Effects of 700 MHz radiofrequency radiation (5 G lower band) on the reproductive parameters of female Wistar rats

Abstract

The advent of 5 G technology has raised concerns about its potential biological effects, particularly reproductive health being one key area of focus. This study investigated the impact of 700 MHz, a lower 5 G frequency band, on the reproductive health of female Wistar rats. The experiment analyzed the effects of short-term and long-term exposure to 700 MHz mobile radiation on female Wistar rats. Rats were divided into three groups (control, sham-exposed, and exposed), with sample sizes of n = 6 for short-term and n = 8 for long-term exposure. For short-term exposure, rats were subjected to 6 hrs of radiation daily for 10 days, while for long-term exposure, rats exposed 4 hrs daily for 60 days. Physiological parameters, including estrous cyclicity, were monitored, and histopathological and biochemical analyses were conducted on harvested ovaries. Comet assay was performed to assess DNA damage. The results indicated no changes in estrous cycles or comet assay parameters in either exposure group. Serological hormone levels, including estradiol and progesterone, remained within normal ranges, but a slight yet significant increase in testosterone levels was observed in exposed groups. Oxidative stress markers revealed elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and significant decreases in superoxide dismutase (SOD), total sulfhydryl content, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) in exposed ovaries. Histopathological analysis showed no significant changes in ovarian morphology in short-term exposure but revealed alterations, including cystic follicles and abnormal vasculature, in long-term exposure. These findings suggest that 700 MHz radiation may induce oxidative stress and tissue changes in ovarian samples over prolonged exposure.