Effect of dual RF-EMF and pulsed magnetic field exposure on eNOS expression and histological integrity in male rat reproductive tissues.

PAPER pubmed Journal of molecular histology 2026 Animal study Effect: mixed Evidence: Moderate

Read original paper → DOI: 10.1007/s10735-026-10720-7 PMID: 41604021 Evidence Lab

Abstract

Abstract This study investigated the molecular and histological responses of male rat reproductive tissues to combined radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) and pulsed magnetic field (PMF) exposure. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were assigned to ten groups and exposed once, twice, or three times daily for 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month. Penile, testicular, prostatic, and renal tissues were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. Dual-mode electromagnetic exposure produced a marked increase in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA expression, particularly in long-term and higher-frequency groups, whereas vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels displayed only minimal changes. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression decreased in penile tissue following short-term exposure but showed a mild elevation in the long-term, high-frequency testicular group, indicating localized sensitivity. Histopathological examination revealed preserved tissue architecture in the penis, prostate, and kidneys, with hyperemia being the primary finding in penile sections. Caspase-3 (Cas-3) immunoreactivity remained low across all groups, demonstrating an absence of apoptotic activation. Testicular tissues maintained overall tubular integrity, although a moderate reduction in intratubular spermatozoa was noted in the one-month high-frequency group without accompanying necrosis or apoptosis. These findings indicate that RF-EMF and PMF exposure enhances endothelial activation mainly through eNOS upregulation while maintaining general tissue integrity in male reproductive organs. The mild testicular inflammatory response observed under prolonged exposure underscores the importance of dose-dependent application. Overall, the results support the biological safety and physiological relevance of dual electromagnetic stimulation under controlled experimental conditions.

AI evidence extraction

At a glance

Study type

Animal study

Effect direction

mixed

Population

adult male Wistar rats

Sample size

Exposure

RF-EMF and pulsed magnetic field · once, twice, or three times daily for 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month

Evidence strength

Moderate

Confidence: 70% · Peer-reviewed: yes

Main findings

Dual RF-EMF and pulsed magnetic field exposure increased eNOS mRNA expression especially with long-term and higher-frequency exposure, with minimal changes in VEGF. TNF-α decreased short-term in penile tissue but mildly increased long-term in testicular tissue. Histology showed preserved tissue architecture with hyperemia in penile tissue and no apoptosis. Testicular tissue showed moderate sperm reduction after one month high-frequency exposure without necrosis or apoptosis. Overall, tissue integrity was maintained with mild inflammatory response under prolonged exposure.

Outcomes measured

eNOS mRNA expression
VEGF levels
TNF-α expression
histopathological tissue architecture
Caspase-3 immunoreactivity
testicular tubular integrity
intratubular spermatozoa count

Limitations

Study conducted in rats, limiting direct human applicability
Frequency and SAR details not specified
Only molecular and histological endpoints assessed, no functional reproductive outcomes

View raw extracted JSON

{
    "study_type": "animal",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF-EMF and pulsed magnetic field",
        "source": null,
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "once, twice, or three times daily for 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month"
    },
    "population": "adult male Wistar rats",
    "sample_size": 60,
    "outcomes": [
        "eNOS mRNA expression",
        "VEGF levels",
        "TNF-α expression",
        "histopathological tissue architecture",
        "Caspase-3 immunoreactivity",
        "testicular tubular integrity",
        "intratubular spermatozoa count"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Dual RF-EMF and pulsed magnetic field exposure increased eNOS mRNA expression especially with long-term and higher-frequency exposure, with minimal changes in VEGF. TNF-α decreased short-term in penile tissue but mildly increased long-term in testicular tissue. Histology showed preserved tissue architecture with hyperemia in penile tissue and no apoptosis. Testicular tissue showed moderate sperm reduction after one month high-frequency exposure without necrosis or apoptosis. Overall, tissue integrity was maintained with mild inflammatory response under prolonged exposure.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Study conducted in rats, limiting direct human applicability",
        "Frequency and SAR details not specified",
        "Only molecular and histological endpoints assessed, no functional reproductive outcomes"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "moderate",
    "confidence": 0.6999999999999999555910790149937383830547332763671875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "RF-EMF",
        "pulsed magnetic field",
        "male reproductive tissues",
        "eNOS expression",
        "histopathology",
        "rats"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract/metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.

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