Histomorphometry and Sperm Quality in Male Rats Exposed to 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi

Abstract

Category: Reproductive Toxicology Tags: Wi-Fi, 2.45 GHz, sperm quality, histomorphometry, male reproductive health, electromagnetic fields, rats DOI: 10.1530/rep-25-0048 URL: rep.bioscientifica.com Overview Numerous studies have documented the effect of 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi exposure on the testes and sperm quality. However, detailed histological changes in other male reproductive organs are less explored. This study evaluated histological alterations in the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle, and coagulating organ, as well as sperm parameters after 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi exposure. Study Design - Eighteen adult male Sprague Dawley rats (N=18) divided into three groups (Control, 4-hour, 24-hour; n=6 each). - Exposed to active router at 2.45 GHz for 4 or 24 hours daily for eight weeks, 20 cm distance, power density 0.141 W/m², SAR 0.41 W/kg. - Control group sham-exposed with inactive router. Findings - Histology revealed vacuolation in testes and corpus epididymis for exposed groups. - Seminal vesicles showed multifocal atypical hyperplasia in both exposed groups. - Seminiferous tubule diameter decreased, especially in 24-hour group. - Spermatogenesis index significantly reduced in both 4-hour and 24-hour groups. - Sperm concentration was significantly lower in both exposed groups compared to controls. - Sperm motility decreased significantly in the 4-hour group. - Notably, sperm viability increased substantially in the 24-hour group. Conclusion Exposure to 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi induces significant histological and morphometric changes, as well as impairs crucial sperm parameters in male rats. This highlights the potential consequences and risks of Wi-Fi exposure on male reproductive health, underlining important safety concerns regarding electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Compared with sham-exposed controls, Wi‑Fi exposure (2.45 GHz; 0.141 W/m²; SAR 0.41 W/kg; 20 cm) for 8 weeks was associated with vacuolation in testes and corpus epididymis, multifocal atypical hyperplasia in seminal vesicles, decreased seminiferous tubule diameter (especially in the 24-hour group), reduced spermatogenesis index (both exposed groups), and lower sperm concentration (both exposed groups). Sperm motility decreased in the 4-hour group, while sperm viability increased in the 24-hour group.

Outcomes measured

• Testes histology
• Epididymis histology
• Seminal vesicle histology
• Coagulating organ histology
• Seminiferous tubule diameter
• Spermatogenesis index
• Sperm concentration
• Sperm motility
• Sperm viability

Limitations

• Small group sizes (n=6 per group)
• Animal study (rat model; generalizability to humans not addressed in abstract)

Suggested hubs

• school-wi-fi (0.55)
  Study evaluates biological effects of 2.45 GHz Wi‑Fi exposure (router) relevant to Wi‑Fi exposure discussions.

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    "study_type": "animal",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "wi-fi",
        "frequency_mhz": 2450,
        "sar_wkg": 0.409999999999999975575093458246556110680103302001953125,
        "duration": "4 or 24 hours daily for eight weeks"
    },
    "population": "Adult male Sprague Dawley rats",
    "sample_size": 18,
    "outcomes": [
        "Testes histology",
        "Epididymis histology",
        "Seminal vesicle histology",
        "Coagulating organ histology",
        "Seminiferous tubule diameter",
        "Spermatogenesis index",
        "Sperm concentration",
        "Sperm motility",
        "Sperm viability"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Compared with sham-exposed controls, Wi‑Fi exposure (2.45 GHz; 0.141 W/m²; SAR 0.41 W/kg; 20 cm) for 8 weeks was associated with vacuolation in testes and corpus epididymis, multifocal atypical hyperplasia in seminal vesicles, decreased seminiferous tubule diameter (especially in the 24-hour group), reduced spermatogenesis index (both exposed groups), and lower sperm concentration (both exposed groups). Sperm motility decreased in the 4-hour group, while sperm viability increased in the 24-hour group.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Small group sizes (n=6 per group)",
        "Animal study (rat model; generalizability to humans not addressed in abstract)"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "Wi-Fi",
        "2.45 GHz",
        "rats",
        "Sprague Dawley",
        "sperm quality",
        "histomorphometry",
        "testes",
        "epididymis",
        "seminal vesicle",
        "coagulating organ",
        "SAR",
        "power density",
        "electromagnetic fields"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
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