Introduction: Light-Emitting Diode Therapy for Chronic Non-Healing Diabetic Wounds
Diabetes mellitus is frequently associated with chronic non-healing wounds, many of which result in amputation. The combination of peripheral vascular disease, neuropathy, and impaired immune function contributes to a higher risk of injury and deficiency in healing. Wound healing is a complex process comprising eight important factors: (1) collagen synthesis, (2) cell migration, (3) cell cycle and differentiation, (4) angiogenesis and growth hormone, (5) blood clotting, (6) extracellular matrix and focal adhesion, (7) calcium ion signaling, and (8) immune and inflammatory response. In the diabetic cell, all these processes malfunction, with the exception of collagen synthesis, cell migration, and cell cycle or differentiation.
Previous studies found an association between diabetes and the precursor protein pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene. POMC is normally expressed in pituitary melanotroph and corticotroph cells and functions to control body weight. Studies have suggested that a mutation in the POMC gene leads to early-onset type 2 diabetes and obesity. This correlation is under investigation for its potential use in diabetic therapy.
Light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy at 660 and 890nm has been shown to significantly accelerate wound healing in normal, healthy patients. This therapy works through molecules with porphyrin structures that are able to trap photon energy and subsequently activate downstream processes. The current study investigated the results of a range of different LED phototherapies on gene expression and cellular function of diabetic cells compared with normal, healthy cells … read more