Photobiomodulation of blue LED light in cell metabolism, proliferation and ionic membrane currents in human cultured keloid fibroblasts

Aim: the effects of the blue LED light were investigated in human fibroblasts isolated from keloid tissues. We focused our attention on the blue LED light modulation of cell metabolism, proliferation rate and membrane current amplitude. Methods: we used a blue LED light emitting in the visible range (410 - 430 nm), on cultured keloid fibroblasts. Five different fluence doses, in the range from 3 to 41 J/cm2 were applied. Cell metabolism, proliferation and cell viability were evaluated by specific biochemical assays, while ionic membrane currents were recorded by patch clamp experiments. Finally, the Cytochrome C redox state was assessed by Raman Spectroscopy. Results / Discussion: the blue LED light decreases both cell metabolism and proliferation of keloid fibroblasts, in a dose-dependent manner. When using a dose of 21.6 J/cm2, it directly affects Cytochrome C, which switches from the oxidized to the reduced form. At the same dose, blue LED light increases outward potassium currents, demonstrating that it might modulates cell cycle. Conclusion: the blue LED light treatment could be an innovative and non-pharmacological approach in the management of skin fibrosis.