Effect of photobiomodulation on diabetic human gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts: An in vitro study.

AIM: This in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) with 940 nm diode LASER on diabetic human gingival fibroblasts (DHGF) and diabetic human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (DPDLF) obtained from patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DHGF and DPDLF were isolated and harvested from patients with poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes mellitus (HbA1c > 8). The cells were seeded separately in cell-culture plates and exposed to 940 nm diode LASER at 0.1 W power and 2 J or 4 J energy. The cells were exposed once, twice or thrice at 24 h intervals. Cell viability, proliferation, and migration were assessed in test and control groups via Trypan Blue Assay, MTS Assay, and Scratch Test Assay. The experiment was performed in the form of triplicate. RESULTS: Overall, the DHGF and DPDLF, which were exposed to PBM, exhibited better viability, proliferation, and migration than their corresponding controls. Cell viability was significantly higher in DHGF exposed thrice to 4 J energy at 24-h intervals (P < 0.05). As per the MTS assay analysis, PBM at 2 J energy accelerated cellular proliferation in DHGF and DPDLF (P < 0.05). The scratch test assay revealed significantly smaller wounds at 12 h and 24 h in all irradiated groups than in controls, suggesting faster cell migration. CONCLUSION: PBM using 940 nm diode at 0.1 W power and delivering 2 J energy could be a valuable tool for enhancing periodontal healing in patients with poorly controlled diabetes.