Up-expression of ATP synthase beta subunit and hypoxia up-regulated protein 1 precursor in rat testicular tissue after continuous 900-MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure: A proteomic approach

Background: Recently, scientists have interested to the radiofrequency-electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) effects especially on genital system because it may impair functioning of male human reproductive organs.Methods: To analyze the effects of exposure to RF-EMF on protein expression in rat testicular proteome, 20 Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 180 ± 10 g and aged 12 weeks were randomly divided into four equal groups and exposed to 900 MHz EMF with the average power density of 86 mW/cm2 and an average whole body specific absorption rate of 0.19-1.22 W/kg for 0, 1, 2, or 4 h/day for 30 consecutive days. Total protein content of rat testes was measured using Bradford method. Then total testicular protein was precipitated by acetone and separated by high-resolution 2 dimensional electrophoresis using immobilized pH gradient (pI 4-7, 7 cm) and 12% acrylamide. Resolved proteins were visualized with glutaraldehyde omitted silver nitrate staining. Gels were scanned and analyzed using Melanie software. The proteins of interest were excised from 2D gels and were analyzed using a MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS in reflection mode with delayed extraction. Volume and density of the respected spots were measured and analyzed BY one way ANOVA using SPSS version 21.Result: After 4 hours of daily exposure for 30 consecutive days, ATP synthase beta subunit (ASBS) and hypoxia up-regulated protein 1 precursor (HYOU1) were found to be significantly up-regulated as 1.7 times greater than control group.Conclusion: Both proteins have pivotal roles in energy providing across electron transport complexes of the respiratory chain and cytoprotective cellular mechanisms triggered by oxygen deprivation.

Keywords:

2-dimensional electrophoresis , MALDI-TOF , Specific absorption rate. , Electromagnetic field