Given the ubiquitous presence of radiofrequency (RF) radiation sources in modern environments, concerns have been raised regarding their cytotoxic effects on osteoblasts and potential implications for skeletal health. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects, focusing on ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death implicated in bone pathologies, and the role of Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4). Through comprehensive bioinformatic analyses of public gene expression databases, we identified significant correlations between differentially expressed genes and biological processes associated with lipid metabolism and ferroptosis. MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were subjected to systematic evaluation under four distinct experimental conditions: a sham-exposed control group and three treatment groups exposed to calibrated RF radiation intensities - low (LRF, 50μW/cm²), moderate (MRF, 150μW/cm²), and high (HRF,450μW/cm²). To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying RF-induced ferroptosis, both ATF4 knockdown and overexpression experiments were performed. The findings indicated that RF radiation at 150μW/cm² elicited the most pronounced effects, characterized by reduced osteoblast viability, elevated lipid peroxidation, disrupted redox balance, impaired mitochondrial function, and disturbances in iron homeostasis. Notably, Atf4 knockdown exacerbated these deleterious effects, while its overexpression conferred protection against RF radiation-induced cellular damage. This study demonstrates the crucial role of ATF4 modulation in RF radiation-induced ferroptosis in osteoblasts, a process potentially contributing to bone disorders such as osteoporosis and impaired fracture healing. These findings suggest that targeting ATF4 may represent a promising therapeutic approach to mitigate the effects of RF radiation on bone health, thereby opening new avenues for intervention in environmentally influenced skeletal disorders.
Keywords
ATF4 | Radiofrequency radiation | ferroptosis | osteoblasts
Plain language summary
In the context of the rapid proliferation of wireless technologies in modern society, concerns have arisen about how electromagnetic radiation affects human health, with particular emphasis on skeletal system integrity. This research examined the effects of radiofrequency (RF) radiation on osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and the underlying mechanisms of cellular damage. Our findings revealed that RF radiation induces ferroptosis, a distinct form of regulated cell death, in osteoblasts. This iron-dependent process has been implicated in various bone pathologies. We identified a critical regulatory protein, Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4), which demonstrates a protective role against radiation-induced cellular damage. When osteoblasts were exposed to RF radiation, particularly at 150μW/cm², they showed reduced viability, increased oxidative stress, and perturbed iron homeostasis. Notably, Atf4 overexpression conferred significant cytoprotection against radiation-induced damage, whereas Atf4 knockdown enhanced cellular vulnerability to RF exposure. These findings suggest that ATF4 represents a potential therapeutic target for mitigating the effects of RF radiation exposure on skeletal integrity. This research provides novel insights into preventing or treating environmentally influenced bone disorders, including osteoporosis and impaired fracture healing. While further investigations are necessary for clinical translation, this study elucidates crucial mechanisms underlying the relationship between RF exposure and bone health in our increasingly wireless environment.