Extremely low frequency magnetic fields induce spermatogenic germ cell apoptosis: possible mechanism
Lee SK et al · 2014
This review proposes a possible mechanism for germ cell apoptosis in testes induced by ELF-MF.
Plain English Summary
The energy generated by an extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) is too weak to directly induce genotoxicity. However, it is reported that an extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) is related to DNA strand breakage and apoptosis. The testes that conduct spermatogenesis through a dynamic cellular process involving meiosis and mitosis seem vulnerable to external stress such as heat, MF exposure, and chemical or physical agents. According to the ICNIRP 2010 guideline, epidemiologic studies have not consistently shown an association between human adverse reproductive outcomes and maternal or paternal exposure to low frequency fields. In animal studies there is no compelling evidence of a causal relationship between prenatal development and ELF-MF exposure.
Why This Matters
Nevertheless the results regarding adverse effects of ELF-EMF on human or animal reproductive functions are inconclusive. However there is increasing evidence that EL-EMF exposure is involved with germ cell apoptosis in testes. Biophysical mechanism by which ELF-MF induces germ cell apoptosis has not been established.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Show BibTeX
@article{lee_sk_et_al_september_2014_extremely_low_frequency_magnetic_fields_induce_spermatogenic_germ_cell_apoptosis_possible_mechanism_biomed_res_int_20142014567183_doi_1011552014567183_ce1317,
author = {Lee SK et al},
title = {Extremely low frequency magnetic fields induce spermatogenic germ cell apoptosis: possible mechanism},
year = {2014},
doi = {10.1155/2014/567183},
}