Effect of photobiomodulation therapy on surfactant production increase in human lung epithelial alveolar cells

Özdemir H. İ., Bilge M., Özkan E., Günel N. S., Özdemir H. E., Ahadova A., ...More

Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences, vol.24, no.9, pp.1617-1632, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 24 Issue: 9
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s43630-025-00784-x
  • Journal Name: Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, Compendex, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.1617-1632
  • Keywords: Alveolar surfactant, IR LED/laser therapy, Lung epithelial alveolar cells, Photobiomodulation therapy, Premature, Respiratory distress syndrome
  • Manisa Celal Bayar University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate photobiomodulation (PBM) by infrared LED lights as a non-invasive treatment for respiratory distress syndrome in premature and mature newborns, utilizing mature human lung epithelial alveolar cells as a model system. Human lung epithelial alveolar cells were irradiated using liquid-cooled infrared LED setups. Experiments were conducted with three wavelengths (660, 830, 940 nm), two light powers (30, 60 mW), and four energy levels (3, 5, 10, 15 J/cm2), with exposures at 24, 48, and 72 h. Each experiment was repeated three times. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA via GraphPad Prism software, with p < 0.05 considered significant. PBM significantly increased surfactant protein levels. Specifically, 660 and 830 nm wavelengths led to over a 50% increase in Surfactant Protein A. Combined 830 and 940 nm irradiation resulted in up to a 150% increase in Surfactant Protein B. PBM at 830 nm increased Surfactant Protein C by nearly 40%. Furthermore, 830 nm and particularly 940 nm irradiations caused approximately a 120% increase in Surfactant Protein D. Photobiomodulation therapy using infrared lights enhanced surfactant protein production in mature human lung epithelial alveolar cells. These findings suggest that this applied method may be a promising non-invasive treatment for respiratory distress syndrome in newborns, addressing a critical gap in current research.