LED 590 nm photomodulation reduces UVA-induced metalloproteinase-1 expression via upregulation of antioxidant enzyme catalase

• We examine the biologic effects of 590 nm photomodulation on dermal fibroblasts.
• 590 nm light enhanced catalase expression via increased PGC1a.
• 590 nm light reduced UVA-induced intracellular ROS formation via catalase.
• 590 nm light may be used clinically for treating ROS-mediated dysfunctions.

BackgroundLight at visible spectrum has been associated with anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects. Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation is the most important environmental factor associated with exogenous aging via induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS).ObjectiveIn this study, we focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms involved in biological effects associated with 590 nm light delivered from light emitting diode (LED).MethodsUVA-induced metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression in dermal fibroblast was used as a model system for investigation.ResultsPretreating cultured human fibroblasts with 590 nm light attenuated UVA-induced ROS, phosphorylated Jun N-terminal kinases, and MMP-1 expressions in a sequential manner. Pretreatment with potent antioxidant N-acetylcysteine produced similar effect, suggesting enhanced antioxidant capacity induced by 590 nm photomodulation. Further experiments demonstrated that 590 nm photomodulation attenuated UVA-induced ROS and MMP-1 expressions via mitochondrial retrograde signaling that augments the antioxidant enzyme expression in a peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α-dependent manner.ConclusionOur results provided possible mechanistic insights explaining the effect of visible light on treating clinical conditions associated with ROS-mediated dysfunctions.