Proliferation effects of 42-kHz radio frequency energy on human foreskin fibroblasts

Radio frequency (RF), which can penetrate the dermis to induce cell responses, has been frequently used in the field of skin regeneration. This study examines the potential of using RF treatment for skin wound healing. Human fibroblasts were exposed to a 42-kHz RF at various intensities for 30min. The cell cycle progression, cell viability, and c-fos and c-jun gene expressions were evaluated using flow cytometry, an MTT assay, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction after individual exposures. The results show that the DNA synthesis, cell viability, and gene expressions were upregulated by low-level RF, especially at 350 and 450 A/m² of electromagnetic field exposures. Therefore, RF may play a predominant role in inducing cell proliferation through cell cycle progression and c-fos and c-jun mRNA activation. Non-thermal RF may be the major cause of generating the cell response.