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Published on: February 17, 2021
Endogenous Bioelectrical Modulation of Longevity-Associated and Inflammatory Signaling Pathways in Human Dermal
Sara Cruciani1,2, Vania Fontani2,3, Arianna Rinaldi2,3
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
Abstract:
Chronic low-grade inflammation, altered microvascular support, and progressive stress-related cellular dysfunction are major contributors to tissue aging and impaired repair. Dermal fibroblasts are central regulators of these processes because they integrate cytokine-related signaling, redox balance, and extracellular matrix homeostasis. Increasing evidence indicates that endogenous bioelectrical activity may influence these cellular functions by shaping upstream regulatory conditions linked to downstream molecular responses. In the present study, we investigated the molecular effects of the Radio Electric Asymmetric Conveyer Anti-Inflammatory Cellular Treatment delivered under Inside Blue Zone conditions (REAC ACT-IBZ) in human dermal fibroblasts (HFF1). Cells were exposed to nine standardized treatment sessions, and molecular changes were assessed by RT-qPCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence analysis complemented by supportive semi-quantitative fluorescence intensity assessment. REAC ACT-IBZ exposure was associated with increased SIRT1 and VEGF expression and with transcriptional modulation of selected cytokine-related genes, including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-8. Immunofluorescence analysis, complemented by supportive semi-quantitative fluorescence intensity assessment, showed a pattern consistent with increased FOXO1 and SIRT1 staining and reduced mTOR staining in treated cells. Overall, these findings identify a molecular profile associated with REAC ACT-IBZ exposure in human dermal fibroblasts, involving stress-response regulators, angiogenesis-related signaling, and selective cytokine-related transcriptional changes. Within the limits of the present in vitro model, the data support the view that endogenous bioelectrical modulation may interact with molecular networks relevant to tissue homeostasis and inflammaging.
