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Photobiomodulation with 808-nm diode laser light promotes wound healing of human endothelial cells through increased reactive oxygen species production stimulating mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation

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Abstract

Photobiomodulation of cells using near-infrared (NIR) monochromatic light can affect cell functions such as proliferation, viability, and metabolism in a range of cell types. Evidence for the effects of near-infrared light on endothelial cells has been reported, but the studies were mainly performed using VIS light emitted by low-energy lasers, because NIR wavelengths seemed negatively stimulate these cells. Cell viability, free radical-induced oxidative stress, NF-κB activation, nitric oxide release, mitochondrial respiration, and wound healing repair were assessed in human endothelial cells (HECV) irradiated with 808-nm diode laser light (laser setup = 1 W/cm2, 60 s, 60 J/cm2, CW vs measured energy parameter = 0.95 W/cm2, 60 s, 57 J/cm2, mode CW) emitted by an handpiece with flat-top profile. No difference in viability was detected between controls and HECV cells irradiated with 808-nm diode laser light for 60 s. Irradiated cells demonstrated higher proliferation rate and increased migration ability associated to moderate increase in ROS production without a significant increase in oxidative stress and oxidative stress-activated processes. Near-infrared light stimulated mitochondrial oxygen consumption and ATP synthesis in HECV cells. Short near-infrared irradiation did not affect viability of HECV cells, rather led to a stimulation of wound healing rate, likely sustained by ROS-mediated stimulation of mitochondrial activity. Our results demonstrating that near-infrared led to a shift from anaerobic to aerobic metabolism provide new insight into the possible molecular mechanisms by which photobiomodulation with 808-nm diode laser light protects against inflammation-induced endothelial dysfunction, seemingly promising to enhance their therapeutic properties.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Dr. Milena Regazzoni for her support in the experimental activity. A special thanks to Prof. Adriana Voci for the constant support and encouragement.

Funding

This research was supported by grants from University of Genova (Vergani FRA nos. 2015 and 2016).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostic, University of Genoa, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy

    Andrea Amaroli & Stefano Benedicenti

  2. Department of Pharmacy, Biochemistry Laboratory, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16147, Genoa, Italy

    Silvia Ravera & Isabella Panfoli

  3. Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genoa, Italy

    Francesca Baldini & Laura Vergani

Authors
  1. Andrea Amaroli
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  2. Silvia Ravera
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  3. Francesca Baldini
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  4. Stefano Benedicenti
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  5. Isabella Panfoli
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  6. Laura Vergani
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Correspondence to Andrea Amaroli.

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Amaroli, A., Ravera, S., Baldini, F. et al. Photobiomodulation with 808-nm diode laser light promotes wound healing of human endothelial cells through increased reactive oxygen species production stimulating mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Lasers Med Sci 34, 495–504 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-018-2623-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-018-2623-5

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