Abstract

Abstract Summary: Impact of RF-EMF on Skin Cells

Overview

As the skin is the largest body organ and functions as a critical barrier, it's frequently exposed and potentially affected by radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). Our study focuses on HaCaT human keratinocytes, exploring the cellular effects of RF-EMF exposure at 1760 MHz, with a specific absorption rate of 4.0 W/kg for 2 hours per day over 4 days.

Findings

• Intracellular ROS Production: Exposure led to increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, assessed using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate fluorescent probe analysis.
• Cell Growth and Viability: RF-EMF exposure didn't affect the overall growth and viability of the skin cells.
• Activation of Aging Factors: Skin senescence-related factors, such as Matrix metalloproteinases 1, 3, and 7 (MMP1, MMP3, and MMP7) and increased gelatinolytic activities of MMP2 and MMP9 were noted. Also, enhanced phosphorylation levels of FoxO3a (Ser318/321) and ERK1/2 (Thr 202/Tyr 204) were observed.
• Apoptotic Pathways: Despite these changes, expressions of Bcl2 and Bax remained almost unchanged, suggesting that the apoptotic pathways weren't activated post-exposure.

Conclusion

The exposure to 1760 MHz RF-EMF promotes ROS generation, which stimulates skin-aging processes by activating specific proteins and signaling pathways in HaCaT cells. This indicates potential underlying mechanisms through which RF-EMF could contribute to cellular senescence and skin aging.