Regulation of skin collagen metabolism in vitro using a pulsed 660 nm LED light source: clinical correlation with a single-blinded study.
It has been reported that skin aging is associated with a downregulation in collagen synthesis and an elevation in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. This study investigated the potential of light-emitting diode (LED) treatments with a 660 nm sequentially pulsed illumination formula in the photobiomodulation of these molecules. Histological and biochemical changes were first evaluated in a tissue-engineered Human Reconstructed Skin (HRS) model after 11 sham or LED light treatments. LED effects were then assessed in aged/photoaged individuals in a split-face single-blinded study. Results yielded a mean percent difference between LED-treated and non-LED-treated HRS of 31% in levels of type-1 procollagen and of -18% in MMP-1. No histological changes were observed. Furthermore, profilometry quantification revealed that more than 90% of individuals showed a reduction in rhytid depth and surface roughness, and, via a blinded clinical assessment, that 87% experienced a reduction in the Fitzpatrick wrinkling severity score after 12 LED treatments. No adverse events or downtime were reported. Our study showed that LED therapy reversed collagen downregulation and MMP-1 upregulation. This could explain the improvements in skin appearance observed in LED-treated individuals. These findings suggest that LED at 660 nm is a safe and effective collagen-enhancement strategy.
Barolet
Daniel
D
RoseLab Skin Optics Laboratory, 3333 Graham Blvd., Suite 206, Montreal, Quebec H3R 3L5, Canada. daniel.barolet@mcgill.ca
Roberge
Charles J
CJ
Auger
François A
FA
Boucher
Annie
A
Germain
Lucie
L
D000328:Adult; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000528:radiation effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012060:Rejuvenation; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D015595:Skin Aging; D012881:Skin Temperature / Q000528:radiation effects; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D015854:Up-Regulation / Q000528:radiation effects
D024042:Collagen Type I; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1