TNFα secretion of monocytes exposed to pulsed radiofrequency treatment: a possible working mechanism of PRF chronic pain management.

Pulsed radiofrequency treatment (PRF) is a promising new technique increasingly used in treatment of chronic pain. The molecular working mechanism of PRF is not exactly known and is currently being investigated. This study investigates a possible role of PRF-induced modulation of TNFα secretion by differentiated monocytes in chronic pain management. The results show no significant PRF-induced change in TNFα secretion of lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated monocytes. However, PRF does significantly increase TNFα secretion of differentiated monocytes that have not been stimulated with LPS. This may indicate a possible role of PRF treatment in increasing TNFα production of nonstimulated monocytes. More research is needed to determine whether this is truly a part of the working mechanism of PRF in chronic pain management and which other factors are involved.