Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides tissue structural integrity and its synthesis plays a crucial role in wound healing. Impaired wound healing ensues following the destruction of the ECM, or the inhibition of its synthesis. An imbalance in ECM synthesis and degradation is seen in patients with diabetes. This has led to the development of novel therapies that aim to decrease ECM destruction and increase its synthesis. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been shown to speed up the healing of these slow-to-heal wounds, and numerous studies are being conducted to determine the underlying molecular cause. This study aimed to ascertain the effect of laser irradiation at a wavelength of 660 or 830 nm at a dose of 5 J/cm2 on the genetic expression profile of genes involved in ECM proteins. cDNA was reverse transcribed from total isolated RNA and used in real-time qualitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Genes concerned with the basement membrane, collagen and ECM structural constituents, and ECM protesases and inhibitors were evaluated. Results showed that a similar genetic profile (although not identical) was seen post irradiation. PBM was able to reduce the expression of ECM proteases and increase mRNA levels of ECM proteins. This study fortifies the notion that PBM stimulates cellular activity and can influence ECM matrix synthesis and degradation during wound healing. This study has also shown that PBM is able to stimulate cells at a genetic level.