Radiofrequency Irradiation Attenuates High-Mobility Group Box 1 and Toll-like Receptor Activation in Ultraviolet B–Induced Skin Inflammation

Abstract

Ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure activates various inflammatory molecules of keratinocytes in the epidermis layer. Such UVB-mediated skin inflammation leaves post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Reports show a close relationship between PIH and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and its receptors. General clinical treatments of PIH, such as oral medication and laser treatment, have reported side effects. Recent studies reported the effects of radiofrequency (RF) irradiation on restoring dermal collagen, modulating the dermal vasculature, and thickening the basement membrane. To validate how RF regulates the inflammatory molecules from UVB-irradiated keratinocytes, we used UVB-radiated keratinocytes and macrophages, as well as animal skin. In addition, we examined two cases of RF-irradiated skin inflammatory diseases. We validated the effects of RF irradiation on keratinocytes by measuring expression levels of HMGB1, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and other inflammatory factors. The results show that the RF modulates UVB-radiated keratinocytes to secrete fewer inflammatory factors and also modulates the expression of macrophages from HMGB1, TLRs, and inflammatory factors. RF irradiation could alleviate inflammatory skin diseases in patients. RF irradiation can regulate the macrophage indirectly through modulating the keratinocyte and inflammatory molecules of macrophages reduced in vitro and in vivo. Although the study is limited by the low number of cases, it demonstrates that RF irradiation can regulate skin inflammation in patients.