Role of Mitochondria in the Oxidative Stress Induced by Electromagnetic Fields: Focus on Reproductive Systems

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018; 2018: 5076271.

Silvano Junior Santini, 1 Valeria Cordone, 1 Stefano Falone, 1 Mahmut Mijit, 1 Carla Tatone, 1 , 2Fernanda Amicarelli, 1 , 3 and Giovanna Di Emidio 1 , 2

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.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6250044/