Improved Wound Remodeling Correlates with Modulated TGF-beta Expression in Skin Diabetic Wounds Following Combined Red and Infrared Photobiomodulation Treatments

Abstract

Diabetic wounds are a major cause of morbidity among patients with poorly controlled blood glucose levels. Conventional empirical wound care strategies have shown limited efficacy and there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Photobiomodulation treatments have shown a positive therapeutic effects in several cell culture and animal models. In this study, we examined wound healing in diabetic rats following treatments with two laser wavelengths, namely red (660nm) and infrared (808nm) individually and in combination as compared to routine wound dressings. Immunostaining for TGF-β expression was performed at various times post-wounding. We noted that the combination of red and infrared laser treatments correlated with decreased TGF-β1 levels at late stages in healing. There was no statistical significance with any treatments at an earlier time point. This study emphasizes the role of appropriate laser treatment protocols in modulating wound healing and remodeling responses.

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