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

Electromagnetic waves can damage sex organs and cause hormonal disorders, and garlic isknown 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-specificstresses, 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.