/kg, subcutaneously), RF (2100MHz, thirty minutes per day, whole-body), and RF+Melatonin groups. Left caudal epididymis and ductus deferens tissues were placed in sperm wash solution (at 37°C) and dissected. The sperms were counted and stained. Measurements of the perinuclear ring of the manchette and posterior portion of the nucleus (ARC) were performed and the sperms were examined at an ultrastructural level. All of the parameters were evaluated statistically. Results: The percentages of abnormal sperm morphology were significantly increased with RF exposure, while the total sperm count was significantly decreased. RF exposure also showed harmful effects on acrosome, axoneme, mitochondrial sheath, and outer dense fibers at the ultrastructural level. The number of total sperms, sperms with normal morphology increased, and ultrastructural appearance returned to normal by melatonin administration. Discussion: The data showed that melatonin may be a beneficial therapeutic agent for long-term exposure of 2100MHz RF radiation-related reproductive impairments. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Compared with controls, RF exposure (2100 MHz, 30 min/day for 90 days) significantly increased abnormal sperm morphology and significantly decreased total sperm count, with reported harmful ultrastructural changes. In the RF+melatonin group, total sperm number and normal morphology increased and ultrastructural appearance was reported to return to normal with melatonin administration.

Outcomes measured

• Sperm morphology (abnormal morphology percentage)
• Total sperm count
• Sperm ultrastructure (acrosome, axoneme, mitochondrial sheath, outer dense fibers)
• Perinuclear ring of the manchette and posterior portion of the nucleus (ARC) measurements

Limitations

• Sample size not reported in the provided abstract/metadata
• Specific exposure dosimetry (e.g., SAR) not reported in the provided abstract/metadata
• Animal study; generalizability to humans not addressed in the provided abstract/metadata

Suggested hubs

• 5g-policy (0.2)
  Study involves 2100 MHz RF exposure (telecom-related frequency), though not explicitly 5G in the abstract.

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    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": null,
        "frequency_mhz": 2100,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "30 minutes/day, whole-body, for 90 consecutive days"
    },
    "population": "Wistar albino rats",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Sperm morphology (abnormal morphology percentage)",
        "Total sperm count",
        "Sperm ultrastructure (acrosome, axoneme, mitochondrial sheath, outer dense fibers)",
        "Perinuclear ring of the manchette and posterior portion of the nucleus (ARC) measurements"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Compared with controls, RF exposure (2100 MHz, 30 min/day for 90 days) significantly increased abnormal sperm morphology and significantly decreased total sperm count, with reported harmful ultrastructural changes. In the RF+melatonin group, total sperm number and normal morphology increased and ultrastructural appearance was reported to return to normal with melatonin administration.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Sample size not reported in the provided abstract/metadata",
        "Specific exposure dosimetry (e.g., SAR) not reported in the provided abstract/metadata",
        "Animal study; generalizability to humans not addressed in the provided abstract/metadata"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "radiofrequency electromagnetic fields",
        "RF-EMF",
        "2100 MHz",
        "rat",
        "Wistar albino",
        "sperm count",
        "sperm morphology",
        "ultrastructure",
        "melatonin",
        "male reproductive health",
        "antioxidant"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "5g-policy",
            "weight": 0.200000000000000011102230246251565404236316680908203125,
            "reason": "Study involves 2100 MHz RF exposure (telecom-related frequency), though not explicitly 5G in the abstract."
        }
    ]
}

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