The individual and simultaneous effect of the microwaves and sharp sound on sperm viability and total antioxidant capacity of plasma in male rats

Background: There is a great concern for the possible adverse effects of radiofrequency radiations of cell phones. Moreover, unwanted sound is one of the physical pollutants of current societies. Thus, the present study was conducted to examine the effect of cell phone waves, sound, and simultaneous effect of cell phone waves and sound on sperm viability and total antioxidant capacity of blood plasma in adult male rats.

Methods: This experimental study was performed on twenty eight Wistar adult male rats (200- 250 gr). The animals were randomly assigned to four groups (n=7): control group, two-week exposure to cell phone simulated waves group, exposure to sound group, and simultaneous exposure to cell phone simulated waves and sound group. The means of sperm viability in all groups were determined with criterions of WHO and total antioxidant capacity of blood plasma in all groups were determined by FRAP (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma). The results were analyzed by one- way ANOVA statistical technique followed by Tukey test using SPSS (version 16) software.

Results: Sperm viability in the exposure to cell phone simulated waves and simultaneous exposure to cell phone simulated waves and sound groups decreased significantly compared to control group (p<0.05). The total antioxidant capacity of blood plasma in all exposure groups decreased significantly compared to control group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Exposure to cell phone waves or sharp sound can cause a significant decrease in sperm viability and a significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity of blood plasma in adult male rats which consequently results in oxidative stress.