Electrical Stimulation Using a Low-Frequency and Low-Intensity Alternating Current Modulates Type I Procollagen Production and MMP-1 Expression in Dermal Fibroblasts

• Published in: Annals of dermatology Vol. 37; no. 3; pp. 152 - 161
• Main Authors: Kang, Bo Mi, Ahn, Jung Min, Kim, Jieun, Paik, Kyungho, Kim, Bo Ri, Lee, Dong Hun, Youn, Sang Woong, Eom, Keun-Yong, Choi, Chong Won
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) The Korean Dermatological Association; The Korean Society for Investigative Dermatology 01.06.2025; 대한피부과학회
• Subjects: Original; 피부과학; Electrical stimulation; Matrix metalloproteinase-1; Extracellular matrix; Procollagen; Fibroblast
• ISSN: 1013-9087; 2005-3894; 2005-3894
• DOI: 10.5021/ad.25.001

Despite various therapeutic modalities for keloids have been introduced; however, their therapeutic effects are limited. Therefore, the development of a new approach for inhibiting collagen production by scar fibroblasts is needed. To investigate the effect of electrical stimulation using a low-frequency and low-intensity alternating current on collagen and MMP-1 levels in human dermal fibroblasts. Low-frequency (20 kHz) and low-intensity (1 V/cm) electrical stimulations were applied to primary dermal fibroblasts. The production of type I procollagen and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 were evaluated. Transcriptomic analyses were conducted to explore the possible modes of action of electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation effectively suppressed type I procollagen production and increased MMP-1 expression. In addition, transcriptomic analyses revealed that electrical stimulation altered the gene expression associated with membrane permeability and the structure of cellular membranes. Validation using real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that electrical stimulation significantly altered the expression of mechanosensitive ion channels ( ) and membrane-bound protein organizing caveolae ( ). Electrical stimulation using low-frequency and low-intensity alternating currents effectively modulates extracellular matrix homeostasis by altering the cellular membrane structure and function. Our findings suggest a promising therapeutic approach for the management of keloids and hypertrophic scars.