Inhibitory Effect of Photobiomodulation on the Proliferation Rate of the U87 Glioblastoma Cell Line

Abstract

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) or Low level light Therapy (LLLT), is the stimulatory effect of light on the cell behavior. It has been considered as a potential therapeutic intervention. Glioblastoma is a malignant primary brain tumor without any effective treatment. This in vitro study investigated the effect of PBMT on proliferation rate and vital activity of human glioblastoma U87 cell line. Three different wavelengths were considered: 632 nm (red light, 2.1 mW/cm 2 ), 534 nm (green light, 1.2 mW/cm 2 ), and 457 nm (blue light, 6.5 mW/cm 2 ). The cell behavior was studied during a period of four hours up to 60 hours after irradiation. The irradiated cells were inspected by different assays for cell count, cell viability, cell death, and free radical production rate and were compared with the control non-irradiated ones. The results show a reduction in cell viability for all the three wavelengths. However, the effect is more pronounced for blue light. Cell death assessments, staining and flow cytometry, and NBT assay shows that blue light is not lethal, but that it reduces the free radical production rate. Temporal analysis shows that the maximum effect on cell proliferation will be observed around 48 hours after irradiation. It could be concluded that light, particularly shorter wavelengths, has an inhibitory effect on the in vitro proliferation rate of U87 cell line by affecting the energetics of the cell. The effect is stimulatory and persistent for periods comparable to cell doubling time.