Combined Effects of Microwave-Assisted Opuntia humifusa Extract and Red-LED Irradiation on Redox Regulation and...

This study evaluated the combined effects of microwave-assisted Opuntia humifusa extract (MA-OHE) and Red-LED irradiation on intracellular redox status and Wnt/β-catenin-associated signaling in human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs). Cell viability, DCF fluorescence, DNA damage, and Wnt3a/β-catenin expression were assessed. All treatments maintained > 90% cell viability and did not significantly increase DNA damage. MA-OHE and Red-LED irradiation reduced DCF fluorescence by approximately 20%-25%, with the combined treatment showing the greatest reduction. Western blotting showed increased Wnt3a and total β-catenin expression, with the combined treatment producing the greatest numerical responses. These findings indicate that MA-OHE pretreatment followed by Red-LED irradiation may provide greater modulation of intracellular redox status and Wnt/β-catenin-associated protein expression than either treatment alone. However, true synergy and direct hair growth promotion were not established.