Modulatory Effects of 830 nm on Diabetic Wounded Fibroblast Cells: An In Vitro Study on Inflammatory Cytokines

<b><i>Background:</i></b>After skin damage, a complicated set of processes occur for epidermal and dermal wound healing. This process is hindered under diabetic conditions, resulting in nonhealing diabetic ulcers. In diabetes there is an increase in inflammation and proinflammatory cytokines. Modulating cells using photobiomodulation (PBM) may have an effect on inflammation and cell viability, which are crucial for the healing of wounds. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> This study explored the impact of PBM in the near-infrared spectrum (830 nm; 5 J/cm²) on inflammation in diabetic wound healing. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> Five cell models, namely normal, wounded, diabetic, diabetic wounded, and wounded with d-galactose were used. Cell morphology and migration rate were assessed, while cellular response measures included viability (Trypan blue and adenosine triphosphate), apoptosis (annexin-V/PI), proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and cyclooxygenase-2, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and gene expression of advanced glycation end product receptor (AGER). <b><i>Results:</i></b> PBM resulted in increased levels of TNF-α, supported by activation of NF-κB. PBM stimulated translocation of NF-κB and upregulation of AGER. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> PBM modulates diabetic wound healing in vitro at 830 nm through stimulated NF-κB signaling activated by TNF-α.