Blue light inhibits cell viability and proliferation in hair follicle stem cells and dermal papilla cells

• Published in: Lasers in medical science 2024-10, Vol.39 (1), p.251, Article 251
• Main Authors: Sun, Miao, Ren, Yi, Du, Qian, Xie, Yajia, Wang, Aixia, Jiang, Hui, Lai, Yongxian, Liu, Shangfeng, Liu, Muqing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Blue Light; Cell proliferation; Cell Proliferation - radiation effects; Cell Survival - radiation effects; Cell viability; Cells, Cultured; Dentistry; Dermis - cytology; Dermis - radiation effects; Follicles; Hair; Hair Follicle - cytology; Hair Follicle - physiology; Hair Follicle - radiation effects; Hair loss; Humans; Lasers; Light; Luminous intensity; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Optical Devices; Optics; Original Article; Oxidative stress; Photonics; Psychological factors; Quantum Optics; Reactive oxygen species; Reactive Oxygen Species - metabolism; Stem cells; Stem Cells - physiology; Stem Cells - radiation effects; Ultraviolet radiation
• ISSN: 1435-604X; 0268-8921; 1435-604X
• DOI: 10.1007/s10103-024-04195-9

Hair loss is a prevalent issue worldwide, which, though not life-threatening, can result in psychological problems, low self-esteem, and social anxiety. Previous studies have shown that ultraviolet radiation can have negative effects on hair follicle cells, leading to hair loss, while the impact of blue light on hair and hair follicle has largely been overlooked. This study aimed to examine the effects of blue light on hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) and primary dermal papilla cells (DPCs), which are essential components of hair follicles. Human HFSCs and primary DPCs were exposed to blue light (457 nm) at various intensities (1, 4, 8, and 16 mW/cm 2 ) for 3 days. Subsequently, cell viability, cell proliferation, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed. The results showed that blue light (457 nm) significantly reduced the cell viability and proliferation of HFSCs and DPCs in vitro, with the inhibition being intensity-dependent. Additionally, blue light triggered the overproduction of ROS in the DPCs. While the exact mechanisms by which blue light affects hair follicle cells remain unclear, these findings suggest that blue light could impede the growth of these cells. This insight may offer a new approach to protecting hair by avoiding exposure to high-intensity blue light. Highlights 457 nm blue LED light significantly inhibited the cell viability of HFSCs and DPCs. Blue light at comparable high irradiances has toxic effects on hair follicle cells. 16 mW/cm 2 blue light significantly induced oxidative stress and inhibited growth of DPCs.