Could Light‐Based Technologies Improve Stem Cell Therapy for Skin Wounds? A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Preclinical Studies

• Published in: Photochemistry and photobiology Vol. 99; no. 2; pp. 519 - 528
• Main Authors: Yoshimura, Tania M., Cabral, Fernanda V., Sellera, Fábio P., Pozzo, Lorena, Ribeiro, Martha S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-03-2023
• Subjects: Animal models; Animals; Bias; Cell therapy; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy; Heterogeneity; In vivo methods and tests; Low-Level Light Therapy; Meta-analysis; Quality of Life; Skin; Stem cells; Wound Healing
• ISSN: 0031-8655; 1751-1097
• DOI: 10.1111/php.13702

ABSTRACT
Several diseases or conditions cause dermatological disorders that hinder the process of skin repair. The search for novel technologies has inspired the combination of stem cell (SC) and light‐based therapies to ameliorate skin wound repair. Herein, we systematically revised the impact of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) combined with SCs in animal models of skin wounds and quantitatively evaluated this effect through a meta‐analysis. For inclusion, SCs should be irradiated in vitro or in vivo, before or after being implanted in animals, respectively. The search resulted in nine eligible articles, which were assessed for risk of bias. For the meta‐analysis, studies were included only when PBM was applied in vivo, five regarding wound closure, and three to wound strength. Overall, a positive influence of SC + PBM on wound closure (mean difference: 9.69; 95% CI: 5.78–13.61, P < 0.00001) and strength (standardized mean difference: 1.7, 95% CI: 0.68–2.72, P = 0.001) was detected, although studies have shown moderate to high heterogeneity and a lack of information regarding some bias domains. Altogether, PBM seems to be an enabling technology able to be applied postimplantation of SCs for cutaneous regeneration. Our findings may guide future laboratory and clinical studies in hopes of offering wound care patients a better quality of life.
Skin regeneration still challenges healthcare worldwide. Stem cell and light‐based therapies are novel technologies that have been proposed to ameliorate wound healing. This study systematically assessed whether light‐based therapies could improve cutaneous repair at pre or postexposure of stem cells using preclinical animal models. Although all included studies have shown a lack of information related to selection, performance and detection bias, an overall positive effect on wound closure and strength was noticed through the meta‐analysis. These results may guide future laboratory and clinical studies in hopes of offering wound care patients a better quality of life.