Evaluation of the combined effects of photobiomodulation therapy and periodontal ligament stem cell-derived exosomes on the proliferation and migration of human gingival fibroblasts: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the combined effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy with 808 nm diode laser and exosomes derived from periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSC-exosomes) on the proliferation and migration of human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells.

METHODS

HGF cells were cultured and allocated into four experimental groups: 1. Laser Only (L), 2. Exosomes and Laser (E-L), 3. Exosomes Only (E), and 4. Control (C). Depending on the group, cells were treated with PDLSC-exosomes and/or exposed to an 808 nm diode laser at energy densities of 3 J/cm² (L1), 6 J/cm² (L2), and 9 J/cm² (L3). Cell proliferation was assessed using the MTT assay, while cell migration was evaluated through the scratch wound test.

RESULTS

Significant differences in both proliferation and migration were observed among the experimental groups (P < 0.001). PBM therapy significantly enhanced both parameters, with the optimal effect observed at 6 J/cm² (L2), resulting in the highest proliferation (130.20 ± 6.82) and migration (144.27 ± 4.3) rates. While exosome treatment promoted fibroblast activity, its effects were less pronounced compared to PBM therapy. Notably, the combinatin of PBM and exosomes did not exhibit a synergistic effect, as fibroblast activity was lower than that observed with PBM alone.

CONCLUSION

PBM therapy significantly enhances the proliferation and migration of HGF cells. However, the absence of synergistic effects with exosomes suggests the necessity for further optimization of the treatment protocols. Subsequent research should focus on exploring a range of exosome concentrations and laser parameters to optimize therapeutic outcomes for periodontal tissue repair.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: PBM therapy enhances fibroblast proliferation and migration, supporting its potential in periodontal regeneration. The lack of synergy with exosomes highlights the need for further optimization to maximize clinical benefits.