Radiofrequency field inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in RAW264.7 cells via modulating the NF-κB signaling pathway

In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of radiofrequency exposure on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in RAW264.7 cells, along with the underlying mechanisms. RAW264.7 cells were subjected to radiofrequency exposure at three distinct power densities: 50 µW/cm², 150 µW/cm², and 450 µW/cm². The results showed that, among the three dosage levels, exposure to 150 µW/cm² of radiofrequency radiation significantly reduced the proliferation capacity of RAW264.7 cells. RF exposure at three power densities resulted in significant increases in the level of osteoclast apoptosis and notable decreases in osteoclast differentiation. Notably, the most pronounced effects on apoptosis, differentiation in RAW 264.7 cells were observed at the 150 µW/cm² power density. These effects were accompanied by concurrent decreases in mRNA and protein levels of osteoclast-specific genes, including RANK, NFATc1, and TRACP. Furthermore, radiofrequency exposure at power density of 150 µW/cm² induced a significant decrease in cytoplasmic NF-κB protein levels while increasing its nuclear fraction, thereby counteracting the effects of RANKL-induced NF-κB activation. These data suggest that radiofrequency exerts inhibitory properties on RANKL-induced NF-κB transcriptional activity, subsequently indirectly suppressing the expression of downstream NF-κB target genes, such as NFATc1 and TRACP. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that radiofrequency radiation effectively inhibits osteoclast differentiation by modulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings have important implications for potential therapeutic interventions in osteoporosis.