Photobiomodulation on extracellular matrix

Abstract

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a three-dimensional multicomponent, and a structural meshwork constituted of many specialized macromolecules. Such macromolecules provide an essential scaffold to tissue cells and chemical signals involved in cell proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation, which are crucial to tissue morphogenesis, homeostasis, and functions. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is based on non-ionizing radiations in the visible and infrared spectrum, emitted from low-power lasers, light-emitting diodes, and broadband light sources. PBM has been used for improving tissue repair, and successful results have been reported from experimental studies. In this review, studies were accessed by PubMed, and their findings on PBM-induced effects on the ECM were summarized. The results showed that low-power violet-red lights and near-infrared radiation modulate gene expression, cell proliferation, adhesion and differentiation, factors and enzymes, and structural constituents in the ECM. These results showed a dependence on radiation wavelength, fluence, irradiance, exposure time, emission mode, and cellular and tissue conditions. Such results suggest that the irradiation parameters, biological tissue type, and conditions should be considered for an effective therapeutic protocol aiming at tissue repair based on PBM-induced extracellular matrix remodeling.