Effect of photobiomodulation therapy on surfactant production increase in human lung epithelial alveolar cells

This study aimed to investigate photobiomodulation (PBM) by infrared LED lights as a non-invasive treatment for respiratory distress syndrome in premature and mature newborns, utilizing mature human lung epithelial alveolar cells as a model system. Human lung epithelial alveolar cells were irradiated using liquid-cooled infrared LED setups. Experiments were conducted with three wavelengths (660, 830, 940 nm), two light powers (30, 60 mW), and four energy levels (3, 5, 10, 15 J/cm²), with exposures at 24, 48, and 72 h. Each experiment was repeated three times. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA via GraphPad Prism software, with p < 0.05 considered significant. PBM significantly increased surfactant protein levels. Specifically, 660 and 830 nm wavelengths led to over a 50% increase in Surfactant Protein A. Combined 830 and 940 nm irradiation resulted in up to a 150% increase in Surfactant Protein B. PBM at 830 nm increased Surfactant Protein C by nearly 40%. Furthermore, 830 nm and particularly 940 nm irradiations caused approximately a 120% increase in Surfactant Protein D. Photobiomodulation therapy using infrared lights enhanced surfactant protein production in mature human lung epithelial alveolar cells. These findings suggest that this applied method may be a promising non-invasive treatment for respiratory distress syndrome in newborns, addressing a critical gap in current research.