Combined effects of photobiomodulation and Ag/LaVO₄: Eu3+ nanocomposite hydrogel on wound re-epithelialization: association with endothelial activation and keratinocyte-related amphiregulin signaling
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12923/cipms-2026-0018Keywords:
keratinocyte proliferation, nanoparticles, photobiomodulation, tissue regeneration, wound healingAbstract
In this study, a combined therapeutic strategy integrating photobiomodulation (PBM) with an antibacterial hydrogel containing silver nanoparticles and europium-activated lanthanum orthovanadate nanoparticles (Ag/LaVO₄3+ NPs) was developed to enhance wound healing. This integrated approach was designed to provide complementary effects by simultaneously improving antibacterial activity and promoting tissue regeneration. The study aimed to investigate the roles of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and keratinocyte autocrine factor (KAF) in reparative processes occurring in chronic wounds following treatment with Ag/LaVO₄3+ NPs hydrogel and PBM therapy. Thirty WAG rats were randomly assigned to five groups: Con, Gel (Ag/LaVO₄3+ NPs hydrogel), PBM (660 nm, 50 mW, 1 J/cm²), Gel+PBM, and intact. Chronic wounds were induced, and serum levels of VCAM-1, ET-1, and KAF were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, histological analysis was performed. Experimental wounds were associated with elevated serum levels of VCAM-1 and ET-1 in the control animals, which is consistent with endothelial activation under inflammatory conditions. PBM therapy reduced the levels of these markers, whereas the combined Gel+PBM treatment produced the most pronounced effect, suggesting a greater attenuation of endothelial activation and the establishment of conditions favorable for wound healing. Serum KAF levels exhibited only a transient increase on day 3 in the control group and remained unchanged in the treated groups. The combination of PBM therapy and Ag/LaVO₄3+ NPs hydrogel was associated with reduced ET-1 and VCAM-1 levels, consistent with attenuated endothelial activation during wound healing. These changes were accompanied by improved re-epithelialization; however, the underlying mechanisms require further investigation.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Sergey Pavlov, Marina Kumetchko, Olga Litvinova, Nataliia Babenko, Vladimir Klochkov, Svitlana Yefimova, Igor Kolisnyk (Autor)
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