Effects of Pulsed Radiofrequency on a Standard Model of Muscle Injury in Rats

Abstract

Background: Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) affects animal and plant tissues; however, the mechanism has not been defined. We hypothesized that the magnetic field produced by PRF exerts its effects by the magnetic sensitivity of transitions between spin states-a spin-correlated radical-pair mechanism (SCRPM)-which, in turn, affects the rates of chemical reactions with participation of paramagnetic species. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PRF on redox equilibrium and inflammatory status in a standard model of muscle injury in rats. Methods: Twenty-four animals were subjected to a single impact trauma to the left quadriceps and the groups exposed and not exposed to PRF were compared. On day 7 of the experiment, the animals were killed and the quadriceps muscles were removed for analysis. Results: There was a significant increase in the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the muscle of animals from the trauma group (+233%), and this increase was eliminated by PRF administration. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was increased (+411%) by trauma, resulting in significantly higher consumption of catalase (-72%), while PRF administration brought both of these markers back to levels close to those of the control group. Trauma induced considerable production of interleukins TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (+215%, +262%, and +326% vs. controls, respectively) and these effects were also significantly reduced by PRF administration. Conclusions: In total, PRF inhibits oxidative stress and restores antioxidant enzymes to control levels and may block production of inflammatory markers in muscles of animals subjected to trauma. By modulating redox equilibrium, PRF treatment might block production of noxious mediators involved in development of trauma-induced injury.

Safety of Radiofrequency Ablation of Thoracic T2 and T3 Sympathectomy in Palmar Hyperhidrosis: A Case Report

“…According to the literature, the operation is successful in about 90% -97% of cases. However, the success rate in RF ablation in previous studies was reported to be approximately 75% (12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23); nonetheless, the success rate of 85% -95% was observed in the present case report. Nevertheless, surgical intervention is not usually performed as it is invasive, and general anesthesia is necessary and is associated with considerable pain in the postoperative period.…”

“…It seems that this case report has been the first attempt to describe the effects of an RF ablation interven-tion in palmar hyperhidrosis, with a significant success rate range of 85% -95%. Conversely, the success rate of surgical intervention (90% -97%) is higher (12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23), which can be attributed to the complexity of the RF ablation procedure. Moreover, the fact that the interventional pain physician did not have enough experience in eliciting this block may have an important role in this difference.…”

“…tive and equally effective technique for the application of RF to afferent pathways (14). Moreover, PRF has a new role in the inhibition of oxidative stress and restoration of antioxidant enzymes to control levels and may block the production of inflammatory markers in the muscles of animals subjected to trauma (15).…”

The Effect of Pulsed Radiofrequency on Radicular Pain in Lumbal Herniated Nucleus Pulposus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…Several studies have also shown that radiofrequency can induce changes in membranes and intracellular structures, thereby modifying the transmission of action potentials and perception of pain (1,3,(12)(13)(14).…”

How to Restart the Interventional Activity in the COVID‐19 Era: The Experience of a Private Pain Unit in Spain

“…Electric fields used in PRF modify the dynamic free radical equilibrium, even decreasing their generation. According to Brasil et al, 37 inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor‐ ⍺, IL‐1β, superoxide dismutase, and lipoperoxidation increase, while catalase enzyme decreases. In this study, these targets reverted to basal levels after PRF use.…”