Inhibitory effect of 660-nm LED on melanin synthesis in in vitro and in vivo.

BackgroundSkin hyperpigmentary disorders including postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, solar lentigines, and conditions like freckles are common. The light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are the latest category of nonthermal and noninvasive phototherapy to be considered in skin pigmentation disorder treatment. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 660-nm LED on inhibition of melanogenesis. We investigated whether a 660-nm LED affected melanin synthesis in invitro and invivo models, and we explored the mechanisms involved. MethodsThe inhibitory effect of 660-nm LED on melanin synthesis was evaluated in B16F10 cells and HRM-2 melanin-possessing hairless mice were used to evaluate the antimelanogenic effects of 660-nm LED. ResultsInterestingly, 660-nm LED inhibited alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced tyrosinase activity in B16F10 cells. We also found that 660-nm LED decreased MITF and tyrosinase expression and induced the activation of ERK. These findings suggest that the depigmenting effects of 660-nm LED result from downregulation of MITF and tyrosinase expression due to increased ERK activity. The 660-nm LED reduced UVB-induced melanogenesis in the skin of HRM-2 via downregulation of tyrosinase and MITF. ConclusionThese findings suggest 660-nm LED is a potentially depigmentation strategy.