ABSTRACT
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is reported to impart a range of clinical benefits, from the healing of chronic wounds to athletic performance enhancement. The increasing prevalence of this therapy conflicts with the lack of understanding concerning specific cellular mechanisms induced by PBM. Herein, we systematically explore the literature base, specifically related to PBM (within the range 600-1070 nm) and its influence on dermal fibroblasts. The existing research in this field is appraised through five areas: cellular proliferation and viability; cellular migration; ATP production and mitochondrial membrane potential; cellular protein expression and synthesis; and gene expression. This review demonstrates that when fibroblasts are irradiated in vitro within a set range of intensities, they exhibit a multitude of positive effects related to the wound healing process. However, the development of an optimal in vitro framework is paramount to improve the reliability and validity of research in this field.
