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The Effect of Blue Light on Mitochondria in Human Dermal Fibroblasts and the Potential Aging Implications
Helen McNish1, Mruthyunjaya Swamy Mathapathi2, Katarzyna Figlak3
1Dermatological Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
Abstract:
The deleterious effects of blue light on the skin are becoming an increasing area of research focus, as we are exposed to increasing amounts of blue light in our daily lives. However, the effects of blue light on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage, mitochondrial function, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have yet to be investigated. Our study involved exposing neonatal human dermal fibroblasts (HDFn) to varying doses of blue light and analyzing mtDNA damage using qPCR, mitochondrial function using a Seahorse XF bioanalyzer, and ROS production using a ROS-Glo assay. Blue light induces increased mtDNA damage dose dependently, with 50 J/cm2 of blue light being the minimum dose required to induce significant increased mtDNA strand breaks (p = 0.0001). Mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production also occur simultaneously. The increased mtDNA damage and subsequent dysfunction were complemented by dose dependent increased ROS production. Within these results, 50 J/cm2 was consistently the minimum dose required to induce significant increased ROS production (p = 0.0475), reduced mitochondrial OCR, and virtually absent ATP production (p = < 0.0001). These findings suggest that blue light may have similar effects on mitochondria that have already been reported in skin exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR).
Insights
Blue light exposure damages mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and impairs mitochondrial function, increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in skin cells. These effects are dose-dependent, highlighting potential risks from daily blue light exposure.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Increasing daily exposure to blue light necessitates understanding its effects on skin.
- The impact of blue light on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage, function, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production remains under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of blue light exposure on mtDNA damage, mitochondrial function, and ROS production in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFn).
Main Methods:
- Neonatal human dermal fibroblasts (HDFn) were exposed to varying doses of blue light.
- mtDNA damage was quantified using qPCR.
- Mitochondrial function was assessed via Seahorse XF bioanalyzer.
- ROS production was measured using a ROS-Glo assay.
Main Results:
- Blue light induced dose-dependent mtDNA damage, with 50 J/cm2 being the minimum effective dose for significant strand breaks (p=0.0001).
- Simultaneously, mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR) decreased, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production was significantly reduced (p<0.0001).
- ROS production increased dose-dependently, with 50 J/cm2 also being the minimum dose for significant ROS elevation (p=0.0475).
Conclusions:
- Blue light exposure causes significant mtDNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in HDFn.
- The observed effects, including increased ROS production, are dose-dependent.
- These findings suggest blue light may induce mitochondrial damage similar to ultraviolet radiation (UVR).
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