Protective effects of pomegranate on mobile phone induced injury to spermatogenetic cells

Abstract

This study examined the histopathological effects of EMR exposure on spermatogenesis and the antioxidant effects of Punica granatum (pomegranate). This study exposed 30 adults male Wistar rats to EMR (900 MHz) for one hour every day for eight weeks. A control group received standard filtered water, an EMR-only exposure group, and two treatment groups received Punicagranatum (0.4 ml/200g) and Punicagranatum (0.8 ml/200g). The last two groups received antioxidants during EMR exposure to see if they helped spermatogenic cells. After exposure, testicular tissues were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) to identify structural changes in the seminiferous tubules, including Sertoli cells, germinal epithelium, and spermatogenesis-supporting structures. There was significant difference in the sperm quantitative parameters sperm count 87 ± 13.36 x 106 and sperm motility 71 ± 15.97%, p=<0.05. A normal histological architecture with well-defined, closely packed seminiferous tubules, intact germinal epithelium, enough spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and supporting Sertoli cells indicated optimal spermatogenesis in the control group. In contrast, testicular sections from the EMR-only group showed severe structural disarray, including jumbled seminiferous tubules, Sertoli cell loss, and decreased spermatogonia and spermatocytes. When antioxidants were given, tissue preservation varied. The latter showed low Sertoli cell loss, maintained germinal epithelium, and reduced oxidative stress. Punica granatum's polyphenolic components, which scavenge free radicals, boost its efficiency. Finally, this study shows that spermatogenic cells are susceptible to EMR-induced oxidative damage and that antioxidant supplementation may mitigate such effects. Punica granatum protects testicular architecture and function, while the latter was more effective under oxidative stress. These findings suggest studying natural antioxidants to protect against EMR-induced reproductive abnormalities.