A review of photobiomodulation on PI3K/AKT/mTOR in wound healing

Wound healing involves a series of cellular and molecular processes to heal injured tissue. Growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and signalling pathways such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, protein kinase B, and mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) are essential in wound healing. VEGF is linked to intracellular signalling pathways including PI3K/AKT/mTOR, which controls cell growth, metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis, and protein synthesis. During photobiomodulation (PBM), low-level light in the visible red and near-infrared (NIR) spectrum is employed to promote healing, and reduce pain, inflammation, and oedema. Several studies demonstrate that PBM enhances cellular survival, proliferation, migration, and viability in vitro, however, the exact cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for these benefits have not yet been identified. The aim of this review is to explore the effects of PBM on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway in wound healing.