Protective Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Against Urogenital Damage Induced by 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi Radiofrequency Radiation in Rats

Abstract

Background: Wi-Fi exposure has been associated with oxidative stress and reproductive toxicity; however, protective strategies remain under investigation. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) against oxidative stress–mediated reproductive and renal damage induced by prolonged exposure to 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi radiofrequency radiation in male Wistar rats by assessing oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzyme activities, sperm parameters, testosterone levels, and testicular and renal histopathological changes. Methods: Male Wistar rats (n = 40) were allocated to the control, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi+CoQ10, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and vehicle groups. Animals were exposed to Wi-Fi radiation at 2.45 GHz [specific absorption rate (SAR) ≈ 0.9 W/kg, 7 h/day for 8 weeks]. CoQ10 was administered orally at 150 mg/kg/day. Oxidative stress markers [malondialdehyde (MDA)], antioxidant enzyme activities [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], sperm parameters, testosterone levels, and histopathology of the testes and kidneys were assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test. Results: Wi-Fi exposure significantly increased MDA levels in the testes and kidneys (P < 0.01, η2 = 0.39) and reduced antioxidant enzyme activities (P < 0.01, η2 = 0.41). Sperm count, motility, and testosterone levels declined markedly (P < 0.05). Histopathological changes were evident in the seminiferous tubules and renal tissues. CoQ10 supplementation alone reduced MDA (P < 0.05) and increased antioxidant enzyme activities above baseline (P < 0.05). Combined treatment (Wi-Fi+CoQ10) partially restored enzyme activities and attenuated oxidative stress compared with that in the Wi-Fi group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Prolonged Wi-Fi exposure at 2.45 GHz (SAR ≈ 0.9 W/kg) induces oxidative stress-mediated damage in reproductive and renal tissues, resulting in impaired sperm quality and hormonal imbalance. CoQ10 supplementation demonstrated protective effects by reducing oxidative damage and partially restoring reproductive indices. These findings suggest that continuous Wi-Fi exposure may pose reproductive risks, whereas antioxidant strategies such as CoQ10 could mitigate these effects.