Inhibition of Fibroblast Proliferation In Vitro Using Low-Level Infrared Light-Emitting Diodes

Abstract

BACKGROUND Scars, including hypertrophic and keloidal-type scars, may occur after burns, trauma, or surgery. Despite several treatment options available for scars, few effective, noninvasive modalities exist.Recently, a few small clinical studies revealed the possible benefit of red and infrared (IR) low-level light therapy (LLLT) in scar treatment. One of the important features of scars is proliferation of dermal fibroblasts, but in vitro data regarding the effects of light-emitting diode (LED)-generated IR light on human skin fibroblasts is lacking.OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of IR LLLT generated using LEDs on fibroblast proliferation and viability in vitro.METHODS AND MATERIALS Irradiation of normal human skin fibroblasts using IR LED panels was performed in vitro, and modulation of proliferation and viability was quantified using Trypan blue dye exclusion assay.RESULTS Fluences of 80, 160 and 320 J/cm 2 resulted in statistically significantly less fibroblast proliferation than in controls, without statistically significantly less cellular viability.CONCLUSION IR LLLT can effectively inhibit fibroblast proliferation in vitro without altering viability and holds promise for the treatment of scars.

Light-Emitting Diode–Generated Red Light Inhibits Keloid Fibroblast Proliferation

“…24,25 To our knowledge, this is the first report of the antiproliferative effect of LED-RL on keloid-derived skin fibroblasts in vitro. We believe that our findings serve as "proof of principle" and may establish the foundation for the translation of these "bench" findings to clinical studies to determine the antifibrotic effects of LED-RL for the treatment of keloids and other cutaneous scarring conditions.…”

“…This research builds on our previously reported findings that LED-RL can decrease normal human skin fibroblast proliferation in vitro. 24,25 Herein, we report the effects of LED-RL on keloid-derived human skin fibroblast proliferation and viability in vitro.…”

Comparative analysis of different doses of coherent light (laser) and non-coherent light (light-emitting diode) on cellular necrosis and apoptosis: a study in vitro

“…It has been reported that LED and laser radiation produce similar effects in therapeutic applications Volume 32, Number 4, p. 372-379, 2016 (Chaves et al, 2014;Lev-Tov et al, 2013a;Park and Hong, 2015). LED radiation is clinically advantageous for several reasons, including the ability to irradiate a larger area in a short time (Park and Hong, 2015) safety, less painful, and superior portability which allow for patient use at home, with minimal side effects (Lev-Tov et al, 2013a).…”

“…LED radiation is clinically advantageous for several reasons, including the ability to irradiate a larger area in a short time (Park and Hong, 2015) safety, less painful, and superior portability which allow for patient use at home, with minimal side effects (Lev-Tov et al, 2013a).…”

Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Management of Mucositis and Dermatitis Induced by Cancer Therapy

“…29 Reduction of fibrosis could be mediated by the beneficial effects of LLLT/PBM on the oxidant/antioxidant balance, 30 downregulation of the profibrotic TGF-b, 20 and inhibition of excessive fibroblast proliferation. 31 Although most LLLT/PBM studies have demonstrated efficacy in management of both acutely and chronically affected tissues, not all LLLT/PBM investigations have yielded positive outcomes. As will be discussed, these divergent results may be attributed to several factors, including dosimetry.…”