Expression levels of tam receptors and ligands in the testes of rats exposed to short and middle-term
Keywords
Testicular morphology was reported as normal in control and sham groups, while abnormal spermatogenesis processes and seminiferous tubule morphology were observed in the 2100 MHz RFR exposure groups. Cleaved caspase 3 immunoreactivity differed significantly i…
Study snapshot
Abstract
Expression levels of tam receptors and ligands in the testes of rats exposed to short and middle-term 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiation Katirci E, Kirimlioglu E, Oflamaz AO, Hidisoglu E, Cernomorcenco A, Yargıcoğlu P, Ozen S, Demir N. Expression levels of tam receptors and ligands in the testes of rats exposed to short and middle-term 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiation. Bioelectromagnetics. 2024 May 9. doi: 10.1002/bem.22504. Abstract With advances in technology, the emission of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) into the environment, particularly from mobile devices, has become a growing concern. Tyro 3, Axl, and Mer (TAM) receptors and their ligands are essential for spermatogenesis and testosterone production. RFR has been shown to induce testicular cell apoptosis by causing inflammation and disrupting homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the role of TAM receptors and ligands in the maintenance of homeostasis and elimination of apoptotic cells in the testes (weeks), short-term sham exposure (sham/1 week), and middle-term sham exposure (sham/10 weeks). Testicular morphology was assessed using hematoxylin-eosin staining, while immunohistochemical staining was performed to assess expression levels of TAM receptors and ligands in the testes of all groups. The results showed that testicular morphology was normal in the control, sham/1 week, and sham/10 weeks groups. However, abnormal processes of spermatogenesis and seminiferous tubule morphology were observed in RFR exposure groups. Cleaved Caspase 3 immunoreactivity showed statistically significant difference in 1 and 10 weeks exposure groups compared to control group. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the immunoreactivity of Tyro 3, Axl, Mer, Gas 6, and Pros 1 between groups. Moreover, Tyro 3 expression in Sertoli cells was statistically significantly increased in RFR exposure groups compared to the control. Taken together, the results suggest that RFR exposure negatively affects TAM signalling, preventing the clearance of apoptotic cells, and this process may lead to infection and inflammation. As a result, rat testicular morphology and function may be impaired. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Highlights Exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) disrupts normal seminiferous tubule morphology. RFR exposure in round spermatids may induce apoptosis independent of Tyro 3, Axl, and Mer (TAM) receptors. TAM receptors and ligands are expressed in rat testis. Conclusions TAM receptors and ligands may play an important role in the spermatogenesis processes and may affect the functions of Leydig cells and Sertoli cells. In the present study, we have reported that RFR exposure impair the morphology of rat testis. However, the impact on testicular function remains uncertain and requires further investigation. RFR exposure may negatively affect TAM signaling and enhances the accumulation of apoptotic cells. Humans are exposed to RFR at a variable rate on a daily basis. Cell phones are the main source of RFR exposure, further complicating personal exposure times. In this study, cleaved caspase 3, TAM receptors and ligands were evaluated in rat testicular tissue exposed to 2100 MHz RFR. This study highlights the importance of radiofrequency exposure in male infertility. It provides a model for RFR reproductive toxicity studies. In order to better study the toxicity potential of RFR in the male reproductive system, it is necessary to study the intrauterine development and possibly live/healthy birth rates of the fetuses produced by mating RFR-exposed male mice with healthy female mice. In addition, long-term animal studies are urgently needed to investigate the potential health effects of frequencies used by upcoming 5G on the male reproductive system.
AI evidence extraction
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Main findings
Testicular morphology was reported as normal in control and sham groups, while abnormal spermatogenesis processes and seminiferous tubule morphology were observed in the 2100 MHz RFR exposure groups. Cleaved caspase 3 immunoreactivity differed significantly in both 1-week and 10-week exposure groups versus control; most TAM receptor/ligand immunoreactivity did not differ between groups, but Tyro3 expression in Sertoli cells was significantly increased in exposed groups.
Outcomes measured
- Testicular morphology (hematoxylin-eosin staining)
- Spermatogenesis/seminiferous tubule morphology
- Immunoreactivity/expression of cleaved caspase 3
- Immunoreactivity/expression of TAM receptors (Tyro3, Axl, Mer)
- Immunoreactivity/expression of TAM ligands (Gas6, Pros1)
- Tyro3 expression in Sertoli cells
Limitations
- Sample size not reported in provided abstract/metadata
- Specific exposure metrics (e.g., SAR, power density) not reported in provided abstract/metadata
- Functional fertility outcomes (e.g., sperm parameters, mating success) not assessed or reported as uncertain in conclusions
View raw extracted JSON
{
"study_type": "animal",
"exposure": {
"band": "RF",
"source": "mobile phone",
"frequency_mhz": 2100,
"sar_wkg": null,
"duration": "1 week and 10 weeks"
},
"population": "Rats",
"sample_size": null,
"outcomes": [
"Testicular morphology (hematoxylin-eosin staining)",
"Spermatogenesis/seminiferous tubule morphology",
"Immunoreactivity/expression of cleaved caspase 3",
"Immunoreactivity/expression of TAM receptors (Tyro3, Axl, Mer)",
"Immunoreactivity/expression of TAM ligands (Gas6, Pros1)",
"Tyro3 expression in Sertoli cells"
],
"main_findings": "Testicular morphology was reported as normal in control and sham groups, while abnormal spermatogenesis processes and seminiferous tubule morphology were observed in the 2100 MHz RFR exposure groups. Cleaved caspase 3 immunoreactivity differed significantly in both 1-week and 10-week exposure groups versus control; most TAM receptor/ligand immunoreactivity did not differ between groups, but Tyro3 expression in Sertoli cells was significantly increased in exposed groups.",
"effect_direction": "harm",
"limitations": [
"Sample size not reported in provided abstract/metadata",
"Specific exposure metrics (e.g., SAR, power density) not reported in provided abstract/metadata",
"Functional fertility outcomes (e.g., sperm parameters, mating success) not assessed or reported as uncertain in conclusions"
],
"evidence_strength": "low",
"confidence": 0.74,
"peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
"keywords": [
"radiofrequency radiation",
"2100 MHz",
"rat",
"testis",
"spermatogenesis",
"seminiferous tubule",
"apoptosis",
"cleaved caspase 3",
"TAM receptors",
"Tyro3",
"Axl",
"Mer",
"Gas6",
"Pros1"
],
"suggested_hubs": [
{
"slug": "male-fertility",
"weight": 0.9,
"reason": "Animal study assessing testicular morphology, spermatogenesis, and apoptosis markers after RF exposure."
}
]
}AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.
Identifiers and source
DOI: 10.1002/bem.22504
PubMed: 38725116