Effects of 27.12 MHz short-waves on fibroblast cell culture and K-562 and ML-1 neoplastic cell lines.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to assess the effect of short-wave therapy (SWT) devices emitting radiofrequency (RF) waves on the proliferation rates of fibroblasts and neoplastic cells.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, fibroblasts cultured from sternal mesenchymal cells of a bypass surgery patient were enriched using stem cell techniques between January 2004 and February 2004. The K-562 and ML-1 neoplastic cell lines were prepared for analysis. Fibroblasts and neoplastic cell lines were exposed to 27.12 MHz short-waves at different energy levels. Continuous short-wave (CSW) was applied at 200 W power, and pulsed short-wave (PSW) was applied at three different mean powers: 1.6 W (PSW-1), 14.9 W (PSW-2), and 54 W (PSW-3). Fibroblast colonies were counted using inverted microscopy, and neoplastic cell proliferation rates were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All short-wave-exposed cells were compared to the controls with no exposure.

RESULTS

Short-waves increased the number of fibroblast colonies three- to four-fold across all power levels (1.6 W, 14.9 W, 54 W, and 200 W). They significantly increased K-562 cell proliferation only at 1.6 W and 54 W power levels (p=0.044 and p=0.004, respectively). In contrast, there was no significant increase in ML-1 cell proliferation at any power level tested (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study found that short-waves can boost fibroblast proliferation, potentially aiding tendon healing. However, it also had unpredictable proliferative effects on K-562 cells, as an inconsistent correlation with energy levels was observed. The ML-1 cells were not affected by short-waves, suggesting variability in tumor biology. These findings emphasize the need for precise dosing and personalized treatment strategies when using SWT devices.