The effect of smartphone's radiation frequency and exposure duration on NADPH oxidase 5 (NOX5) level in sperm parameters

Health hazard through smart phone radiation has been associated with male infertility. The suspected prime mediator is the NOX5 enzyme. When activated, the additional pathway for free radical production will damage sperm’s DNA. However, conclusive evidence is still lacking. Thus, this study was conducted to comprehend the detrimental effect of the radiation towards sperm parameters by using rat as a model. Parameters measured include sperm concentration, viability, DNA damage status and NOX5 level on sperm. This study consisted of two phases. The first phase was conducted to determine the optimal radiation frequency emitted from the smart phone. The radiation frequencies that were evaluated were 0 MHz (control), 4200 MHz without multiple connection mode (minimum frequency) and 9700 MHZ with multiple connection modes (maximum frequency). Each exposure setting represented one group. Each group consists of eight rats, which received exposure for 6 h/day for two consecutive weeks. All parameters measured showed significant differences. Optimum frequency for significant changes to sperm parameters were identified as the minimum frequency. Second part of the research involved the determination of optimum exposure duration. The optimal frequency obtained was used in combination with exposure duration of 0 h (control), 2, 4 and 6 h. Each group had 8 rats and exposure was conducted for 2 weeks. The results showed a significant difference for all parameters following 4 h of exposure. Following this, evaluation of DNA damage status through NOX5 activity was done by using the optimum setting where 0 MHz/0 h as a control and 4200 MHz/4 h per day for up to 2 weeks. The results showed significant differences of NOX5 fluorescent intensity between the two groups. In conclusion, although smart phone emitted low radiation, it can decrease sperm concentration, viability and increase DNA damage through ROS production. NOX5 pathway has been proven to be the likely pathway of ROS induced RF-EMW

Development of sperm separation system using electrical current for bull

A novel electrophoretic separation system has been successfully applied for the preparation of human sperm prior to the execution of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs). This new system is designed to overcome the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through centrifugation in conventional sperm preparation. Since the previous study showed favorable outcomes in humans, this study intends to implement this new system for animal sperm preparation particularly in bull. Fresh semen from adult bulls were used. Optimization of the electrophoretic system for optimum bull sperm separation involved different strength of voltage and separation time. The voltages applied were 10V, 20V, 30V, 40V, 50V, and 60V. For each voltage applied, the system was operated for a duration of 12 min. An average of 10 μl fractionalized semen was taken out at the collection site at every 2-min interval. Every fractionated sperm was then evaluated for percentage of viability, motility, and DNA damage assessment. Result showed that electrophoresis at 20V and 6 min yielded more than 80% viable and more than 70% motile sperm population with the lowest DNA damage. In conclusion, the system was able to fractionate high quality bull sperm at 20V and 6 min

Augmentation of the Female Reproductive System Using Honey: A Mini Systematic Review

Phytochemical contents of honey are presumed to be beneficial to the female reproductive system (FRS). However, the biological effects of honey supplementation (HS) in vivo on the FRS remain unclear. This review aims to investigate the current literature on the effects of HS on the FRS, particularly on the sex hormone profile and reproductive organs (uterus and vagina). A systematic literature search using Scopus, MEDLINE via Ovid and Cochrane Library databases was conducted. Records were screened and identified for preclinical and clinical studies addressing the effects of HS on the FRS. Data on populations, interventions, outcomes and methodological quality were extracted. Studies were synthesised using tables and written summaries. Of the 198 identified records, six fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All six records were used for data extraction: two experimental studies using rats as the model organism and four human clinical studies of honey on female reproductive health. HS elevated the progesterone levels, restrained body weight increase, prevented uterine and vaginal atrophies in ovariectomised rats, attenuated symptoms of candidiasis and improved oxidative status in patients. Current evidence shows that short-term HS following surgical or physiological menopause exerts an oestrogenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on the FRS. However, insufficient long-term studies preclude any definitive conclusions