LONDON Low frequency electromagnetic fields similar to those emitted from power lines can stunt the development of parts of the ovaries in mice, Italian scientists said on Tuesday.
New research by Dr. Sandra Cecconi of the University of L'Aquila and scientists at the La Sapienza University in Rome has prompted worries that electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) could have a similar impact on human ovaries and contribute to infertility.
"Our results raise concerns that ELF-EMF exposure might impair female reproductive potential by reducing the capacity of(ovarian) follicles to reach the developmental stage that is an essential prerequisite for successful reproduction," Cecconi said in a statement.
Follicles are tiny fluid-filled sacs in which the female eggs mature. They grow up to about 20 millimeters in diameter and then release an egg which passes into the Fallopian tube.
Humans are exposed to low doses of electromagnetic fields in the home by appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and other electrical devices and by power lines.
The Italian scientists, whose research is published in the journal Human Reproduction, exposed the mice follicles to low doses of ELF-EMF, either 33 Hz or 50 Hz frequencies, over five days.
By the final day one third of the mice exposed to the lower dose and half of those given the high dose had normally formed follicles, compared to 80 percent of the other mice.
"The appearance (of the follicle) was normal but the growth was not the same," Dr. Rita Canipari of La Sapienza said in a telephone interview.
The researchers do not know why it happens but their results indicate that ELF-EMF may affect the regulatory mechanism controlling cells in the follicle.
"Maybe we can try to study the mechanism that causes this," Canipari added. "Maybe if we can find something wrong in the cell we could see if the same happens in humans." The researchers called for further studies into the effects of electromagnetic fields in humans.
"At this stage we have no idea whether the same effect would be found, but it would seem prudent to investigate.
But human infertility is very complex and many factors can combine to reduce fertility, and in every woman these factors are likely to be different," Cecconi explained.
An estimated one in five couples consult their doctor about infertility and one in 10 couples seek specialist help.
About one third of infertility cases are due to a male problem usually related to the quality and quantity of sperm. In women, blocked Fallopian tubes, irregular reproductive cycles or hormone levels are often the causes of infertility.
In many cases doctors cannot identify the cause of the problem.
(Reuter)