Low-Power Short-Pulse-Width Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency Relieves LL37-Induced Rosacea-Like Skin...

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Medical Aesthetics
• Inflammation Research

Background:

• Refractory rosacea presents a treatment challenge.
• Fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) shows promise for rosacea.
• Optimal FMR parameters require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• Determine optimal FMR parameters for rosacea-like dermatitis.
• Investigate the underlying mechanisms of FMR in rosacea treatment.
• Evaluate FMR efficacy in human patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR).

Main Methods:

• Utilized a rosacea-like dermatitis mouse model treated with FMR at varying energy and pulse widths.
• Assessed erythema severity and area, inflammatory cell infiltration, and microvessel density.
• Analyzed pro-inflammatory factor expression, NF-κB pathway activation, and cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α).
• Evaluated therapeutic efficacy in 20 ETR patients using a multispectral skin analysis system post-FMR treatment.

Main Results:

• Low-power short-pulse-width FMR (LS-FMR) significantly reduced erythema severity and area in mice.
• LS-FMR inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration (mast cells, CD4+ T cells), Th1/Th17 polarization, and angiogenesis.
• LS-FMR suppressed NF-κB pathway activation and downstream inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α).
• One FMR session in ETR patients led to significant erythema reduction at 3 months with no adverse events.

Conclusions:

• LS-FMR is a promising treatment for rosacea.
• LS-FMR effectively suppresses skin immune responses and angiogenesis.
• Optimal parameters for LS-FMR in rosacea treatment were identified.