The effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure on synthesis and release of steroid hormones by the porcine conceptuses during the peri-implantation period

Abstract

Context Electrical devices and power systems are the sources of EM-waves which propagate everywhere in the environment. Aims The study aimed to determine whether EMF induced changes in the steroidogenesis of conceptuses and whether progesterone (P4) may be a possible protectant against the effects of EMF radiation. Methods The entire porcine conceptuses were collected during the peri-implantation period (days 15–16 of pregnancy), divided into fragments (100 mg) and treated in vitro with EMF (50 Hz or 120 Hz, 2 or 4 h exposure), and examined to determine of CYP17A1, HSD3B1, CYP19A3, and HSD17B4 mRNA transcript and encoded protein abundance and the release of steroid hormones. Selected fragments of conceptuses were treated with P4. Key results In conceptuses incubated without P4, EMF at 120 Hz decreased androstenedione (A4) and testosterone (T) release after 2 h and increased oestrone (E1) release at 50 Hz and 120 Hz after 4 h exposure. In P4-treated conceptuses, EMF (50 and 120 Hz, 4 h exposure) decreased CYP19A3 mRNA transcript abundance, and increased (120 Hz, 2 h exposure) oestradiol-17β (E2) release. Conclusions The EMF radiation alters androgen and oestrogen synthesis and release from the conceptuses of pigs during the peri-implantation period. The P4 exerts protective effects on androgens and E1 release but it sensitises the conceptuses when comes to the mechanism of oestrogen synthesis and release during EMF radiation. Implications The effect of EMF radiation on the steroidogenic pathway in conceptuses may induce disturbances in their proper development and implantation.