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Effect of NASA light-emitting diode irradiation on molecular changes for wound healing in diabetic mice
Harry T Whelan1, Ellen V Buchmann, Apsara Dhokalia
1Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA. hwhelan@mcw.edu
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to assess the changes in gene expression of near-infrared light therapy in a model of impaired wound healing.
Background Data:
Light-Emitting Diodes (LED), originally developed for NASA plant growth experiments in space, show promise for delivering light deep into tissues of the body to promote wound healing and human tissue growth. In this paper we present the effects of LED treatment on wounds in a genetically diabetic mouse model.
Materials And Methods:
Polyvinyl acetal (PVA) sponges were subcutaneously implanted in the dorsum of BKS.Cg-m +/+ Lepr(db) mice. LED treatments were given once daily, and at the sacrifice day, the sponges, incision line and skin over the sponges were harvested and used for RNA extraction. The RNA was subsequently analyzed by cDNA array.
Results:
Our studies have revealed certain tissue regenerating genes that were significantly upregulated upon LED treatment when compared to the untreated sample. Integrins, laminin, gap junction proteins, and kinesin superfamily motor proteins are some of the genes involved during regeneration process. These are some of the genes that were identified upon gene array experiments with RNA isolated from sponges from the wound site in mouse with LED treatment.
Conclusion:
We believe that the use of NASA light-emitting diodes (LED) for light therapy will greatly enhance the natural wound healing process, and more quickly return the patient to a preinjury/illness level of activity. This work is supported and managed through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center-SBIR Program.
Insights
Near-infrared light therapy using Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) significantly upregulates tissue regenerating genes, enhancing wound healing in a diabetic mouse model. This therapy promotes faster recovery and return to activity.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Photomedicine
Background:
- Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) technology, initially developed by NASA, shows potential for deep tissue light delivery.
- LED therapy is being investigated for its efficacy in promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration.
- This study utilizes a genetically diabetic mouse model to assess LED treatment effects on impaired wound healing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of near-infrared light therapy on gene expression in a model of impaired wound healing.
- To identify specific genes involved in the regeneration process stimulated by LED treatment.
Main Methods:
- Subcutaneous implantation of Polyvinyl acetal (PVA) sponges in BKS.Cg-m +/+ Lepr(db) mice.
- Daily administration of LED treatments to the wound sites.
- RNA extraction from harvested sponges and subsequent analysis via cDNA array to assess gene expression changes.
Main Results:
- Significant upregulation of tissue regenerating genes was observed in LED-treated samples compared to controls.
- Identified genes involved in regeneration include integrins, laminin, gap junction proteins, and kinesin superfamily motor proteins.
- Gene array experiments confirmed these findings in RNA isolated from wound site sponges.
Conclusions:
- NASA's Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) hold promise for enhancing natural wound healing processes.
- LED therapy may expedite patient recovery and return to pre-injury activity levels.
- This research was supported by DARPA and the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center-SBIR Program.