Summary
This review assessed research on how exposure to human-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs), including extremely low frequency (ELF) fields and radiofrequency (RF) fields from wireless technologies, may affect reproductive health through oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Because reproductive cells are highly dependent on tightly regulated redox balance and mitochondrial energy production, they appear especially vulnerable to EMF-induced disruption.
The review highlights that EMF exposure consistently alters cellular redox signaling by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), with mitochondria identified as the primary source and main target of this effect. Disruption of the mitochondrial electron transport chain leads to excess ROS generation, overwhelming antioxidant defenses and promoting oxidative stress.
In males, numerous studies—particularly those involving mobile phones and laptops—show that EMF exposure is associated with impaired spermatogenesis, reduced sperm motility and viability, DNA damage, structural abnormalities, and overall lower sperm quality. These effects are strongly linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress within sperm cells. In females, EMFs have been shown to increase mitochondrial ROS in ovarian follicles, oocytes, and early embryos, compromising egg quality and embryonic development. Although fewer studies exist in female models, the evidence points to a similar mitochondrial-driven mechanism.
Overall, the review concludes that EMF-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress represent a plausible mechanism for reproductive toxicity in both sexes. While more standardized human and experimental studies are needed, the current body of evidence raises concerns about chronic EMF exposure from everyday technologies and underscores the importance of precaution and further research.
PMID: 30533171
PMCID: PMC6250044
DOI: 10.1155/2018/5076271
Abstract
Modern technologies relying on wireless communication systems have brought increasing levels of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. This increased research interest in the effects of these radiations on human health. There is compelling evidence that EMFs affect cell physiology by altering redox-related processes. Considering the importance of redox milieu in the biological competence of oocyte and sperm, we reviewed the existing literature regarding the effects of EMFs on reproductive systems. Given the role of mitochondria as the main source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), we focused on the hypothesis of a mitochondrial basis of EMF-induced reproductive toxicity. MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus database were examined for peer-reviewed original articles by searching for the following keywords: “extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs),” “radiofrequency (RF),” “microwaves,” “Wi-Fi,” “mobile phone,” “oxidative stress,” “mitochondria,” “fertility,” “sperm,” “testis,” “oocyte,” “ovarian follicle,” and “embryo.” These keywords were combined with other search phrases relevant to the topic. Although we reported contradictory data due to lack of uniformity in the experimental designs, a growing body of evidence suggests that EMF exposure during spermatogenesis induces increased ROS production associated with decreased ROS scavenging activity. Numerous studies revealed the detrimental effects of EMFs from mobile phones, laptops, and other electric devices on sperm quality and provide evidence for extensive electron leakage from the mitochondrial electron transport chain as the main cause of EMF damage. In female reproductive systems, the contribution of oxidative stress to EMF-induced damages and the evidence of mitochondrial origin of ROS overproduction are reported, as well. In conclusion, mitochondria seem to play an important role as source of ROS in both male and female reproductive systems under EMF exposure. Future and more standardized studies are required for a better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying EMF potential challenge to our reproductive system in order to improve preventive strategies.
Santini SJ, Cordone V, Falone S, Mijit M, Tatone C, Amicarelli F, Di Emidio G. Role of Mitochondria in the Oxidative Stress Induced by Electromagnetic Fields: Focus on Reproductive Systems. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018 Nov 8;2018:5076271. doi: 10.1155/2018/5076271. Erratum in: Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2020 May 17;2020:5203105. doi: 10.1155/2020/5203105. PMID: 30533171; PMCID: PMC6250044.