Effect of photobiomodulation on proliferation, migration and gene expression of human gingival fibroblasts from healthy and diabetic subjects

• Published in: Lasers in dental science Vol. 9; no. 1; p. 22
• Main Authors: Thakur, Surabhi, Setty, Swati B, Bakshi, Purva Vijay, Goni, Mallikarjun, Javaregowda, Palaksha Kanive
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.12.2025; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Antibiotics; Apoptosis; Cell adhesion & migration; Cell culture; Cytokines; Dentistry; Diabetes; Fibroblasts; Gene expression; Growth factors; Lasers; Medicine; Optical Devices; Optics; Photonics; Proteins; Software; Systematic review; Variance analysis; Wound healing; Wound healing; Diabetes; Gene expression; Photobiomodulation
• ISSN: 2367-2587; 2367-2587
• DOI: 10.1007/s41547-025-00297-x

Purpose The purpose of our study was to evaluate and compare the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) on healthy and diabetic gingival fibroblasts via cell proliferation, migration and gene expression analysis. Methods Gingival tissue was obtained from healthy and diabetic donors during crown lengthening procedures after obtaining informed consent. Primary fibroblasts cultures were obtained. PBM was performed using a 940 nm diode laser at 100mW power for 20–40 s through a 300 micron tip. The response of gingival fibroblasts to PBM was evaluated via cell proliferation, viability, migration and expression basic Fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), Transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα), Collagen Type 1 (COL1), Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) and Cyclin D1 protein (CCND1). Results Cell viability and proliferation were higher in groups exposed thrice to PBM for 20 s. The distance between the in-vitro wound margins was smallest in groups exposed for 20 s at 24 h post PBM. FGF2 expression was 30 times higher, TGFα expression was 13 times higher and FOXO1 expression was 9 times higher in HGF exposed to PBM for 40 s. Whereas, expression of TGFα gene was 11 times and 13 times higher in response to 20 s and 40 s of PBM in DGF. However, none of the differences were statistically significant. Conclusions : Three sessions of PBM using 940 nm diode laser at 100 mW power for 20 s has shown promising results. However, further studies are required to identify the optimal dosimetry for PBM using 940 nm diode laser.