The Effect of Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields with Low Induction and Red LED Light on Keratinocyte Biological Activity—An In Vitro Research Model

For several decades, there has been growing interest in the influence of low-frequency magnetic fields (LFMFs) and red LED light on the healing process. Keratinocytes are cells that play a significant role in the process of wound healing and tissue regeneration. A human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) was exposed to an LFMF with low induction (180-195 Hz; 60 µT, magnetostimulation), red LED light (630 nm; 300 mW, LED therapy), and their combined action (magneto-LED therapy) in in vitro culture conditions. On day 4 and 8 of the experiment, the following parameters were determined: adhesion/proliferation, adenylate kinase (AK), nitric oxide (NO), cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, TNF-α), metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9), and collagen IV. It was shown that magnetostimulation caused an increase in keratinocyte adhesion/proliferation and IL-8 secretion and a decrease in IL-12 secretion. The LED therapy resulted in a transient increase in the secretion of NO and cytokines IL-1, IL-12, and IL-6 in keratinocytes. The use of magneto-LED therapy resulted in an increase in keratinocyte adhesion/proliferation, the secretion of cytokines IL-6 and IL-8, and NO with a simultaneous decrease in MMP-9 secretion. The results of our studies showed that the action of an LFMF with low-induction and LED light on keratinocytes can modulate the biological activity of keratinocytes towards improving the skin healing process.