The synergistic effect of photobiomodulation, methylglyoxal, and complex magnetic fields on human dermal fibroblasts: potential applications for chronic wound treatments

This paper aimed to verify how a new protocol, recently proposed for treating chronic wounds due to its excellent antimicrobial properties, affects human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). Single and combined action of light-emitting diodes (LED), complex magnetic fields (CMFs), and methylglyoxal (MGO) on cell viability and activity of NHDFs were investigated. Our first objective was to exclude any toxicity of this combined treatment on these cells. NHDFs were exposed to LED light for 17 min, CMFs for 22 min, MGO, MGO + LED, and MGO + CMFs, and then were assessed for cell viability, morphology, cytoskeletal integrity, collagen type I production, and migration capacity. Results of combined treatments were compared with those of single treatments and unexposed controls. NHDFs exposed to both single and combined treatments maintained viability, morphology, and cytoskeletal integrity, showing no signs of cytotoxicity. MGO at low concentrations was non-toxic and, when combined with other technologies, could confer beneficial effects on cell adhesion. LED stimulated collagen type I synthesis, and the production increased in samples subjected to the combined action of MGO + LED. CMFs notably accelerated fibroblasts’ migration in scratch assays, and when combined with MGO, they further enhanced this effect. The effects of MGO + LED and MGO + CMFs were probably due to cellular uptake and receptor sensitivity. The tested protocols were not only non-toxic but also promoted beneficial effects on the vitality and activity of dermal fibroblasts, confirming their potential in treating chronic wounds.