Oxidative stress and energy metabolism in male reproductive damage from single and combined high-power microwave exposure at 1.5 and 4.3GHz

The effect of multi-frequency electromagnetic environments on male reproduction has attracted the medical community’s interest. Studies have investigated the effects and mechanisms of single-frequency microwave exposure on male reproduction, but comparative research on high-power microwave (HPM) composite and single exposure remains scarce. This study aimed to examine the effects and mechanisms of combined 1.5 GHz and 4.3 GHz microwave exposure on male reproduction. Male Wistar rats were exposed to 1.5 GHz (L-band) and 4.3 GHz (C-band) electromagnetic radiation for 15 minutes. The four groups were: sham, 10 mW/cm² L-band, 10 mW/cm² C-band, and 5 mW/cm² L-band and 5 mW/cm² C-band compound. Assessments were made on the pathological structures of testes, sperm viability, serum sex hormones, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism levels after radiation. Exposure to 1.5 GHz and 4.3 GHz microwaves individually resulted in testicular tissue damage and reduced sperm quality. There was little difference between the damage caused by HPM composite and single exposure. The exposed groups showed histological and ultrastructural changes, with reduced spermatozoa viability, motility parameters, and serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and serum inhibin-B on days 1 and 7 after exposure. These tended to recover partially by day 14. Adenosine triphosphate content and lactate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase activities in the exposed testicular tissue decreased, corresponding to decreased superoxide dismutase activity and increased malondialdehyde content. Both single and combined exposure to L- and C-band HPM affect the male reproductive system. Exposure to single and compound HPM shows no significant difference in risks, with oxidative stress and energy metabolism disturbances playing key roles.