Effects of 5 G mobile phone network electromagnetic field exposure on testicular endoplasmic reticulum stress and the protective role of coenzyme Q10

Abstract

Aim

Nowadays, the electromagnetic field (EMF) has become an issue of electromagnetic pollution. This study aimed to determine the effect of 5 G Fr1 frequency band EMF waves on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in testicular tissue and to demonstrate the efficacy of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in suppressing the potential situation.

Materials and Methods

Three groups of eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were established. In group I (control) received only saline solution by oral gavage. In group II (EMF), saline solution was administered by oral gavage and the rats were exposed to 5.9 GHz EMF for 2 h/d (09:00–11:00). In group III (EMF+ CoQ10), the EMF exposure was created in the same way as in group II and CoQ10 was given daily at 10 mg/kg (CoQ10), 2 mg/kg dissolved in corn oil and administered by oral gavage for the experimental period (30 days).

Results

Histopathological damage, including edematous regions, vascular congestion, and neutrophil inflammation accompanied by loss of spermatogenic cells, particularly spermatozoa, and spermatids, increased thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and decreased total thiol (TT) levels were observed in the seminiferous tubules in the EMF group. Furthermore, germinal epithelial cells showing intense GRP-78 immunopositivity and spermatogenic cells indicating C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) immunopositivity were increased in the seminiferous tubules. On the other hand, in the EMF+CoQ10 group, both histopathological and biochemical findings were observed in the opposite direction.

Conclusion

Due to its antioxidant properties and its ability to suppress oxidative stress and apoptosis, CoQ10 may be a promising candidate against 5 G EMF-induced testicular ER damage.