A specific red light treatment made cartilage cells in a dish produce more of a key structural protein that helps keep joints healthy
Scientific Claim
Near-infrared light at 850 nm with 10 mW/cm² power density, applied daily for 60 seconds, significantly increased aggrecan protein expression in cultured human chondrocytes from a 46-year-old female donor
Original Statement
“ACAN content was significantly upregulated following stimulation with 10 mW/cm² at 850 nm (continuous, daily, p = 0.049), increasing by 2.0-fold, and 17 mW/cm² at 940 nm (continuous, daily, p = 0.001), increasing by 1.4-fold, compared to non-irradiated chondrocytes”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
definitive
Can make definitive causal claims
Assessment Explanation
The study directly measured aggrecan protein levels with statistical significance for this specific parameter, so 'significantly increased' is appropriate.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Near-infrared photobiomodulation stimulates viability and cartilage matrix synthesis in human chondrocytes