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Effect of blue light emitting diodes on melanoma cells: involvement of apoptotic signaling

Phil-Sun Oh1, Kyung Suk Na1, Hyosook Hwang1

  • 1Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 561-712, Republic of Korea; Molecular Imaging & Therapeutic Medicine Research Center, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 561-712, Republic of Korea; Cyclotron Research Center, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 561-712, Republic of Korea; Institute for Medical Sciences, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 561-712, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 561-712, Republic of Korea.

Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology. B, Biology
|January 1, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Blue LED irradiation induces apoptosis in melanoma cells by activating the mitochondria-mediated pathway. This treatment also inhibits early melanoma cell growth in mice, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical research
  • Photobiology
  • Cancer cell biology

Background:

  • Melanoma is a significant public health concern.
  • Understanding novel therapeutic strategies for melanoma is crucial.
  • Blue light emitting diodes (LED) offer a potential non-invasive treatment modality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of blue LED irradiation on B16-F10 melanoma cells.
  • To determine if blue LED irradiation induces apoptosis in melanoma cells.
  • To assess the impact of blue LED irradiation on early melanoma growth in a murine model.

Main Methods:

  • B16-F10 cells were subjected to blue LED irradiation.
  • Cell viability, apoptosis markers (phosphatidylserine exposure, sub-G1 population), mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptotic protein levels (cytochrome c, caspase 3, PARP) were assessed.
  • Intracellular superoxide anion levels and p53 phosphorylation were measured.
  • Melanoma growth was monitored in mice footpads following blue LED irradiation.

Main Results:

  • Blue LED irradiation reduced B16-F10 cell viability and induced apoptosis via the mitochondria-mediated pathway.
  • Irradiation increased mitochondrial membrane potential and levels of key apoptotic proteins.
  • Intracellular superoxide anion levels elevated, and p53 phosphorylation dynamics were observed.
  • Blue LED irradiation significantly inhibited the early growth of melanoma cells in mice.

Conclusions:

  • Blue LED irradiation effectively induces apoptosis in melanoma cells through mitochondrial pathways.
  • The treatment demonstrates an inhibitory effect on early melanoma tumor growth.
  • Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the mechanisms of blue LED in melanoma treatment.

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