Effects of Pulsed Radiofrequency Current and Thermal Condition on the Expression of β-Endorphin in Human Monocytic Cells

TL;DR

This study shows that pulsed radiofrequency current and mild heat increase β-endorphin production in human monocytic cells without harming them.

Contribution

The study demonstrates that PRF and mild heat can enhance β-endorphin release in THP-1 cells, suggesting a potential mechanism for pain relief.

Findings

PRF current and mild heat significantly increased β-endorphin levels in THP-1 cells.

Exposure to PRF or 42 °C heat did not reduce cell viability.

LPS-stimulated cells showed similar β-endorphin levels as PRF-exposed cells.

Abstract

Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) current applied to peripheral nerves is a modality used in interventional pain medicine, but its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether ex vivo exposure of human monocytic THP-1 cells to PRF current or to heat induces β-endorphin production. Methods: THP-1 cells were exposed to PRF current for 15 min or incubated at elevated temperatures (42 °C to 50 °C) for 3 or 15 min. Flow cytometry was used to assess cell viability, and β-endorphin concentrations in culture supernatants were quantified by ELISA. In a separate experiment, cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to compare its effects on β-endorphin release. Results: A 3 min exposure to temperatures ≥ 46 °C reduced THP-1 cell viability, whereas a 15 min exposure to PRF current or to heat at 42 °C did not impair viability. Both PRF current and mild heat significantly enhanced β-endorphin release. β-Endorphin levels in the supernatant of LPS-stimulated cells were comparable to those of cells exposed to PRF current. Conclusions: Ex vivo application of PRF current or mild heat enhanced β-endorphin production from THP-1 cells without significant cytotoxicity. These preliminary findings warrant further investigation using primary human monocytes and in vivo models to assess therapeutic potential.

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