Effects of cell phone radiation on testosterone levels and testicular changes in rats treated with garlic (Allium sativum L.) hydroalcoholic extract

Document Type : Original Research Papers

Author

Ms, Islamic Azad University, Kazeroon Branch, Department of Physiology, Kazeroon, Iran.

Abstract

Electromagnetic waves can damage sex organs and cause hormonal disorders, and garlic is
known to reduce risk factors for various diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the
probable effects of mobile phone radiation and the consumption of garlic on testosterone levels
and testicular changes. Five groups of rats were used: control, sham (exposed to 900 MHz
wavelength), experimental group 1 (receiving garlic extract), and experimental groups 2 and 3
(receiving both extract and microwaves). After a month, the rats were weighed and their serum
testosterone levels were measured. The testes were also removed, weighed, and their
probable histological changes were studied.The mean body weight in the sham group
showed a significant decrease, whereas an increase was seen in experimental group 3 compared
with the sham (P<0.05). Mean plasma testosterone levels in experimental groups 2 and 3 were
decreased. Similarly, a decrease was seen in the number of Leydig cells in the testes of
experimental groups. Although microwaves can cause weight loss, the presence of allicin
and vitamins A and B in garlic can compensate for some of this weight loss. Microwaves and
garlic extract are reflected both in the number of Leydig cells and in serum testosterone
concentration. These changes might be attributed to the induction of heat, non-specific
stresses, and apoptosis. However, some of these overlapping effects are synergistic and others
are antagonistic; thus, garlic consumption is not always beneficial in reducing the deleterious
effects of cell phones.

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Main Subjects

Progress in Biological Sciences
Volume 4, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
Winter/ Spring
May 2014
Pages 63-73

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