In this article, the impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure from a simulated base station for the 5G New Radio (5G NR) telecommunication on rats was studied. The base station affects all age groups of the population, thus, for the first time, the experiment was conducted on male Wistar rats of three different ages (juvenile, adult, and presenile). The base station exposure parameters were chosen according to ICNIRP recommendations for limiting the exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic field: frequency 2.4 GHz with an average specific absorption rate of 0.0076 W/kg and 0.0059 W/kg over the whole body of experimental animals. Throughout the experiment, body weight was examined weekly, and the dynamics of body weight gain was monitored. Rectal and skin surface temperature on the right hind limb was monitored weekly. Testing in the Morris water maze was performed during the last, Week 5, of RF-EMF exposure. After euthanasia, organ weights were determined in experimental and control animals. None of the investigated parameters did show any statistically significant differences between exposed and control animals of the same age. The data obtained can be used to assess the possible consequences of chronic exposure to RF-EMF from 5G NR base stations.
This paper analyzes the feasibility of assessing the 5G base stations compliance using broadband field probes and compares their performance with alternative methodologies and equipment.
Performance of three different methodologies and equipment (broadband probes, spectrum analyzers, and drive test scanners), in the context of human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from 5G base stations, is compared.
Quantification of the uncertainty that the fluctuation in 5G signal levels induces in the assessment of electromagnetic fields exposure is provided.
The use of broadband field probes for 5G exposure assessment is still possible under certain considerations and correcting the results considering the base station load and beamforming effects.
Assessing human exposure to an electromagnetic field in presence of a 5G base station is not an easy task. The implementation of M−MIMO techniques in 5G base stations results in adaptive beamforming. This makes difficult to guarantee that the field levels are at their maximum at the measurement location during the complete measurement period, which would limit the applicability of broadband instruments as having been done for previous generations. In this research, we have compared different methods for 5G exposure assessment, using a broadband field meter with an isotropic probe, a spectrum analyzer and a drive test scanner.
Along the paper, we first give an overview of the 5G signal structure, describing the frequency domain and time domain specifications. Afterwards, possible assessment methods are described. The SSB level is measured using the Keysight FieldFox N9913A SA and the Rohde & Schwarz TSM6 DTS. The values are extrapolated to the worst-case exposure and compared to the measurements done with the Wavecontrol WPF8 broadband field probe. Measurements are repeated increasing the base station load by performing a heavy download from a 5G user terminal located near the testers.
The proposed methods were field tested at the University of Vigo, Spain, with a commercial 5G base station located on its campus. The measurements were performed at 7 locations in LOS conditions around the base station, gathering data with the three different equipment at the same locations and at the same time. This data collection allows the comparison of the three methodologies under the same radiating conditions.
All results have been analyzed considering the specific measurement uncertainties, which allows a deeper and more precise comparison among them.
From the measurement results, we can extract that the exposure levels are low at this stage of the 5G deployment. When loading the base station, the results showed that using the broadband field meter can overestimate the field level. Thus, it is still a useful method to check if the field levels comply with the regulation in human exposure; very simple and cost-effective compared with others. In-situ measurements of human exposure to EMF have to be practical and easy to carry, involving only the resources and equipment strictly necessary, but without compromising the validity of the results. When the reference levels are surpassed, more accurate methods based in the assessment and extrapolation of the SSB level could be a solution. The drawback is the required post processing, specially correcting the gain difference between SSB and data signals. If not provided by the network operator, this difference can be determined through measurements, as explained along this document. Measuring with an SA in max-hold mode in the bandwidth of the SSB does not work in 5G as it does in LTE, as we cannot be sure if the measured level corresponds to the SSB or to the user data, no matter if we are forcing the load of the station or not.
The analysis of the results demonstrate that broadband instruments can be used for assessing human exposure to EMF in the vicinity of 5G base stations, which radiating elements provide fields with extreme fluctuations in their intensity as a function of the system load and beamforming configuration. This is accurate when measurements are done by forcing an extra load of the station and the pointing of an antenna beam towards the probe. The validation of this fast method as a first attempt to assess the compliance of 5G stations permits the testing of these base stations in an efficient way. Only when broadband instrument results (including their uncertainties) would overpass the reference levels, a more detailed analysis would be necessary, which procedure and tips are also depicted along this paper.
Abstract
Background: The impact of electromagnetic radiation from communication on the male reproductive system has emerged as a significant concern in public health. A notable distinction of the 5G sub-6 GHz band, compared to traditional 2G, 3G, and 4G frequency bands, is the inclusion of higher frequency bands. This has raised public concerns regarding the potential effects of these higher frequencies on organisms, particularly their reproductive systems. While it is imperative to investigate the biological effects and potential risks associated with these new frequency bands in laboratory settings, comparing and evaluating differences between various frequency bands remain challenging due to the absence of standardized parameters such as exposure conditions and duration. In contrast, dose assessment offers a simpler and more reliable approach.
Materials and methods: The dose assessment method was employed in this study to investigate the risks associated with sub-6 GHz electromagnetic radiation from 5G base stations on the male reproductive system. A classical human body model (Duke) was utilized, and an electromagnetic simulation environment was established based on the actual polarization direction of the exposed base stations and various body postures. This research explored the effects of field direction, posture, public population, and frequency on the specific absorption rate of the reproductive system.
Results and conclusions: While maintaining the same level of exposure, a higher frequency results in a reduced dosage on reproductive system. Further analysis reveals that, considering the public exposure threshold, the employment of higher frequency bands in 5G sub-6 GHz does not present a greater dosage on reproductive system compared to lower frequency bands. Consequently, with regard to dosage, there is no need for excessive concern among the general public regarding the impact of electromagnetic radiation emitted by 5G base stations operating below 6 GHz on male reproductive health.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.
Restriction and future focus
This research also has certain limitations. The exposure environment has not been considered in the context of the actual 5G exposure environment. With the introduction of 5G base stations, the grid of base stations may become denser and the energy of a single beam of electromagnetic radiation may be higher (Sofri et al. Citation2022). Although reference (Celaya-Echarri et al. Citation2020) simulated and compared the exposure values caused by base stations in the 2G–5G frequency band, the electric field conditions in real communities should also be measured and compared in detail. In future work, exposure measurements and dose assessing could be combined with epidemiological investigations to further explore the effects of new frequency bands on reproductive and other systems.
Conclusions
The absorbed dose level of electromagnetic radiation emitted by communication base stations on the male reproductive system was analyzed, with a specific focus on the primary frequency points within the sub-6 GHz frequency band. The study revealed that higher frequencies resulted in reduced dose values while maintaining equivalent exposure levels. Further analysis demonstrated that, considering the exposure threshold, the utilization of higher frequencies in 5G sub-6 GHz did not present a greater risk compared to lower frequencies. Therefore, from a dosage assessment perspective, concerns regarding the impact of sub-6 GHz electromagnetic radiation emitted by 5G base stations on male reproductive health are unwarranted.
Pall ML.
Central Causation of Autism/ASDs via Excessive [Ca2+]i Impacting Six Mechanisms Controlling Synaptogenesis during the Perinatal Period: The Role of Electromagnetic Fields and Chemicals and the NO/ONOO(-) Cycle, as Well as Specific Mutations. Brain Sciences. 2024; 14(5):454. doi: 10.3390/brainsci14050454. (Published: 30 April 2024)
Abstract
The roles of perinatal development, intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i, and synaptogenesis disruption are not novel in the autism/ASD literature. The focus on six mechanisms controlling synaptogenesis, each regulated by [Ca2+]i, and each aberrant in ASDs is novel. The model presented here predicts that autism epidemic causation involves central roles of both electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and chemicals. EMFs act via voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) activation and [Ca2+]i elevation. A total of 15 autism-implicated chemical classes each act to produce [Ca2+]i elevation, 12 acting via NMDA receptor activation, and three acting via other mechanisms. The chronic nature of ASDs is explained via NO/ONOO(-) vicious cycle elevation and MeCP2 epigenetic dysfunction. Genetic causation often also involves [Ca2+]i elevation or other impacts on synaptogenesis. The literature examining each of these steps is systematically examined and found to be consistent with predictions. Approaches that may be used for ASD prevention or treatment are discussed in connection with this special issue: The current situation and prospects for children with ASDs. Such approaches include EMF, chemical avoidance, and using nutrients and other agents to raise the levels of Nrf2. An enriched environment, vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3s in fish oil may also be helpful.
Excerpts
Figure 1 is an outline of the mechanisms proposed here and, in some cases, elsewhere, to act during the perinatal period of brain development [5], to disrupt synaptogenesis and therefore cause autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Accordingly, key factors in autism/ASD causation are proposed to be the six mechanisms in the lower left part of Figure 1 (in red), each of which have been shown to have important roles in synaptogenesis in the developing brain. These six mechanisms are neuronal migration, dendritic outgrowth, synapse formation, synapse maturation, synaptic pruning, and lowered MeCP2 function. It is shown below that these six mechanisms are regulated by intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i).
VGCC activity acts via [Ca2+]i to produce diverse biological effects via the pathways shown in Figure 2
.... Let us shift now to ASD treatment and prevention. These are presented here not to give medical advice, but rather to enlighten the reader in the central issues of this special issue: The current situation and prospects for children with ASDs. Both treatment and prevention require avoidance of electronically-generated EMFs and diverse chemicals, however difficult that may be. Let us start with EMFs. There are many sources of EMFs in our living spaces, workplaces, educational and recreational environments, and even outdoors. Many of these are discussed in Section 2.1.
There are “safety guidelines” initially proposed by ICNIRP, an organization set up by the industry and these ICNIRP safety guidelines have been adopted, sometimes with minor modifications, over much of the world. The ICNIRP and similar “safety guidelines” are all based on thermal effects produced over either a 6 min or 30 min period. However, as discussed above, biological effects are caused by electric forces or time-varying magnetic forces produced by electronically-generated EMFs, and are unrelated to thermal effect “safety guidelines”. It follows that all assurances of safety based on these “safety guidelines” have no scientific merit.
Pregnant women should not use cell phones, cordless phones, should avoid Wi-Fi fields, and should use wired connections to the internet, avoid Bluetooth, should not spend time near smart meters, cell phone towers, avoid high voltage powerlines, etc. Pregnant women should avoid being in buildings with high dirty electricity in their electric powerlines. Such avoidance is very challenging. A second choice is to use shielding to protect the fetus and the young baby after birth.
You can get large shielded T-shirts to protect the fetus, wearing a regular cloth T-shirt underneath to minimize body contact. Such shielding materials have large numbers of metal (often silver) fibers. I believe that shielding mostly acts by disrupting the coherence of the EMFs, therefore greatly lowering any electric or magnetic forces. Shielding has been extensively studied in the scientific literature [271,272,273,274,275,276,277]. For example, ref. [271] states that “By using wireless technologies, we increase the influence of the electromagnetic field on the human body. The basic measures for the protection against electromagnetic radiation are: (1) shielding of the radiation source, (2) shielding of the workplace, (3) personal protective equipment, (4) reduction of radiation in the immediate vicinity of the radiation source”. [271] goes on to discuss the shielding effects of both fabrics containing tiny metal fibers and also brick walls.
You can buy shielding paint of two different types to protect yourself in your house and, if you live in an apartment, this may be the only way to protect yourself from your neighbors’ EMFs. Shielding paint can be either graphite (black) paint which can be painted over with other colors. Other more pleasant colored shielding paint can be purchased containing tiny metallic particles. You can also buy open shielding cloth to put over windows, making them into lace like curtains to lower EMF exposures coming through the windows. Similar approaches can be used after birth to protect the young baby. It is highly desirable to purchase a good EMF meter to provide information and prevent the worst exposures throughout the perinatal period.
Open access paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/5/454
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4.4. Implications for practice
We could not find any evidence that would support an association between exposure to RF-EMF below regulatory recommendations and a large variety of short term reported symptoms; neither evidence that could suggest the capacity of individuals to detect the exposure to RF-EMF. This is the case for the general population, for IEI-EMF individuals, in the main meta-analyses as well as in the exposure–response and sensitivity analyses.
While these findings cannot rule out other long term potential harms of RF-EMF, they suggest that the presence or absence of common symptoms may not become good clinical predictors of the occurrence or evolution of IEI-EMF. It may also indicate that notion of acute effects from RF-EMF below regulatory limits in the everyday environment are better explained with the nocebo or the attribution hypothesis (Dieudonné, 2020).
4.5. Implications for research
The body of evidence in this review seems to consistently suggest the lack of association between EMF exposure and symptoms, in a variety of conditions and populations. The most critical aspect challenging the certainty of the evidence was the limited detail in the methodology of included studies, particularly in the issues related to the exposure randomisation and allocation concealment. While we hardly downgrades the evidence on the grounds of ‘indirectness’, most of the studies were focusing on adults, young adults and even adolescents, which may have limited the external validity of findings.
In order to confirm the findings of this systematic review, future research should, thus, consider adhering to best reporting practices and considering a wider scope of participants, including, for example, the elderly.
Future research should also be carried out standardising the design of experiments in terms of exposure ranges, timing and sequence of events, so as to make studies more comparable. It may be worth to increase exposure levels above regulatory limits for the general population to explore potential critical threshold for non-specific symptoms. Self-evident such studies need to follow a prudent approach to ensure that any symptoms are transient and do not result in a long term health impairment.
ICNIRP reviews safety guidelines but does not provide solutions, uses SAR, only considers thermal effects, does not consider non-thermal effects. Scientific evidence shows the importance of considering both thermal and non-thermal effects, short and long-term biological effects, and other factors. On the other hand, more frequent periodic reviews of the regulations are needed. According to ICNIRP the last one was in 2020. Even considering the leap in technology use in 2020, should we wait as many years as now (approx. 10) for a new update?
There are countries with stricter regulations than those established by IARC (sic) that are more concerned about the effects of this type of exposure (Italy, Belgium, Austria (Salzburg), Switzerland, Russia, China)....
In the face of such divergent assessments of wireless RF radiation, the practice of ALARA – as low as reasonably achievable – for RF health and safety should be followed.
On the basis of the evidence presented here, is it possible to speak of sustainability in relation to electromagnetic fields?
Wdowiak N, Wójtowicz K, Wdowiak-Filip A, Pucek W, Wróbel A, Wróbel J, Wdowiak A. Environmental Factors as the Main Hormonal Disruptors of Male Fertility. J Clin Med. 2024 Mar 29;13(7):1986. doi: 10.3390/jcm13071986.
Abstract
Introduction and objective: Many scientific reports confirm a systematic decline in male semen parameters over the last decades. This phenomenon has been observed in all parts of the world, and its occurrence is associated, among others, with the hazardous effects of some environmental factors. The environmental factors for which the adverse effect on male fertility has been proven include water, air, and soil pollution, as well as electromagnetic fields and ionizing radiation. The aim of this article was the evaluation of the effect of selected environmental factors on male reproductive capacity based on an analysis of the current scientific reports.
Review methods: A systematic literature review was carried out using three databases: PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus. The search was limited to the period from 2015 until the end of December 2023. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Environmental factors, such as heavy metals, tobacco smoke, pesticides, dioxins, furans, phthalates, and bisphenols, are well-tested substances that exert an adverse effect on male fertility. A harmful effect of electromagnetic fields and water and air pollution on reproductive functions may be expected; however, this has not been fully proven.
Summary: Results obtained by many researchers published to date should evoke great concern regarding the quality of the environment in which we live, as well as fears about the effect of environmental factors not only on male fertility, but also on all aspects of human health. The majority of environmental pollutants affect the male body by causing oxidative stress and through their effect on the endocrine system.
Excerpt
12. Electromagnetic Fields
Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) originating from both the natural environment and human activity constantly affects living organisms. The effect of EMR on the reproductive system may occur as a result of the thermal effect, generation of oxidative stress, changes in the structure of proteins, and causing changes in ion transport through cell membranes; however, these pathomechanisms have not yet been fully explained. Based on studies conducted to date it is known that electromagnetic fields generate oxidative stress, disrupting the function of sperm mitochondria and causing the activation of cell membrane NADH oxidase [43].
Balance in the free radical system, which is affected by the electromagnetic fields, as well as the activity of ion channels, are together responsible for the process of sperm hyperactivation. Human spermatozoa, in order to become ready to fertilize an oocyte, undergo many metabolic changes affecting the cell membrane, which leads to capacitation occurring in the woman’s reproductive tract. As a result of these transformations, sperm can interact with the structures of the corona radiata, and subsequently with the zona pellucida of the oocyte. This process is necessary for fertilization. Possible premature capacitation taking place in the seminal plasma causes energy depletion of the sperm and reduces the chance for fertilization. Balance in the free radical system is the factor responsible for the proper moment of capacitation. Ion channels are responsible for the proper course of this process, including CatSper, a pH-regulated, calcium-selective ion channel, KSper (Slo3), and the voltage-gated channel Hv1. To date, it has been considered that many other channels regulate these processes; however, this was not supported by research, and only the implementation of the patch–clamp technique shed new light on the possibilities of opportunities to learn about this process. It is known that mutations and deletions of the genes responsible for the function of these channels are responsible for the existence of certain types of male infertility. The voltage-gated channel Hv1, which is an electrical voltage sensor responsible for processes related to fertilization, seems to be the most sensitive to the effect of EMF. The results of studies concerning the effect of EMF on the immune system cells confirmed that the frequency close to 15 Hz has the greatest impact on the transport of Ca2+ ions into the cell. Therefore, it may be expected that similar relationships will also concern sperm [43,44].
It has long been known that welding arcs are a very harmful source of EMF for males. Their radiation consists of intensive thermal radiation of high-temperature welding gases, welded or cut elements, electrode, and flux material, on which the lines and bands of radiation characteristic of these materials overlap. The gas burner flame temperature usually does not exceed 2000 K. Thus, this radiation consists mainly of infrared and light, and only hydrogen and acetylene burners are characterized by a higher combustion temperature and emit near-ultraviolet light. Scientific reports concerning the effect of welding on male fertility confirm that in males performing this profession, deterioration of the main sperm parameters occurs, and their partners are at an increased risk of miscarriage. The type of harmful effect on the male reproductive system depends on the type of materials to be welded and applies primarily to mild steel [43,44].
Exposure to strong EMF also concerns employees operating radar stations. Currently, various types of radars operate on frequencies from 3 MHz (HF band) to 110 GHz (W band). In the lower part of this range operate radars which measure the height of the ionosphere, and those using the phenomenon of reflection of electromagnetic waves from the ionosphere for detecting objects hidden beyond the horizon, often over a distance of thousands of kilometers. Most radars operate at frequencies ranging from several hundred megahertz to 100 GHz, including speed cameras known to drivers, which are used to take photos of cars and are based on the 34.3 ± 0.1 GHz band. The reports concerning their effect on male fertility are contradictory. Some researchers describe an increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm and reduction in sperm motility, with a simultaneous absence of effect on its density in employees of radar stations. In turn, other researchers describe a decreased sperm density in people exposed to radar waves. There are also reports that do not indicate any differences in the quality of sperm between males exposed to a radar, and those not exposed to its effect.
Due to the development of telecommunication technologies, at present, almost every person is exposed to EMF related to GSM. Our own study conducted at the beginning of the ‘era of mobile phones’ demonstrated an increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm and a decrease in the percentage of sperm in progressive movement, together with an increase in exposure to GSM. Studies concerning the effect of mobile phone technology on sperm have been continued by many researchers. They demonstrated that the waves emitted by mobile phones cause an increased production of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress in sperm, and intensification of sperm DNA fragmentation. Similar relationships were confirmed on animal models. In a study in which mice were exposed to radiation of 900 mW/kg for 12 h daily for 7 days an adverse effect of EMR was observed on mitochondrial genome integrity. It was also proven that long-lasting telephone calls lead to an increase in temperature in the brain, which may affect the activity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis [43,44].
A significant exposure to electromagnetic fields also concerns males working on high-voltage electrical installations. It was found that among employees exposed for many years to contact with voltage of 400 kV, fewer children were born compared to the control group. Among children exposed to high voltage, the male gender prevailed. It was also observed that among offspring of males exposed to high voltage, congenital defects occurred more frequently.
There are also other scientific reports that confirm a beneficial effect of electromagnetic fields with lower frequency ranges on both sperm parameters and the function of tissues responsible for human reproduction. Some scientific studies confirmed that exposure of sperm to magnetic fields within the range from 10–50 Hz contributes to the improvement of the motility of human sperm, whereas others presented opposite results.
In animal models, while investigating the exposure of fish reproductive cells to magnetic fields, an improvement was observed in sperm motility parameters, and an increase in the percentage of fertilizations. Electromagnetic fields have found application in the treatment of prostate disorders in animals. A group of researchers confirmed that in dogs, the exposure of the prostate to frequencies of 4–12 Hz has a healing effect on prostate enlargement, not causing changes in sperm parameters of the animals. The results of studies confirming a beneficial effect of electromagnetic fields provide hope for their use in the treatment of human infertility; however, a long-term impact of this type of energy will require meticulous research, especially regarding possible epigenetic effects diagnosed only in future generations. Own studies of sperm exposed in vitro to weak EMF, close to that used at security checkpoints, showed an effect on DNA methylation [43,44].
At present, we are unable to specify what amount of energy related to EMF is harmful, neutral, or beneficial for human reproductive capacity. It may be expected that there are amounts of energy with neutral or beneficial effect, and only exceeding them may cause harmful effects.
Additional control of the emission power by channel reallocation can further reduce the radiation level. This reduction is greater when there is a smaller number of frequency carriers (but greater than 1), with less offered traffic and with a higher attenuation coefficient.
This paper presents the exposure levels in shopping malls during different days of the week, obtained through a rigorous 3-month measurement campaign utilizing frequency selective measurement equipment. The collected data underwent careful processing, including screening of each measured E-field exposure level to ensure accurate sampling and minimize errors.
The average total E-field exposure value during the weekday was 0.39 V/m, while during the weekend 0.33 V/m. The highest contributors to the total exposure levels in various shopping mall environments are mobile communication technologies operating at 900 MHz and 1800 MHz (2G–3G–4G). The Downlink 2G–3G operating at 900 MHz, has an average electric field exposure value of 0.2 V/m during the weekdays and during the weekend, while the Downlink 2G–4G operating at 1800 MHz has an average E-field value of 0.1 V/m during the weekdays and 0.17 V/m during the weekend.
On weekdays, the main factor contributing to total exposure levels was 2G–3G mobile communications operating at 900 MHz (Downlink), accounting for 52.4% of the exposure, followed by mobile communications at 1800 MHz (Uplink and Downlink. Furthermore, the highest E-field values during weekdays were observed in the Downlink 2G–3G band and Wi-Fi 2 G technology, exceeding the upper limit of 6 V/m.
During the weekend, the primary contributor to total exposure levels remained the 2G–3G communications at 900 MHz (Downlink), accounting for 37% of the exposure. However, there was an increase in e-field values for 2G–4G communications at 1800 MHz (Downlink), with its contribution rising to 34% compared to 15% during weekdays. The highest observed value was for Wi-Fi 5G technology, reaching 4.98 V/m, although its contribution to the total exposure levels was only 0.6%.
Based on the cumulative distribution analysis, it can be inferred that during the weekdays, 90% of the measured data have an E-field exposure value of less than 1 V/m. On the other hand, during the weekend, 90% of the measured data have a value smaller than 0.64 V/m. These values are in line with the E-field values recorded in similar studies as referenced in.
In conclusion, based on our extensive measurement campaign, personal exposure levels are higher in shopping malls during the weekdays compared to the weekend. The highest contributors to the total personal exposure at shopping malls are the Mobile communication technologies (Uplink/Downlink) and WI-FI technologies.
Contrary to our initial expectations regarding the indoor environment of the shopping mall, our measurement data reveals that Wi-Fi technologies are not the primary contributors to the total exposure. Instead, mobile communication technologies operating at 900 MHz and 1800 MHz have emerged as the dominant sources due to their high data rates and extensive coverage.
Methods: Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into six groups. The control received 5 mL normal saline (0.9% NaCl) by gavage, the cell phone group received 915 MHz, the UHF waves group just received 2450 MHz, the RA/cell phone group received RA plus 915 MHz, RA/UHF waves group received RA plus 2450 MHz, and RA just received RA (20 mg/kg). After 30 days of consecutive radiation, the biochemical and histopathological parameters of their testes were measured. Statistical comparison was made using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test.
Results: Cell phone and UHF wave radiation significantly diminished the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione content (P<0.001). On the opposite, UHF significantly increased oxidative stress indices including malondialdehyde level, nitric oxide level, and protein carbonyl content (P<0.001). UHF also significantly reduced the number of Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte, epithelial height, and seminiferous tubular and luminal diameters (P<0.001). RA, as an effective antioxidant, reverses the above-mentioned harms and moderates the adverse effects of UHF on the testes of rats by significantly diminishing the oxidative stress indices and antioxidant enzyme rise and improving the histological parameters (P<0.001).
Conclusion: RA can protect the testes of rats from UHF-induced toxicity by reducing oxidative stress. RA as a food supplement might be useful for protecting humans exposed to UHF environmental contamination.
Methods: Twenty adult female Wistar rats were divided randomly into four groups, each consisting of five rats. The control group was administered a vehicle (distilled water) orally, while the P. ginseng group received 200 mg/kg of P. ginseng extract orally. The RF-EMR group was exposed to 900MHz radiation, and the RF-EMR + PG group was exposed to the same radiation while also being treated with 200 mg/kg of P. ginseng orally. These treatments were administered daily for a period of 56 days.
Results: The RF-EMR group exhibited significant reductions in serum levels of LH, FSH, estradiol, and progesterone compared to the control group. Moreover, levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly lower in the RF-EMR group compared to the control. Additionally, there was a notable decrease in the expression of the CREM gene, accompanied by disrupted pituitary/ovarian morphology in the RF-EMR group compared to the control. However, the administration of PG mitigated these changes.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that P. ginseng extract shields against pituitary-ovarian impairment linked to RF-EMR exposure from cell phones by boosting antioxidant capacity and promoting the CREM-dependent pathway.
Exposure to electromagnetic fields causes a variety of health problems in living systems. We investigated EMF pollution in Şanlıurfa city center and also investigated anxiety-depression symptoms in individuals (18-40 years old) exposed to this pollution. For this purpose, electric field and magnetic field measurements were taken at Electricity Distribution Center and 44 substations (for each transformer), at 0 points, 1 meter away, 2 meters away and the house/office closest to the transformer. The experimental group was individuals living in electricity distribution center residences and individuals living near transformers (n = 55). The control group was selected from individuals who lived outside the city center of Şanlıurfa, did not have transformers or high transmission lines near their homes, and did not have any chronic diseases that could cause stress (n = 50). Anxiety and depression symptoms of the groups were measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory Scale (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory Scale (BDI). The relationship between EMF pollution and anxiety-depression was evaluated statistically. Maximum MF and EF values were recorded as 0.22 mT and 65.9 kV/m, respectively. All measured MF values were below standards, but EF values were above standards at some points. In conclusion, there is no statistically convincing evidence of a relationship between EMF exposure and anxiety-depression (p > 0.05). This result shows that there may be more meaningful results in places with higher EMF levels. We interpreted the fact that exposure to electromagnetic fields does not cause anxiety and depression in individuals, as the measured values are below the limit values.
Electromagnetic field pollution causes various health problems in
living systems. Research on this subject continues. We investigated
electromagnetic field pollution in Şanlıurfa city center and
investigated the psychological effects on individuals exposed to this
pollution. For this purpose, electric and magnetic field measurements
were made at 0 points, 1 meter, 2 meters away and at the closest places
to the transformer in 44 substations. The experimental group was
individuals living near a transformer, the control group was individuals
living outside the city center and without a transformer/high
transmission line near their home. Anxiety and depression symptoms of
the groups were measured using the Beck Anxiety and Depression test. The
relationship between EMF pollution and anxiety-depression was evaluated
statistically. As a result, no statistical change was observed regarding a
relationship between electromagnetic pollution and anxiety-depression.
Oxidative stress is characterized by an excessive concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting from a disturbance in the balance between ROS production and their removal by antioxidant systems (SOD, CAT, GPx). Prolonged and intense oxidative stress can cause various forms of damage to cells, which markers are total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reactive oxygen species modulator (ROMO1), and malondialdehyde (MDA). It has been demonstrated that magnetic fields can positively affect human health, for example, by reducing oxidative stress. Determination of the effect of a rotating magnetic field (RMF) on the activity/concentration of selected oxidative stress markers. A group of 30 healthy volunteers (15 women and 15 men) (mean age 24.8 ± 5.1) in the study classified into the following groups: internal control group (CG);1 h 25 Hz (samples placed in the field for one hour at 25 Hz); 3 h 25 Hz (samples placed in the field for 3 h at 25 Hz), the 1 h 50 Hz group ( placed in RMF for an hour at 50 Hz), and a group of 3 h 50 Hz (samples placed in the field for 3 h at 50 Hz). Serum samples were collected in K2EDTA tubes.. The magnetic induction value obtained for RMF is 37.06 mT and 42.64 mT.Activity/concentration of selected oxidative stress markers was analyzed by ELISA. The influence of an RMF on the activity/concentration of SOD, MDA, TAC, and ROMO1 was demonstrated (p < 0.001; p = 0.0013; p < 0.001; p = 0.003). The RFM can reduce oxidative stress, as evidenced by higher SOD and CAT activities in the CG than in samples placed in the RFM. Prolonged exposure to the RFM at 50 Hz increased the TAC level, indicating an intensification of oxidative stress in these samples. The optimal conditions for staying in the RFM (reducing oxidative stress) are 1 h 50 Hz for SOD and MDA; 3 h 25 Hz for CAT and TAC. In the case of ROMO1, it is stated that 1 h 25 Hz are the optimal conditions for no increased production of ROS.
Even though electromagnetic fields have been reported to assist endogenous neurogenesis, little is known about the exact mechanisms of their action. In this pilot study, we investigated the effects of pulsating extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields on neural stem cell differentiation towards specific phenotypes, such as neurons and astrocytes. Neural stem cells isolated from the telencephalic wall of B6(Cg)-Tyrc-2J/J mouse embryos (E14.5) were randomly divided into three experimental groups and three controls. Electromagnetic field application setup included a solenoid placed within an incubator. Each of the experimental groups was exposed to 50Hz ELF-EMFs of varied strengths for 1 h. The expression of each marker (NES, GFAP, β-3 tubulin) was then assessed by immunocytochemistry. The application of high-strength ELF-EMF significantly increased and low-strength ELF-EMF decreased the expression of GFAP. A similar pattern was observed for β-3 tubulin, with high-strength ELF-EMFs significantly increasing the immunoreactivity of β-3 tubulin and medium- and low-strength ELF-EMFs decreasing it. Changes in NES expression were observed for medium-strength ELF-EMFs, with a demonstrated significant upregulation. This suggests that, even though ELF-EMFs appear to inhibit or promote the differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons or astrocytes, this effect highly depends on the strength and frequency of the fields as well as the duration of their application. While numerous studies have demonstrated the capacity of EMFs to guide the differentiation of NSCs into neuron-like cells or β-3 tubulin+ neurons, this is the first study to suggest that ELF-EMFs may also steer NSC differentiation towards astrocyte-like phenotypes.