Evaluation of laser-photobiomodulation different irradiation parameters on macrophages (RAW 264.7) inflammatory

Guilherme Aparecido Monteiro Duque da Fonseca1, Denise Carvalho Roxo2, Mariana Moreira Figueira2

  • 1Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, Brazil. Guilherme.fonseca1210@gmail.com.

Lasers in Medical Science
|September 18, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Laser-photobiomodulation (L-PBM) can modulate macrophage inflammatory mediator production. Specific parameters, particularly at 660 nm, influenced nitric oxide (NO) production and inhibited interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) without affecting cell viability.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Immunology
  • Photomedicine

Background:

  • Macrophages are key immune cells involved in inflammation.
  • Laser-photobiomodulation (L-PBM) shows potential for modulating macrophage activity.
  • Optimal L-PBM parameters for macrophage modulation remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of different L-PBM protocols on macrophage inflammatory mediator production and cell viability.
  • To determine specific L-PBM parameters for stimulating or inhibiting inflammatory responses in macrophages.
  • To contribute to understanding L-PBM's role in inflammatory processes.

Main Methods:

  • RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were divided into LPS-stimulated and non-LPS-stimulated groups.
  • Irradiated groups received L-PBM at 660 nm or 808 nm with varying energy (1-3 J) and time (10-30s).
  • Assessed cell viability, nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production.

Main Results:

  • L-PBM did not alter NO, TNF-α, or IL-6 production or cell viability in non-LPS-stimulated macrophages.
  • In LPS-stimulated macrophages, 660 nm L-PBM (2 J, 20s) significantly stimulated NO production.
  • L-PBM at both wavelengths (660 nm and 808 nm) with 2 J, 20s significantly inhibited TNF-α and IL-6 production.

Conclusions:

  • Time and energy delivery are critical L-PBM parameters for modulating inflammatory mediators.
  • Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis is particularly sensitive to 660 nm wavelength.
  • 660 nm L-PBM demonstrated broader inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6, with no observed impact on cell viability.

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