Abstract

Overview

As the skin serves as a critical barrier and the largest body organ, its exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) can lead to physiological effects. This study explores the cellular responses of HaCaT human keratinocytes to RF-EMF exposure.

Findings

• Exposure to 1760 MHz RF-EMF at a specific absorption rate of 4.0 W/kg for 2 hours a day over four days induced the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS).
• The study utilized 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate fluorescent probe analysis to demonstrate ROS generation.
• Important skin aging associated proteins, Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 1, 3, and 7, were significantly increased alongside gelatinolytic activities of secreted MMP2 and MMP9 due to RF-EMF exposure.
• Phosphorylation levels of FoxO3a (Ser318/321) and ERK1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204) were also significantly increased.
• No significant change in apoptotic pathway markers (Bcl2 and Bax) indicating non-activation of apoptosis in keratinocytes post-exposure.

Conclusion

Exposure to 1760 MHz RF-EMF at 4 W/kg specific absorption rate promotes cellular aging processes in skin cells through ROS induction, activation of MMPs, and stimulation of the ERK1/2 and FoxO3a signaling pathways.