Abstract
Purpose: Photobiomodulation (PBM) promotes diabetic wound healing by favoring cell survival and proliferation. This study aimed
to investigate the potential of PBM in stimulating cellular migration, viability, and proliferation using the transforming growth factor-
β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway.
Methods: The study explored the in vitro effects of near infrared (NIR) light on cell viability (survival) and proliferation as well as
the presence of TGF-β1, phosphorylated TGF-β receptor type I (pTGF-βR1) and phosphorylated mothers against decapentaplegichomolog
(Smad)-2/3 (p-Smad2/3) in different fibroblast cell models.
Results: Results show a significant increase in cellular migration in wounded models, and increased viability and proliferation in
irradiated cells compared to their respective controls. An increase in the presence of TGF-β1 in the culture media, a reduction in
pTGF-βR1 and a slight presence of p-Smad2/3 was observed in the cells.
Conclusion: These findings show that PBM at 830 nm using a fluence of 5 J/cm2 could induce cell viability, migration and
proliferation to favor successful healing of diabetic wounds. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the
molecular and cellular effect of PBM and showcases the suitability of PBM at 830 nm in managing diabetic wounds.