Interaction between low‐level laser therapy and Guarana (Paullinia cupana) extract induces antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐apoptotic effects and promotes proliferation in dermal fibroblasts

Abstract

Background Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) has several clinical applications; however, its benefits are not universal. Therefore, combination therapy with LLLT and extracts from the guarana (Paullinia cupana) plant may improve its effectiveness as guarana extracts exhibit anti‐aging properties. Objectives To evaluate the antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐apoptotic, and proliferative effects of combined LLLT and guarana extract therapy on human dermal fibroblasts. Methods Human dermal fibroblasts (HFF‐1) were cultured and initially exposed to several concentrations (1, 3, 5, 10, 30 µg/mL) of guarana extract. The experimental concentration of guarana extract was selected by analyzing cytokine levels, DNA oxidation, and apoptotic markers in LLLT‐exposed (4 J/cm2) and LLLT‐unexposed fibroblast cultures. After 72 hours, the cells were analyzed using spectrophotometric, fluorimetric, immunological, and gene expression (qRT‐PCR) assays. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the effect of each treatment on cell cycle. Results Fibroblasts treated with guarana (5 µg/mL) exhibited anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic properties been used in complementary protocols. Combined guarana and LLLT treatment significantly decreased protein carbonylation, lipoperoxidation, and DNA oxidation, downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of pro‐inflammatory molecules, and upregulated IL‐10 gene and protein expression. Guarana plus LLLT also decreased the levels of caspases 1, 3, and 8, increased the percentage of S‐phase cells, and decreased FGF‐1 and KGF‐1 levels. Some of these changes were also observed after treatment with guarana or LLLT alone. Conclusions Our results suggest that concomitant treatment with guarana and LLLT may promote fibroblast biostimulation and thus is clinically relevant.

Amazonian Guarana- and Açai-Conjugated Extracts Improve Scratched Fibroblast Healing and Eisenia fetida Surgical Tail Amputation by Modulating Oxidative Metabolism

“…Although there is some level of variation between the results obtained from the three different assays employed here (MTT, neutral red, and ATP), the set of results did not reveal any relevant toxic effects. These results are in accord with those of previous studies that did not indicate toxicity associated with the supplementation of cell cultures with guarana or açai extract [ 20 , 34 ].…”

“…Studies have shown that these fruits have an effect on the reversal of mitochondrial dysfunctional states and antiaging properties [ 16 – 19 ]. An investigation performed by [ 20 ] also reported that interactions between low-level laser therapy and guaraná extract present antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects and promote fibroblast proliferation.…”

Amazonian fruits with potential effects on COVID‐19 by inflammaging modulation: A narrative review

“…Evidence has shown that guaraná presents strong antioxidant and radical‐ scavenging properties (Maldaner et al, 2020 ; Roggia et al, 2020 ; Santana & Macedo, 2018 ; Yonekura et al, 2016 ), protective cellular and anti‐inflammatory properties (Machado et al, 2021 ), neuroprotective effect (Veloso et al, 2018 ), and anti‐aging proprieties (Arantes et al, 2018 ) An epidemiological study reported guaraná habitual consumption by older adult riverine with a lower prevalence of hypertension, obesity, and metabolic syndrome (da Costa Krewer et al, 2011 ). Yonekura et al ( 2016 ) had shown that small daily doses of guaraná (3 g) can improve oxidative stress markers in healthy subjects (Yonekura et al, 2016 ).…”

Effects of the consumption of guarana on human health: A narrative review

“…Another study using an HFF‐1 cell model demonstrated that the use of low‐level laser therapy combined with guarana extract administration (1, 3, 5, 10, or 30 μg/ml) downregulated the expression of pro‐inflammatory proteins and upregulated the expression of interleukin‐10, demonstrating its anti‐inflammatory effects and indicating that the use of guarana may improve the efficacy of this type of treatment (Maldaner et al., 2020).…”