Proteomic Analysis Reveals Anti-Fibrotic Effects of Blue Light Photobiomodulation on Fibroblasts

Background and Objectives This study was aimed at determining the effects of blue light photobiomodulation on primary adult mouse dermal fibroblasts (AMDFs) and the associated signaling pathways. Study Design/Materials and Methods Cultured AMDFs from adult C57BL/6 mice were irradiated by blue light from a light-emitting diode (wavelength = 463 +/- 50 nm; irradiance = 5 mW/cm(2); energy density = 4-8 J/cm(2)). The cells were analyzed using mass spectrometry for proteomics/phosphoproteomics, AlamarBlue assay for mitochondrial activity, time-lapse video for cell migration, quantitative polymerase chain reaction for gene expression, and immunofluorescence for protein expression. Results Proteomic/phosphoproteomic analysis showed inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinases/mammalian target of rapamycin and casein kinase 2 pathways, cell motility-related networks, and multiple metabolic processes, including carbon metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acid, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Functional analysis demonstrated inhibition of mitochondrial activities, cell migration, and mitosis. Expression of growth promoting insulin-like growth factor 1 and fibrosis-related genes, including transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) and collagen type 1 2 chain diminished. Protein expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, an important regulator of myofibroblast functions, was also suppressed. Conclusions Low-level blue light exerted suppressive effects on AMDFs, including suppression of mitochondrial activity, metabolism, cell motility, proliferation, TGF beta 1 levels, and collagen I production. Low-level blue light can be a potential treatment for the prevention and reduction of tissue fibrosis, such as hypertrophic scar and keloids. Lasers Surg. Med. (c) 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.