Comparison between the effect of low-level laser therapy and low-intensity pulsed ultrasonic irradiation in vitro

Blue-LED-Light Photobiomodulation of Inflammatory Responses and New Tissue Formation in Mouse-Skin Wounds

Background: Recent studies evidence that blue-LED-light irradiation can modulate cell responses in the wound healing process within 24 h from treatment. This study aims to investigate blue-light (410-430 nm) photobiomodulation used in a murine wound model within six days post-treatment. Methods: A superficial wound was made in 30 CD1 male mice. The injuries were treated with a blue LED light (20.6 J/cm²), and biopsies were collected at 24, 72, and 144 h. Histology, fluorescence analysis, and advanced microscopy techniques were used. Results: We can observe an increase in the cellular infiltrate response, and in mast-cell density and their degranulation index correlated to the expression of the major histocompatibility complex after 24 h. Furthermore, after six days, the vessel density increases with the expression of the platelet-derived growth factor in the mast cells. Finally, collagen deposition and morphology in the treated wounds appear more similar to unwounded skin. Conclusions: Blue-light photobiomodulation stimulates several cellular processes that are finely coordinated by mast cells, leading to more rapid wound healing and a better-recovered skin morphology.

Laser treatment of synovial inflammatory process in experimentally induced microcrystalline arthritis in Wistar rats

The presence of intra-articular crystals is detected in different articular pathologies of acute or chronic nature. The aim of this work was to analyze the action of the indium gallium aluminum and phosphorus (InGaAlP) (λ = 670 nm) laser on the synovial membrane present in the knee joint in experimentally induced microcrystalline arthritis in male adult Wistar rats. The animals were divided into three experimental groups (n = 24): control (A), experimentally induced arthritis (B), experimentally induced arthritis+InGaAlP laser therapy (C). The laser treatment was made daily in the patellar region of the right knee after 48 h of the experimental induction. After 7, 14, and 21 days of therapy, the rats were euthanized and the right knees were removed and processed for histomorphometric, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and biochemical investigation of the synovium. The number of granulocytes on the 14th and 21st days was higher in B and lower in C and, lastly, in A. The number of fibroblasts on the 14th and 21st days was similar between A and C and below B. The number of blood vessels on the 21st day was higher in B than in the other groups. The positive number of cells for the TUNEL test was higher on the 14th and 21st days in B compared to the others. The percentage of tissue area occupied by birefringent collagen fibers was higher in B on the 21st day than in the others. The ultrastructure of cells showed fibroblast-like morphology in all groups and periods evaluated. The quantification of glycosaminoglycans did not present significant differences between the groups in all the experimental periods. The amount of hydroxyproline was higher in B compared to the other groups on the 14th and 21st days. The content of non-collagen proteins was higher in B on the 21st day in relation to the other groups. Quantification of TNF-α on the 21st day was higher in A and B than in C. For TGF-β on the 21st day, groups B and C presented similar and higher values than A. For MMP-13, groups A and B presented data similar to and above C. In relation to ADAMT-S4, on the 21st day, groups B and C presented data similar to and lower than A. InGaAlP-670 nm therapy reduced the inflammatory process and tissue injuries of the synovial membrane in comparison to the untreated group, indicating its potential utilization in clinical studies aiming in the recovery of acute arthritis in patients.

Comparison of photobiomodulation in the treatment of skin injury with an open wound in mice

This study aimed to investigate the effects of photobiomodulation at a wavelength of 660 and 830 nm at different numbers of application points in the healing of open wounds in mice. In total, 120 mice were divided into 10 groups. The animals were submitted to cutaneous lesion of the open wound type (1.5 × 1.5 cm). Photobiomodulation at a wavelength of 660 and 830 nm and total energy of 3.6 J were used, applied at 1, 4, 5, and 9 points, for 14 days. The animals were subjected to analysis of the lesion area, skin temperature, and histological analysis. Macroscopic analysis results showed a difference (p < 0.05) between the irradiated groups and the sham group at 14 days PO. There was no statistical difference in skin temperature. Histological analysis findings showed better results for the epidermis thickness. Regarding the number of blood vessels, a difference was found between the 1- and 5-point 830-nm photobiomodulation groups and between the 4-point 660-nm group and the naive group. A significant difference in the number of fibroblasts was observed between the 830- and 660-nm photobiomodulation groups and the naive and sham groups. When comparing photobiomodulation wavelength, the 830-nm groups were more effective, and we emphasize the groups irradiated at 5 points, which showed an improvement in macroscopic analysis and epidermis thickness, an increase in the number of vessels, and a lower number of fibroblasts on the 14th day after skin injury.

Low-level laser therapy for the treatment of early stage cutaneous leishmaniasis: A pilot study

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been investigated for the treatment of various dermatological disorders. Here, we investigate the efficacy of LLLT for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). This study comprised of 53 patients (total 123 lesions) with a confirmed diagnosis of CL via positive smear of LD-bodies. The CL lesions were classified in Grade I (ie, papule of size ≤1 cm) to Grade V (ie, vesicle formation, ulceration, and superadded infection of size >4 cm). All the patients were divided into group 1 with low grade (ie, Grade I and II) CL lesions and group 2 with high-grade disease (ie, Grade III-V). Red laser light (wavelength = 635 nm) was used for the lesion irradiation, with a light dose of 75 J/cm2 and at a low power of 300 mW. The treatment was divided into four sessions, one session per week. Disease assessment at 10 months follow-up revealed complete response in 91% and partial response in 9% patients of group 1, while no response was observed in patients of group 2. LLLT offers a promising treatment modality for patients presenting with early-stage (ie, Grade I and II) CL lesions.

Effects of low-level laser therapy on the organization of articular cartilage in an experimental microcrystalline arthritis model

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy using the gallium arsenide laser (λ = 830 nm) on the articular cartilage (AC) organization from knee joint in an experimental model of microcrystalline arthritis in adult male Wistar rats. Seventy-two animals were divided into three groups: A (control), B (induced arthritis), and C (induced arthritis + laser therapy). The arthritis was induced in the right knee using 2 mg of Na₄P₂O₇ in 0.5 mL of saline solution. The treatments were daily applied in the patellar region of the right knee after 48 h of induction. On the 7th, 14th, and 21st days of treatment, the animals were euthanized and their right knees were removed and processed for structural and biochemical analysis of the AC. The chondrocytes positively labeled for the TUNEL reaction were lower in C than in B on the 14th and 21st days. The content of glycosaminoglycans and hydroxyproline in A and C was higher than B on the 21st day. The amount of tibial TNF-α in B and C was lower than in A. The amount of tibial BMP-7 in B and C was higher than in A. The femoral MMP-13 was lower in B and C than for A. The tibial TGF-β for C was higher than the others. The femoral ADAMT-S4 content of A and C presented similar and inferior data to B on the 21st day. The AsGa-830 nm therapy preserved the content of glycosaminoglycans, reduced the cellular changes and the inflammatory process compared to the untreated group.

Comparison of the in vitro effects of low-level laser therapy and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy on bony cells and stem cells

To compare the in vitro effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) on bony cells and related stem cells. In this study, we aim to systematically review the published scientific literature which explores the use of LLLT and LIPUS to biostimulate the activity or the proliferation of bony cells or stem cells in vitro. We searched the database PubMed for LLLT or LIPUS, with/without bone, osteoblast, osteocyte, stem cells, the human osteosarcoma cell line (MG63), bone-forming cells, and cell culture (or in vitro). These studies were subdivided into categories exploring the effect of LLLT or LIPUS on bony cells, stem cells, and other related cells. 75 articles were found between 1987 and 2016; these included: 50 full paper articles on LLLT and 25 full papers on LIPUS. These articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in our review. A detailed and concise description of the LLLT and the LIPUS protocols and their individual effects on bony cells or stem cells and their results are presented in five tables. Based on the main results and the conclusions of the reviewed articles in the current work, both, LLLT and LIPUS, apply a biostimulatory effect on osteoblasts, osteocytes, and enhance osteoblast proliferation and differentiation on different bony cell lines used in in vitro studies, and therefore, these may be useful tools for bone regeneration therapy. Moreover, in consideration of future cell therapy protocols, both, LLLT and LIPUS (especially LLLT), enhnce a significant increase in the initial number of SCs before differentiation, thus increasing the number of differentiated cells for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and healing. Further studies are necessary to determine the LLLT or the LIPUS parameters, which are optimal for biostimsulating bony cells and SCs for bone healing and regenerative medicine.

Achilles Tendon Vascularization of Proximal, Medial, and Distal Portion Before and After Partial Lesion in Rats Treated with Phototherapy

BACKGROUND

The Achilles tendon is one of the tendons most commonly injured by microtraumas and overuse during sports practice. This tendon is especially fragile because of the low blood supply in its central part. Nevertheless, the literature does not offer enough scientific support to explain the composition and vascular dynamic of animal tendons, despite the relevance of being able to observe if the animal tendon undergoes the same processes of vascularization in different regions, as occurs in humans.

METHODS

We used 28 rats weighing 280 ± 20 g, which were divided into four groups with seven animals each (control, sham, 830 nm, 660 nm). The laser parameters were: power output 60 mW for both lasers, 40 J/cm(2) of energy density, total energy 1.1 J, power density 2.14 W/cm(2), and application time 18.6 sec. This study evaluated the vascular constitution of healthy and injured calcaneous tendons. The tendons of each animal were processed to be embedded in Paraplast and, after that, they were divided into three parts: proximal, medial, and distal. Afterwards, they were cut in slices of 6 μm were made, then they were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Using an ocular lens reticulated with magnification × 400, we analyzed the number and the area density of the blood vessels using morphometric methods. Data were analyzed with the Shapiro-Wilk test, followed by Tukey, considering p as <0.05.

RESULTS

The area density and the number of blood vessels in the proximal part were 36% and 42%, respectively, of the values found in the medial part. The distal part had 64% more vessels and 52.8% more area density (p < 0.05) than the medial part.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) had no effect on the studied parameters. The vascularization of rat tendon is similar to that of humans, which contributes to the studies of therapies that have been applied in humans.

Low level laser therapy (AlGaInP) applied at 5J/cm2 reduces the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus MRSA in infected wounds and intact skin of rats

BACKGROUND

Laser therapy is a low cost, non-invasive procedure with good healing results. Doubts exist as to whether laser therapy action on microorganisms can justify research aimed at investigating its possible effects on bacteria-infected wounds.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of low intensity laser on the rate of bacterial contamination in infected wounds in the skin of rats.

METHODS

An experimental study using 56 male Wistar rats. The animals were randomly divided into eight groups of seven each. Those in the "infected" groups were infected by Staphylococcus aureus MRSA in the dorsal region. Red laser diode (AlGaInP) 658nm, 5J/cm2 was used to treat the animals in the "treated" groups in scan for 3 consecutive days. Samples were drawn before inoculating bacteria and following laser treatment. For statistical analysis we used the nonparametric Wilcoxon (paired data) method with a significance level of p <0.05.

RESULTS

The statistical analysis of median values showed that the groups submitted to laser treatment had low bacterial proliferation.

CONCLUSION

The laser (AlGaInP), with a dose of 5J/cm2 in both intact skin and in wounds of rats infected with Staphylococcus aureus MRSA, is shown to reduce bacterial proliferation.

Análises macro e microscópicas de enxertos cutâneos por semeadura após laserterapia de baixa intensidade

OBJETIVO: observar se a laserterapia de baixa intensidade acelera o processo inflamatório, a cicatrização e epitelização de enxertos cutâneos por semeadura. MÉTODOS: vinte ratos foram submetidos a esta técnica de enxertia e divididos em dois grupos iguais, um tratado com laser e outro controle. RESULTADOS: houve menor tempo de reação inflamatória, maior velocidade de cicatrização, epitelização e queratinização nos animais tratados com laser em relação aos não tratados. CONCLUSÃO: a laserterapia de baixa intensidade é efetiva no auxílio ao tratamento de enxertos por semeadura.

Análise comparativa dos efeitos do ultrassom terapêutico e laser de baixa potência sobre a proliferação de células musculares durante a diferenciação celular

INTRODUÇÃO: Existe um grande interesse no estabelecimento de recursos e terapias a serem utilizados na tentativa de proporcionar um processo de reparo muscular de melhor qualidade e menor duração. O ultrassom terapêutico (US) e o laser de baixa potência (LBP) são recursos muito usados na prática clínica, porém são escassas, e por vezes contraditórias, as evidências científicas que determinam com segurança os parâmetros dosimétricos e metodológicos adequados. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o efeito do US e do LBP sobre a proliferação celular durante a diferenciação de mioblastos C2C12. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Os mioblastos foram cultivados em meio de cultura de Eagle modificado por Dulbecco, contendo 10% de soro fetal bovino (SFB), sendo induzida a diferenciação pela adição de 2% de soro de cavalo durante 96 horas. Posteriormente, as células foram irradiadas com US pulsado a 20%, 3 MHz de frequência (intensidades de 0,2 e 0,5 W/cm², durante cinco minutos) ou submetidas ao tratamento com LBP (potência de saída de 10 mW, densidade de energia de 3 e 5 J/cm², por 20 segundos). A proliferação celular foi avaliada após 24h e 72h utilizando o método de MTT. Foram realizados três experimentos independentes, em cada condição citada e células não irradiadas serviram como controle. RESULTADOS: Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística utilizando a Análise de Variância (ANOVA), teste Dunnet, para verificar diferenças entre o grupo controle (não tratado) e os grupos tratados com US e LBP, adotando significância de p < 0,05. Os resultados evidenciaram que não houve diferença significativa na proliferação celular entre as células musculares submetidas a tratamento com ambos os recursos terapêuticos e as células controle, nos períodos de 24h e 72h após tratamento. Além disso, foi possível verificar que não houve aumento significativo no número de células após o período de 72h quando comparado a 24h, confirmando o processo de diferenciação celular, conforme esperado. CONCLUSÕES: Conclui-se que o US e o LBP, nos parâmetros avaliados, não alteraram a proliferação de mioblastos em processo de diferenciação.

Different power settings of LLLT on the repair of the calcaneal tendon

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an 830-nm GaAlAs diode laser operating at output powers of 40, 60, 80, and 100 mW and energy density of 30 J/cm(2) on the repair of partial calcaneal tendon ruptures in rats.

METHODS

A partial tendon rupture was induced in all animals, which were treated with laser irradiation for 5 consecutive days. Six days after injury, the injured tendons were removed and examined by polarized light microscopy. Collagen fiber organization was evaluated by birefringence measurements, and collagen content was determined by Picrosirius Red staining.

RESULTS

It was observed that the higher the output power (60-100 mW) the greater the amount of type III collagen (p<0.01). The amount of type I collagen was significantly greater (p=0.05) in the 80 mW group than in the control group (sham stimulation). A non-statistically significant improvement in the realignment of collagen fibers was observed in the irradiated groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-level laser therapy resulted in significantly greater amounts of type III collagen (output powers of 60 mW or more) and type I collagen (output power of 80 mW), however, no significant differences between groups were found in the realignment of collagen fibers.

Influence of superpulsed laser therapy on healing processes following tooth extraction

OBJECTIVE

This research studied the effects of laser therapy on healing processes following tooth extraction in healthy human subjects, evaluating some inflammation, osteogenesis, and clinical parameters.

BACKGROUND DATA

Alveolar healing following tooth extraction is a complex repair process involving different types of tissues, including epithelium and bone. Therefore, it can be advantageous to use techniques able to influence the healing of all tissues.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ten healthy human subjects with indications for bilateral tooth extraction entered the split-mouth study. The subject/patient becomes his/her own control, thereby eliminating all individual differences in response to laser treatment. This consisted of: 904-nm laser, 33  W peak power, 30  KHz, 200  ns, average power 200  mW, illuminated area 1 cm(2), 200  mW/cm(2), 15  min, 180  J, 180  J/cm(2). In each patient, one post-extraction site was treated with laser radiation, whereas the other was left untreated as a control. Soft-tissue specimens were removed from the extraction site before tooth extraction (T0) and 7 days after from extraction (T7); expression of inflammatory and osteogenesis parameters was evaluated on these specimens. The clinical parameter "pain" was evaluated for each subject.

RESULTS

Superpulsed laser irradiation prevented the increase of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and induced an insignificant increase in collagen at 7 days after extraction, versus levels on day of extraction; no changes were found in the other parameters examined. Patients reported less pain at the site treated with superpulsed laser irradiation than at the control site.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that superpulsed laser irradiation may be a treatment of choice for patients scheduled for tooth extraction, as it provides clinical efficacy, is safe and well tolerated, and is able to prevent inflammation.

Effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on l929 fibroblasts

INTRODUCTION

Ultrasound has proven to be an important therapeutic resource regarding musculoskeletal disease and is routinely used in physical therapy and medicine both therapeutically and diagnostically. The aim of the present study was to analyse the effects with different ultrasound intensities in order to establish the ideal radiation level in cell cultures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

FIBROBLAST CELL CULTURES WERE DIVIDED INTO FIVE GROUPS: group I - control (did not receive irradiation); group II - 0.2 W/cm(2) in pulsed mode at 10% (1 : 9 duty cycle); group III - 0.6 W/cm(2) in pulsed mode at 10% (1 : 9 duty cycle); group IV - 0.2 W/cm(2) in pulsed mode at 20% (2 : 8 duty cycle); and group V - 0.6 W/cm(2) in pulsed mode at 20% (2 : 8 duty cycle). Each group was irradiated with 24-h intervals, observing the following post-irradiation incubation times: 24, 48, 72 and 96 h; after 24 h of each irradiation, cultures were analysed using the MTT method.

RESULTS

Analysis of the results following ultrasound irradiation demonstrated that the effect of ultrasound with 0.6 W/cm(2) in pulsed mode at 10% (1 : 9 duty cycle) was statistically significant in relation to ultrasonic irradiation in pulsed mode at 20% (2 : 8 duty cycle) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

According to parameters used in the irradiation of cultivated fibroblasts, the pulse mode regime and the control of intensity are of fundamental importance for the optimal use of therapeutic ultrasound. Furthermore, low and medium intensities decreased cell damage, which establishes that acoustic pulsed energy induces the proliferation of fibroblast cells.

Collagen changes and realignment induced by low-level laser therapy and low-intensity ultrasound in the calcaneal tendon

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The treatment of calcaneal tendon injuries requires long-term rehabilitation. Ultrasound (US) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) are the most used and studied physical agents in the treatment of tendon injuries; however, only a few studies examined the effects of the combination of US and LLLT. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate which treatment (the exclusive or combined use of US and LLLT) most effectively contribute to tendon healing.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a controlled laboratory study with 50 rats whose Achilles tendon was injured by direct trauma. The rats were randomly divided into five groups and treated for 5 consecutive days, as follows: group 1 (control) received no treatment; group 2 was treated with US alone; group 3 was treated with LLLT alone; group 4 was treated first with US followed by LLLT; and group 5 was treated first with LLLT followed by US. On the sixth post-injury day, the tendons were removed and examined by polarized light microscopy. The organization of collagen fibers was assessed by birefringence measurements. Picrosirius-stained sections were examined for the presence of types I and III collagen.

RESULTS

There was a significantly higher organization of collagen fibers in group 2 (US) than in the control group (P = 0.03). The amount of type I collagen found in groups 2 (US), 3 (LLLT), and 5 (LLLT + US) was significantly higher than that in the control group (P <or= 0.01), but no significant differences were found between treatment groups. There were no differences in the amount of type III collagen between groups.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound, LLLT, and the combined use of LLLT and US resulted in greater synthesis of type I collagen; US was also effective in increasing collagen organization in the early stages of the healing process.

Laser 904 nm action on bone repair in rats with osteoporosis

SUMMARY

The aim of the present study was to determine the action of AsGA laser irradiation on bone repair in the tibia of osteopenic rats. The animals were randomly divided into eight experimental groups according to the presence of ovarian hormone (sham group) or the absence of the hormone (OVX group), as well as being irradiated or non-irradiated. Low-level 904-nm laser (50 mJ/cm(2)) accelerated the repair process of osteopenic fractures, especially in the initial phase of bone regeneration.

INTRODUCTION

The development of new techniques to speed the process of bone repair has provided significant advances in the treatment of fractures. Some attention recently focused on the effects of biostimulation on bone.

METHODS

Forty-eight adult rats were randomly divided into eight experimental groups (six animals in each group) according to the presence of ovarian hormone (sham group) or absence of the hormone (ovariectomized (OVX) group) as well as being irradiated or non-irradiated. For the application of low-level laser therapy, the animals were anesthetized with one third of the dose sufficient to immobilize the animal and irradiated with AsGa laser (904 nm, 50 mJ/cm(2) for 2 s, point form and in contact). The control animals received the same type of manipulation as the irradiated animals, but with the laser turned off. Half of the animals were killed 7 days following the confection of the bone defect, and the other half were killed 21 days after the surgery. After complete demineralization, the tibias were cut cross-sectionally in the central region of the bone defect and embedded in paraffin blocks. The blocks were then cut in semi-seriated slices and stained with hematoxylin and eosin.

RESULTS

There was new bone formation in the animals in the OVX group with laser treatment killed after 7 days (p < 0.001). The lowest percentage of bone formation was observed in the OVX without laser killed after 7 days (p > 0.05). All animals killed after 21 days exhibited linear closure of the lesion.

CONCLUSION

Low-level 904-nm laser (50 mJ/cm(2)) accelerated the repair process of osteopenic fractures, especially in the initial phase of bone regeneration.

Laser biomodulation on L 929 cell culture

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of photobiomodulation using a 904-nm diode laser at two energy densities (6 J/cm(2) and 50 mJ/cm(2)) on L929 fibroblast cells.

BACKGROUND

Low-power laser irradiation (LPLI) is a non-pharmacological resource that induces important in vitro photobiomodulation on cell cultures and tissues.

METHODS

Irradiation was performed for three days at 24-h intervals. After each interval, the cells were stained with MitoTracker Orange and DioC6 dyes to assess the photobiomodulatory effects of irradiation on mitochondrial activity and changes in the endoplasmic reticulum. The MTT assay [3-(4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2.5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide] was used to evaluate cell proliferation.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The fluorescence microscopy assessment of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum in cells irradiated with 6 J/cm(2) and 50 mJ/cm(2) demonstrated intense mitochondrial activity, which was confirmed by DioC6 staining. Reticular activity was observed stemming from increased protein synthesis. Photobiomodulation with 50 mJ/cm(2) was slightly higher than with 6 J/cm(2), as demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy results. Photobiomodulation was also time-dependent, with better results 72-h after irradiation.

Efeitos do ultra-som terapêutico contínuo sobre a proliferação e viabilidade de células musculares C2C12

O ultra-som terapêutico (US) é um recurso bioestimulante utilizado para propiciar reparo muscular de melhor qualidade e menor duração, mas o potencial terapêutico do US contínuo não está totalmente estabelecido. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do US contínuo sobre a proliferação e viabilidade de células musculares precursoras (mioblastos C2C12). Mioblastos C2C12 foram cultivados em meio de cultura contendo 10% de soro fetal bovino e irradiados com US contínuo nas freqüências de 1 e 3 MHz nas intensidades de 0,2 e 0,5 W/cm2, durante 2 e 5 minutos. A viabilidade e proliferação celular foram avaliadas após 24, 48 e 72 h de incubação. Grupos não-irradiados serviram como controle. Foram realizados experimentos independentes em cada condição acima, e os dados obtidos submetidos à análise estatística. Os resultados mostram que não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na proliferação e viabilidade celular entre os mioblastos tratados com US e as culturas controles após os diferentes períodos de incubação, em todos os parâmetros avaliados. Conclui-se que o US contínuo, nos parâmetros avaliados, não foi capaz de alterar a proliferação e viabilidade dos mioblastos.

Effects of low-level laser therapy and orthodontic tooth movement on dental pulps in rats

OBJECTIVES

To describe the microscopic pulpal reactions resulting from orthodontically induced tooth movement associated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-five young male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups. In group I (n = 20), the maxillary right first molars were submitted to orthodontic movement with placement of a coil spring. In group II (n = 20), the teeth were submitted to orthodontic movement plus LLLT at 4 seconds per point (buccal, palatal, and mesial) with a GaAlAs diode laser source (830 nm, 100 mW, 18 J/cm(2)). Group III (n = 5) served as a control (no orthodontic movement or LLLT). Groups I and II were divided into four subgroups according to the time elapsed between the start of tooth movement and sacrifice (12 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days).

RESULTS

Up until the 3-day period, the specimens in group I presented a thicker odontoblastic layer, no cell-free zone of Weil, pulp core with differentiated mesenchymal and defense cells, and a high concentration of blood vessels. In group II, at the 12- and 24-hour time points, the odontoblastic layer was disorganized and the cell-free zone of Weil was absent, presenting undifferentiated cells, intensive vascularization with congested capillaries, and scarce defense cells in the cell-rich zone. In groups I and II, pulpal responses to the stimuli were more intense in the area underneath the region of application of the force or force/laser.

CONCLUSIONS

The orthodontic-induced tooth movement and LLLT association showed reversible hyperemia as a tissue response to the stimulus. LLLT leads to a faster repair of the pulpal tissue due to orthodontic movement.

Effect of low-energy gallium-aluminum-arsenide and aluminium gallium indium phosphide laser irradiation on the viability of C2C12 myoblasts in a muscle injury model

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of phototherapy on the viability of cultured C2C12 myoblasts under different nutritional conditions (muscle injury model) using low-energy gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) and aluminium-gallium-indium-phosphide (InGaAlP) lasers with different wavelengths and powers.

BACKGROUND DATA

The beneficial effects of phototherapy using low-energy lasers depend on irradiation parameters and type of laser used, but there are no data in the literature on C2C12 myoblasts proliferation after phototherapy with GaAlAs and InGaAlP lasers.

METHODS

A C2C12 cell line cultured in regular (10% fetal bovine serum, FBS) and nutrient-deficient (5% FBS) media were irradiated with low-energy GaAlAs (660 nm) and InGaAlP (780 nm) lasers with energy densities of 3.8, 6.3, and 10 J/cm2, and 3.8, 10, and 17.5 J/cm2, respectively. Cell proliferation was assessed indirectly 24 h after irradiation by measuring the mitochondrial activity and using the crystal violet assay.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in cell viability between laser-treated myoblasts and control cultures for all tested parameters after 24 h of cell culture, although cell cultures grown in regular nutrient medium supplemented with 10% FBS exhibited higher growth rates than cultures, irradiated or not, grown in nutrient-deficient medium.

CONCLUSION

Laser phototherapy did not improve C2C12 viability under regular or nutrient-deficient (muscle injury model) conditions using the above parameters.

Superpulsed laser irradiation increases osteoblast activity via modulation of bone morphogenetic factors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Laser therapy is a new approach applicable in different medical fields when bone loss occurs, including orthopedics and dentistry. It has also been used to induce soft-tissue healing, for pain relief, bone, and nerve regeneration. With regard to bone synthesis, laser exposure has been shown to increase osteoblast activity and decrease osteoclast number, by inducing alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteopontin, and bone sialoprotein expression. Studies have investigated the effects of continuous or pulsed laser irradiation, but no data are yet available on the properties of superpulsed laser irradiation. This study thus aimed to investigate the effect of superpulsed laser irradiation on osteogenic activity of human osteoblast-like cells, paying particular attention to investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of this type of laser radiation.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells were exposed to 3, 7, or 10 superpulsed laser irradiation (pulse width 200 nanoseconds, minimum peak power 45 W, frequency 30 kHz, total energy 60 J, exposure time 5 minutes). The following parameters were evaluated: cell growth and viability (light microscopy, lactate dehydrogenase release), calcium deposits (Alizarin Red S staining), expression of bone morphogenetic factors (real-time PCR).

RESULTS

Superpulsed laser irradiation decreases cell growth, induces expression of TGF-beta2, BMP-4, and BMP-7, type I collagen, ALP, and osteocalcin, and increases the size and the number of calcium deposits. The stimulatory effect is maximum on day 10, that is, after seven applications.

CONCLUSIONS

Reported results show that superpulsed laser irradiation, like the continuous and pulsed counterparts, possesses osteogenic properties, inducing the expression of molecules known to be important mediators of bone formation and, as a consequence, increasing calcium deposits in human MG-63 cells. Moreover, the data suggest a new potential role for PPARgamma as a regulator of osteoblast proliferation.