Laser-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts: alterations in migration, secretome production, and induction of reactive oxygen species

Autores organización

• 

  Lina María Vargas Escobar

  Autor

• Zita Carolina Bendahan Alvarez

  Autor

Autores

• Grajales M.
• Arango C.
• Baldión P.

Unidades de investigación

• Cuidado de la Salud y Calidad de Vida

  

  Investigador

  Miguel Antonio Sanchez Cardenas

• Salud y Sociedad UEB

  Investigador

  Olga Stella Diaz Usme

• Unidad de Manejo Integral de Malformaciones Craneofaciales UMIMC

  

  Investigador

  Maria Clara González Carrera

Resumen

This study aimed to investigate the effects of low-level laser irradiation on human gingival fibroblasts, specifically examining changes in proliferation, morphology, migration, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Additionally, we assessed the impact of the secretome from irradiated fibroblasts on non-irradiated cell proliferation and migration. Human gingival fibroblasts were exposed to 650–940 nm laser irradiation for 50 s. Cell proliferation was quantified using resazurin, while migration was evaluated through a wound generation assay and by treating non-irradiated cells with the secretome from irradiated fibroblasts. We also analysed changes in type I collagen (COL1A1) expression, ROS production, and mitochondrial membrane potential ( ?m). Both 650 nm and 940 nm laser treatments induced morphological changes and significantly enhanced cell proliferation, observed 10 days post-irradiation, without causing cell detachment or death. Non-irradiated cells treated with the secretome from 940 nm-irradiated fibroblasts exhibited increased cell density at five and 10 days post-irradiation. Laser treatment at both wavelengths significantly stimulated cell migration. Cells irradiated with the 650 nm laser showed increased COL1A1 expression at five days, while those treated with 940 nm demonstrated a marked increase at 10 days. Low-level laser treatment led to significant increases in both ROS production and ?m. In conclusion, low-level laser treatment induced morphological changes and increased proliferation, cell migration, and COL1A1 expression in gingival fibroblasts. Treatment with laser-stimulated cell secretome significantly enhanced gingival fibroblast proliferation. The 940 nm laser treatment elicited the most pronounced cellular changes, particularly in relation to increased ROS production and ?m. © The Author(s) 2025.