Proteomic Analysis Reveals Anti‐Fibrotic Effects of Blue Light Photobiomodulation on Fibroblasts

Abstract

Background and Objectives This study was aimed at determining the effects of blue light photobiomodulation on primary adult mouse dermal fibroblasts (AMDFs) and the associated signaling pathways. Study Design/Materials and Methods Cultured AMDFs from adult C57BL/6 mice were irradiated by blue light from a light‐emitting diode (wavelength = 463 ± 50 nm; irradiance = 5 mW/cm2; energy density = 4–8 J/cm2). The cells were analyzed using mass spectrometry for proteomics/phosphoproteomics, AlamarBlue assay for mitochondrial activity, time‐lapse video for cell migration, quantitative polymerase chain reaction for gene expression, and immunofluorescence for protein expression. Results Proteomic/phosphoproteomic analysis showed inhibition of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases/mammalian target of rapamycin and casein kinase 2 pathways, cell motility‐related networks, and multiple metabolic processes, including carbon metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acid, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Functional analysis demonstrated inhibition of mitochondrial activities, cell migration, and mitosis. Expression of growth promoting insulin‐like growth factor 1 and fibrosis‐related genes, including transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and collagen type 1 ɑ2 chain diminished. Protein expression of α‐smooth muscle actin, an important regulator of myofibroblast functions, was also suppressed. Conclusions Low‐level blue light exerted suppressive effects on AMDFs, including suppression of mitochondrial activity, metabolism, cell motility, proliferation, TGFβ1 levels, and collagen I production. Low‐level blue light can be a potential treatment for the prevention and reduction of tissue fibrosis, such as hypertrophic scar and keloids. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Assessment of the Photobiomodulation Effect of a Blue Diode Laser on the Proliferation and Migration of Cultured Human Gingival Fibroblast Cells: A Preliminary In Vitro Study

“…21 On the contrary, a recently published article reported the suppressive effects of blue LED light (463 ± 50 nm) at 4 and 8 J/cm 2 energy densities on adult mouse dermal fibroblasts. 22 The current study is the first research investigating the photobiomodulation effect of the blue diode laser (445 nm) on human gingival fibroblast. We examined the effect of different energy densities on the proliferation of fibroblast cells.…”

Light-emitting diode stimulates radiodermatitis recovery

“…The increase in IL-10 can be explained by the stimulation of acceptors (chromophores) located in the mitochondrial membrane. The activation of this acceptor increases the production of ATP, proteins and cell proliferation [13][14][15][16] .…”

“…The literature regarding this finding is conflicting. Some authors have demonstrated that the use of low voltage laser (430 to 630 nm) decreases, in a short term, the gene expression of metalloproteinases 15,16 . Others demonstrated an increase in MMP9 gene expression in second degree burns in rats on the 18 th day after the injury 17 .…”

“…In fact, several studies have demonstrated the antifibrotic action of low voltage laser [14][15][16] . Chang et al 16 used low voltage lasers (463 nm wavelength) on the skin of young and elderly mice. This study showed a lower gene expression of proteolytic biomarkers (TGF-beta, collagen types I and II) in the low-voltage laser group.…”

Phototherapy in the blue range of visible spectrum: the possibilities of optimization of the functional state of the cardiorespiratory system in humans under extreme conditions

“…It was proven that blue light phototherapy not only modulates circadian rhythms and affects the skin [3], but also can accelerate bone regeneration processes [16] and modulate the vascular tone [15]. The vasodilating effects can be a result of direct effect on the contractile elements of vascular smooth muscle cells [2] and also can be mediated by the release of the major endothelial vasodilator NO [4].…”