Light-emitting diode-generated red light inhibits keloid fibroblast proliferation

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Photomedicine

Background:

• Red light therapy, using light-emitting diode-generated red light (LED-RL), is explored as a safer alternative for skin conditions.
• LED-RL does not induce DNA damage linked to skin cancer or photoaging.
• Previous studies showed LED-RL inhibits general skin fibroblast proliferation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of LED-RL on the proliferation and viability of keloid-derived fibroblasts in an in vitro setting.
• To assess the potential of LED-RL as a therapeutic option for keloid scars.

Main Methods:

• Primary keloid-derived human skin fibroblasts were irradiated using LED-RL panels.
• Proliferation and viability were measured using the trypan blue dye exclusion assay.
• Statistical analysis involved ANOVA and Student t-tests to compare irradiated and control groups.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant, dose-dependent decrease in keloid fibroblast proliferation was observed with LED-RL exposure (12.4% at 240 J/cm², 16.5% at 320 J/cm², and 28.9% at 480 J/cm²).
• Fibroblast viability remained unaffected by LED-RL treatment across all tested doses.
• Results were compared against matched nonirradiated control groups.

Conclusions:

• LED-RL demonstrates a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on keloid fibroblast proliferation.
• The treatment does not compromise fibroblast viability, suggesting a favorable safety profile.
• LED-RL warrants further investigation for clinical application in treating keloids and other fibrotic skin conditions.