Low frequency electromagnetic waves increase human sperm motility – A pilot study revealing the potent effect of 43 kHz radiation
Journal Title: International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health - Year 2018, Vol 31, Issue 6
Abstract
Objectives: Abnormalities in the timing and course of spermatozoa capacitation and hyperactivation underlie common pathologies related to male infertility. Recent data shows that low frequency electromagnetic waves may influence cell membrane potential and permeability. It is therefore possible that low frequency electromagnetic waves could affect the maturation and motility processes of spermatozoa. The 43-kHz wave generator was used for modeling the impact of environmental exposure to low frequency electromagnetic radiation on human sperm. Material and Methods: Sperm samples were gathered from 103 fertile, healthy men aged 25–30 years old and performed computer-assisted sperm analysis. After initial examination, each participant’s semen sample was divided into 2 aliquots (control and experimental) and placed in separate automated incubators. The samples constituting the experimental group were placed into the exposure system that emitted 43-kHz electromagnetic waves. Sperm motility was assessed at 3 h, 12 h and 24 h. Results: Exposure to a 43-kHz radio frequency increased the percentage of sperm in progressive motility by up to 5.8% and the velocity of said sperm by up to 2 μm/s. Moreover, the total number of hyperactivated spermatozoa was significantly increased in the semen exposed to the electromagnetic signal. Conclusions: In vivo environmental exposure to 43-kHz waves may promote the development of infertility related to premature capacitation outside of the vaginal tract. Exposing semen to this particular frequency may also boost the capacitation and hyperactivation of spermatozoa in vitro, prior to conducting assisted reproductive therapies.Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(6):723–739
Authors and Affiliations
Artur Wdowiak, Paweł A. Mazurek, Anita Wdowiak, Iwona Bojar
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP427368
- DOI 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01262
- Views 67
- Downloads 0
Authors’ response (August 21, 2017) to the letter to the Editor concerning the paper “Mortality for chronic-degenerative diseases in Tuscany: Ecological study comparing neighboring areas with substantial difference in environmental pollution”
Refers to: Chellini E, Martini A, Giovannetti L, Barchielli A. Letter to the Editor (July 28, 2017) concerning the paper “Mortality for chronic-degenerative diseases in Tuscany: Ecological study comparing neighboring are...
Spirometric and hygienic criteria in recognition of occupational COPD in Poland – A retrospective analysis of medical records
Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be work-related. It has been estimated that 15% of the population burden of COPD is attributable to occupational exposure. However, in Poland COPD is rarely re...
POISONINGS WITH STREET DRUGS: A REVIEW OF 1993–2008 DATA FROM THE TOXICOLOGY UNIT IN POLAND
[b]Objective:[/b] Drugs of abuse have been known in many cultures and geographical zones, and also in Poland the extent of substance abuse has been increasing. [b]Material and Methods:[/b] This report refers to patients...
Experiencing a probabilistic approach to clarify and disclose uncertainties when setting occupational exposure limits
Objectives: Assessment factors (AFs) are commonly used for deriving reference concentrations for chemicals. These factors take into account variabilities as well as uncertainties in the dataset, such as inter-species and...
SHIFT WORK AND METABOLIC SYNDROME, DIABETES MELLITUS AND ISCHAEMIC HEART DISEASE
Shift work is affecting 20% to 25% employees and is becoming increasingly prevalent in contemporary life all over Europe and USA. It is associated with several health problems, such as e.g. metabolic syndrome, diabetes m...