Mobile phone RF-EMW exposure to human spermatozoa: An in vitro study

Present study was conducted to determine the effect of 1 hour mobile phone radio frequency electromegnatic waves (mp-rf-emw) exposure,with and without vitamin e supplementation,on sperm malondialdehyde (mda) concentration,motility percentage and gradation. healthy fertile subjects (n=22) of 20-35 years of age were recruited from faisalabad and surroundings. the mean fast progressive (a) sperm percentage and non-motile percentage (d) were significantly (p<0.01) lower (4.28%) and higher (4.06%),respectively,in mp-rf-emw exposed group compared to un-exposed group. mean mda (μmol/10x10 6 sperms) concentration from mobile emw exposed group was non significantly (p>0.05) the highest compared to both the other groups,non exposed and treated exposed. in mp-rf-emw exposed group,spermatozoal mda concentration was the significantly (r=-0.5816; p=0.0057) negatively correlated with sperm total motility percentage. it is concluded that mobile phone radiation likely to induce the sperm membranous lipid peroxidation through ros mediated cascade of reactions,consequently,decreases the fast progressive motile sperms percentage,and increases the non-motile sperms percentages. whereas vitamin e has shielding effects against mp-rf-emw generated ros subsequently diminished the mda concentration and improves the motility gradations. hence it is mandatory to avoid the sperms from emw exposure during sperm preparation for ivf and use of vitamin e supplemented mediums. © 2011 zoological society of pakistan.