Low-intensity Laser Radiation Research Articles

MINIMALLY INVASIVE METHODS OF TREATMENT IN THE SYSTEM OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE FOR VERTEBROGENIC PAIN

Objective. Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of epidural pharmacotherapy and epidural laser therapy of dorsalgia. Material and Methods . Sixty patients with dorsalgia (Group A) were treated using epidural pharmacotherapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and 20 patients (Group B) – using epidural laser therapy with apparatus of low-intensity laser radiation. Results . In both groups, epidural therapy resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) improvement. Positive results were noted including a decrease in the severity of motor, sensory and vegetative-trophic disorders, ranging from minor changes in the pain character and in the area over which sensitivity disorders and paresthesias spread to complete regression of dorsalgia manifestations. However, clinical and neurological examination at discharge showed more significant improvement in Group A patients. Conclusion . Positive results and absence of negative consequences allow recommending epidural therapy of dorsalgia for wide use in public health practice

Photobiomodulation of breast and cervical cancer stem cells using low-intensity laser irradiation

Breast and cervical cancers are dangerous threats with regard to the health of women. The two malignancies have reached the highest record in terms of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Despite the use of novel strategies with the aim to treat and cure advanced stages of cancer, post-therapeutic relapse believed to be caused by cancer stem cells is one of the challenges encountered during tumor therapy. Therefore, further attention should be paid to cancer stem cells when developing novel anti-tumor therapeutic approaches. Low-intensity laser irradiation is a form of phototherapy making use of visible light in the wavelength range of 630–905 nm. Low-intensity laser irradiation has shown remarkable results in a wide range of medical applications due to its biphasic dose and wavelength effect at a cellular level. Overall, this article focuses on the cellular responses of healthy and cancer cells after treatment with low-intensity laser irradiation alone or in combination with a photosensitizer as photodynamic therapy and the influence that various wavelengths and fluencies could have on the therapeutic outcome. Attention will be paid to the biomodulative effect of low-intensity laser irradiation on cancer stem cells.

Influence of low-intensity laser radiation on the dynamics of some phytohormone content in the callus tissues of wheat Triticum aestivum L.

We carried out an analysis of the influence of low-intensity He–Ne laser radiation on the dynamics of changes observed in the content of the phytohormones abscisic, jasmonic, salicylic, and indoleacetic acids in wheat calluses of Triticum aestivum L. using chromatography–mass spectrometry. He–Ne laser irradiation (λ = 632.8 nm) in its stimulant dose (3.5 J cm−2) was proved to cause a decrease in jasmonic and indoleacetic acid content and, simultaneously, a significant (2.5–3 times) increase in ‘stress’ abscisic and salicylic acids. The response of jasmonic acid to He–Cd laser irradiation (λ = 441 nm) was specific, which is probably due to the blue-light-induced biosynthesis of the acid. This article discusses a possible connection between substantial changes in growth regulator content within the plant tissue under the influence of low-intensity laser irradiation and the stress character of this type of radiation.

Low-Level Laser Therapy in Russia: History, Science and Practice.

In Russia (formerly USSR) study of biomodulation action (BMA) mechanisms of low-intensity laser irradiation (LILI) began in 1964, immediately after the development of lasers. During the period from 1965 to 1972 several dozens of scientific conferences were held, hundreds of studies were published. Generally, secondary mechanisms and results of LILI effect on patients with various diseases were studied. This data was immediately implemented into practical medicine in the fields of oncology, surgery, dermatology and dentistry, and since 1974 low level laser therapy (LLLT) is included in the standard of state medical care. For 50 years no less than 1000 books were published (monographs, collections, methodical and clinical materials), thousands of researches were carried out. Primary mechanism and patterns of interaction of LILI with acceptors within cells can be represented in the following order: absorption of photon's energy - emergence of a local temperature gradient - release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores - stimulating Ca2+-dependent processes. Understanding of this process allowed the explanation of all known secondary effects, optimized methods and extremely increased effectiveness of LLLT. Owing to the knowledge of BMA mechanisms of LILI, numerous associated and combined LLLT techniques were developed and are widely used nowadays: locally, on the projection of internal organs, laser acupuncture, reflexology, intracavitary, transdermal and intravenous laser blood illumination, magnetic-laser therapy, laser phoresis, laser-vacuum massage, biomodulation, etc. About 400 000 laser therapeutic devices are used in Russian practical healthcare. Unique, having no analogues in the world devices, are produced - red pulsed laser diodes (wavelength 635 nm, power 5-40 W, pulse duration 100 ns, frequency 10 000 Hz) are designed specially for effective laser therapy.

Comparative evaluation of the effects of high-intensity and low-intensity laser radiation on microcirculation among patients with knee arthritis

Sixty patients with knee arthritis aged from 40 to 75 years old were examined. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: 1st group (30 patients) received high intensity laser radiation; 2nd group (20 patients) received low intensity laser radiation. As a result of the conducted research it was found that high intensity laser radiation is more efficient and leads to more vivid positive changes in the microcirculation of patients with knee arthritis. The changes in microcirculation were based on the normalization of the myogenic and neurogenic tonus of the arterioles, strengthening oscillation of the endothelial range. As a result of local mechanisms activation of tissue blood flow there occurs adequate modulation of the microcirculatory bloodstream, which is aimed at the elimination of congestive phenomena in the capillary and venular level of the microcirculation bloodstream. We should note that in the long-term more significant were the positive changes in the state of the venular level of the microcirculation bloodstream. in constructing both.

Research progress of low energy laser irradiation in hyperlipidemia treatment

Hyperlipidemia is one of the most important risk factors of human atherosclerosis and cardiac-cerebral vascular disease. The number of hyperlipidemia in China increased year by year and showed a younger trend. The current treatments for hyperlipidemia include drug therapy, physical exercise, diet prevention, liposuction surgery and low-energy laser therapy, etc. Many researches showed that low intensity laser irradiation has a certain curative effect on hyperlipidemia. The aim of this paper is to provide a new idea and method for the future treatment of dyslipidemia by reviewing the anti-hyperlipidemia methods and mechanism of low energy laser irradiation treatment. Key words: Low-level laser; Cardiac-cerebral vascular; Treatment; Dyslipidemia

Step-by-step therapy with chondroitin sulfate in patients with osteoarthritis in an outpatient setting

Objective : to evaluate the efficiency of different chondroitin sulfate (CS) treatment regimens in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Patients and methods. The investigation enrolled 44 patients of both sexes aged 48.6±6.4 years with knee OA. 26 patients of a study group received step-by-step CS (chondrogard and structum)-containing therapy in combination with magnetic laser therapy (low-intensity laser radiation (LILR)) for the affected joints. 18 patients of a comparison group had traditional treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy. Results . Step-by-step therapy with chondrogard in combination with LILR has an advantage over the traditional treatment regimen, because it is characterized by more pronounced long-acting analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and by the absence of adverse reactions.

Evaluation of the effects of low-intensity laser radiation in treatment of chronic salpingo-oophoritis in women

Background: The paper presents the data of an evaluation of low-intensity infrared laser radiation in the treatment of women with chronic salpingo-oophoritis (CSO). Aims and Objective: The research was aimed to determine effects of low-intensity laser radiation (LILR) in the treatment of CSO in women based on individual sensitivity, interleukin (IL) blood levels, and clinical success rates of the treatment. The research object included 74 women of reproductive age. Materials and Methods: The evaluation of the treatment was performed based on a study of blood serum individual sensitivity to a selected mode of laser radiation, blood cytokine levels (IL - 1β, 4, 6), and clinical success rates of the treatment. Results: The effects of LILR in women with CSO are aimed at inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators following the activation of quantum absorption and generation of secondary radiations and a bio-energetic resonance. Conclusion: Women’s body being highly sensitive to infrared laser radiation substantially increases clinical success rates of the treatment compared to the treatment without laser therapy (pain relief, reducing a number of disease recurrences, reducing obstruction of the fallopian tubes).

The commonest therapeutic methods for laser irradiation of blood

One of the most widely employed methods of laser therapy is laser irradiation of blood (LIB). There are two modifications of this technique, one being intravenous low-intensity laser irradiation of blood (ILIB), the other non-invasive blood irradiation(NLIB). The two methods have been developing independently since either has its advantages and disadvantages. The present article was designed to review the main currently available techniques for laser irradiation of blood which are presented in the form of tables (charts). Replacing the UV irradiation of blood with UV lamps by laser ultraviolet irradiation of blood (LUVIB®) has made it possible to significantly simplify the technique and enhanced its efficiency. The most effective options for ILIB are the combined techniques: ILIB-635 + LUVIB® and ILIB-525 + LUVIB. The most effective technique for ELIB is believed to be the use of low-intensity pulsed laser light with a wavelength of 635 nm and output power up to 40 W.

The use of optical radiation therapy (phototherapy) in treatment of lymphopharyngeal ring diseases in children (literature review)

This review provides information on application of infrared radiation, selective chromophototherapy in red and blue bands, short-wave ultraviolet radiation, and the use of low-intensity laser radiation in combined therapy of lymphopharyngeal ring diseases in children (chronic adenoiditis, chronic tonsillitis). The article describes the basic biological mechanisms providing clinical effect of each of the above-described types of optical radiation. The study was aimed at drawing the scientific interest to non-medicinal methods of treatment of lymphopharyngeal ring diseases in children.

The effect of infrared laser irradiation on the growth of human melanoma cells in culture

Low-intensity laser irradiation exerts effects on various biological objects and is currently exploited in various branches of medicine. From a practical point of view, irradiation in the near-infrared range seems most attractive since it has the highest penetration characteristics for human tissues. In the present work, we studied the effects of 835 nm infrared low-intensity laser irradiation on two melanoma cell lines, Mel IL and MeWo, in culture. The data that we obtained indicate that low-intensity infrared irradiation impacts the growth rate of Mel IL and MeWo melanoma cell lines and that the response dynamics of the two cell lines are similar, in spite of certain quantitative differences. Stimulation of cell growth occurs within a relatively narrow range of low doses (about 0.17 J/cm2). With significantly higher doses, deceleration of growth occurs instead. Рге-treatment of cells with low-dose radiation, however, protects them from the negative influence of higher doses. The protective action of low doses develops gradually, within about 10–30 min, and persists for at least 3 h. Рге-irradiation of cells also widens the range of stimulatory action with low-dose radiation. A theoretical model that explains the dynamics of cellular responses to various irradiation doses has been proposed.

The influence of low intensity laser radiation on sensitivity to antibiotics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The direct impact of low intensity laser radiation with wavelengths of 635 and 870 nm on sensitivity to antibiotics of clinical isolates Pseudomonas aeruginosa and collection test strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa АТСС 27853 is investigated by disco diffusion method. It is established that the use of laser radiation causes a significant increase in sensitivity to antibiotics of investigated strains of microorganisms, there is also defined optimal parameters of radiation for antibacterial therapy photomodification

Combined Effect of Low-Intensity Helium-Neon Laser and X-Ray Radiation on in Vivo Cellular Response of the Whole Blood and Lymphoid Organs in Mice.

We studied the effect of exposure to helium-neon laser (dose range 0.16-50 mJ/cm2) on activation of natural protection reserve in mice using the adaptive response test. DNA comets method revealed a protective response manifested in DNA damage level in whole blood leukocytes of mice and in lymphoid organs by the thymus and spleen weight index; preexposure to laser did not induce the adaptive response. ROS level in the whole blood was assessed by the level of zymosan-induced luminol chemiluminescence. In mice subjected to adaptive laser irradiation in doses of 0.16-5 mJ/cm2 followed by X-ray irradiation in a dose of 1.5 Gy, the activation index calculated as the ratio of induced to spontaneous area of luminescence was by 1.4 times lower than that in non-irradiated animals, which attested to reduced ROSgeneration reserve capacity of neutrophils.

Signs of the Biological Effect of ~2 μm Low-Intensity Laser Radiation in Raman and Absorption Spectra of Blood

Local exposure of experimental animals to low-intensity emission from a thulium laser (λ = 1.96 μm) leads to changes in the Raman and IR absorption spectra of blood. This indicates development of systemic effects caused by direct excitation of water molecules by radiation with wavelength ~2 μm, in particular modifi cation of the hemoglobin molecule.

The effectiveness of the different schemes of complex conservative treatment of animals with induced knee arthritis

The effectiveness of conservative treatment in patients with knee joint arthritis can be enhanced through the use of the linked pharmacological and physical factors. The possibility of comprehensive use of low-intensity laser radiation (LILR) chondroprotectors and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with early knee joint arthritis- depending on the consistency of their application is not well studied. Objective: to study in experimental animals with induced knee joint arthritis effectiveness of different integrated schemes of conservative treatment. Methods: we conducted experimental studyin 40 white rats aged 6 months. Knee joint arthritis stage I modeled by triple dexamethasone injections (7 mg/kg/m)performed once a week. The rats were divided into six groups depending on the treatment, which included 10 daily sessions of at la-ser therapy (a dose of 0.3 J contact on the knee joint) and per os administration of diclofenac sodium (8 mg/kg) and glucosamine hydrochloride (50 mg/kg) in the different sequences at intervals of 15 minutes. Microscopic examination of articular cartilage and biochemical blood serum analyses (glycoproteins, sialic acid, hondroyitynsulfat-, alkaline phosphatase) were carried out 28 days after the last injection of dexamethasone. Results: in all rats in the experimental groups structural irregularities in articular cartilage were insignificant compared with the control. In animals after application LILRinitially and subsequent pharmacotherapy, morphological indicatorsof chondrocytes biosynthetic activity were most pronounced, and levels of serum inflammatory markers and alkaline phosphatase activity -were significantly lower than in the control and other research groups. Conclusion: complex application of LILR with subsequent administration of diclofenac sodium glucosamine hydrochloride results in the most complete recovery of quantitative and structural-metabolic state of chondrocytes of articular cartilage and helps to normalize metabolic biochemical markers of cartilage and bone tissue.

The Use of Laser Technology and Aquacomplex Titanium Glitserosolvat in the Treatment of Chronic Osteomyelitis

Хронический остеомиелит остается одной из наиболее сложных проблем гнойной хирургии, что связано, в том числе, с вы-сокой частотой встречаемости, составляющей до 6% в структуре патологии опорно-двигательной системы и 6,8–12% вструктуре гнойно-септических заболеваний, высоким риском развития септических осложнений и рецидивов, инвалидиза-ции, достигающей 55% случаев.Целью исследования явилось улучшение результатов лечения хронического остеомиелита путем применения лазерныхтехнологий и аквакомплекса глицеросольвата титана.Материалы и методы. Экспериментальные исследования проведены в 5 группахна 175 белых крысах с хроническим остео-миелитом: 2-х контрольных и 3-х опытных. 1-ю контрольную группу составили животные без лечения. Во 2-й контрольнойи опытных группах проводилась хирургическая санация гнойного очага. В 1-й опытной группе санация костной полостибыла дополнена применением низкоинтенсивного лазерного облучения. Во 2-й опытной группе выполнялось введение в кост-ную полость аквакомплекса глицеросольвата титана. В 3-й опытной группе – обработка костной полости низкоинтен-сивным лазерным излучением с последующим введением в нее аквакомплекса глицеросольвата титана. В ходе выполненияработы применяли клинические,гематологические, микробиологические и рентгенологические методы исследования.Результаты и их обсуждение. Моделирование хронического остеомиелита по разработанной методике позволяло к 31-мсуткам сформировать патологический процесс со свищами с гнойным отделяемым, что подтверждалось данными клини-ческих, микробиологических и рентгенологических исследований.Выводы Разработанный метод комплексного лечения хронического остеомиелита, основанный на сочетанном примене-нии лазерных технологий и аквакомплекса глицеросольвата титана способствовал сокращению сроков закрытия раневогодефекта, нормализации общего состояния и двигательной активности; нормализации окружности бедра поврежденнойконечности, показателей свободнорадикального окисления.

EVALUATION OF THE CLINICAL USE OF HYPOXIC CELL SENSITIZERS IN RADIATION THERAPY OF MALIGNANT EPITHELIAL SKIN TUMORS

Aim: To increase the efficacy of radiation therapy of malignant epithelial cell skin neoplasms with the use of radiation sensitizers of hypoxic tumor cells. Materials and methods: The study was performed in 517 patients with basal cell (n = 361) and squamous cell (n = 156) skin cancer, 274 (53%) of whom had T2 and 243 (47%), T3 tumors. Patients with locally advanced and metastatic tumors were excluded from the study. The following treatment modalities were used: distant gamma-therapy, short-distance radiation therapy and combined radiation therapy with the use of non-conventional dose fractioning at total local doses equal to 72–73 Gr. The sensibilization of hypoxic tumor cells to radiation therapy with metronidazole was done by targeted delivery of the drug to the tumor by means of topical application of Coletex-M drapes impregnated with metronidazole in a high concentration (up to 20 mcg/cm²). The second method of radiosensibilization of hypoxic tumor cells was based on a preliminary use of low intensity laser radiation onto the tumor. As a source this radiation, a helium neon laser was used with the power of up to 12 mVt and the wave length of 0.63 to 0.89 mcm, duration of sessions from 3 to 15 minutes. The control group comprised 192 skin cancer patients who underwent radiation therapy without the use of radiation sensitizers. Results: The use of metronidazole and low intensity laser radiation within the radiation therapy of T3 skin cancer patients, compared to the treatment without the radiation modifiers, significantly improved the immediate cure rates (full tumor regression at 1 to 1.5 months after completion of radiation) from 75.5 ± 3.1% to 89.2 ± 1.9% (р < 0.05). In the group with basal cell skin cancer that underwent radiation therapy combined with metronidazole, there was an association of its radio-modifying effect and tumor size. Short-distance roentgenotherapy of patients with T2 basal cell skin cancer and tumor size of < 4 cm was equally effective, irrespective of the use of metronidazole: the immediate cure rate was 94.8 ± 2.2% (92/97 patients) in the metronidazole group and 89.8 ± 3.9% (53/59) in the control group. With the combined radiation therapy of T2 basal skin cancer patients with the tumor size of 4–5 cm, the immediate cure rate was increased significantly from 73.2 ± 6.9% (30/42) in the control group to 88.2 ± 3.7% in the metronidazole group (67/76) (р < 0.05). With distant gamma-therapy of T3 basal cell skin cancer, this parameter was increased from 70.5 ± 6.8% (31/44) in the control group to 88.4 ± 4.8% (38/43) in the metronidazole group (р < 0.05). The radiation-sensitizing effect of metronidazole and low intensity laser combined with the distant gamma-therapy of T3 basal cell skin cancer was significant and similar: the immediate cure rate with the use of metronidazole was 85.9 ± 4.6% (49/57), and with the use of low intensity laser, 84.6 ± 5.0% (44/52), compared to 66.0 ± 6.9% (31/47) in the control group (р < 0.05). Although the relapse rate after radiation therapy with metronidazole or low intensity laser was lower by 5–11%, compared to that after the radiation without modifiers, there was no statistically significant difference after a 3-year follow-up. Conclusion: A significant benefit of radiation therapy combined with radiation sensitizers on the immediate cure rate of locally-advanced basal cell skin cancers was confirmed. It seems that radiation sensitizers of hypoxic cells do improve immediate results of cure without any significant effect on tumor relapse rate in the future.

PREVENTION OF WOUND COMPLICATIONS IN LEG AMPUTATION IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE AND CHRONIC ARTERIAL ISCHEMIA BY LASER IRRADIATION

The article presents the results of using low-intensity laser irradiation in order to prevent the development of postoperative wound complications in patients with acute and chronic arterial ischemia of the lower extremities after the leg amputation. The results of ultrasonic research are presented. The risk factors of development of wound complications were investigated.

The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Diabetic Wound Healing in relation to Photobiomodulation.

The integration of several cellular responses initiates the process of wound healing. Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an integral role in wound healing. Their main function is degradation, by removal of damaged extracellular matrix (ECM) during the inflammatory phase, breakdown of the capillary basement membrane for angiogenesis and cell migration during the proliferation phase, and contraction and remodelling of tissue in the remodelling phase. For effective healing to occur, all wounds require a certain amount of these enzymes, which on the contrary could be very damaging at high concentrations causing excessive degradation and impaired wound healing. The imbalance in MMPs may increase the chronicity of a wound, a familiar problem seen in diabetic patients. The association of diabetes with impaired wound healing and other vascular complications is a serious public health issue. These may eventually lead to chronic foot ulcers and amputation. Low intensity laser irradiation (LILI) or photobiomodulation (PBM) is known to stimulate several wound healing processes; however, its role in matrix proteins and diabetic wound healing has not been fully investigated. This review focuses on the role of MMPs in diabetic wound healing and their interaction in PBM.

The effect of continuous low-intensity laser irradiation of the red spectrum on the changes in the functional activity and speed of NADPH-oxidase response of human peripheral blood neutrophils

Registration of the changes in the functional metabolic status of neutrophils under the influence of low-intensity laser radiation (LILR) can be useful for the choice of the exposure parameters in the studies designed to evaluate immunotropic effects. Such investigations, in their turn, are very promising in clinical terms since their results can be used to optimize the laser therapy techniques. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the degranulation potential of neutrophils and the intensity of their NADPH-oxidase reaction in response to the exposure to laser radiation as exemplified by the release of lysosomal granules in vitro. The source of radiation was the LASMIK device operated in the continuous mode at the following parameters: wavelength 635 nm, power density 0.12 mW/cm2, exposure time 10, 30, 90, 120, 150 s in the case of the automatic timer control and 100 s in the case of manual shutdown. It was shown that the maximum lysosomal activity and release of lysosomal granules took place at a 90-10 s exposure and a wavelength of 635 nm with the appearance of a plateau within 120 and 150 s after the onset of irradiation. In the case of a shorter exposure of neutrophil granulocytes to LILR (10 and 30 s) no pronounced effect was observed. It means that low-intensity laser radiation of the red spectrum with a wavelength of 635 nm is a physical stimulus reinforcing exocytosis of lysosomal granules by neutrophils in vitro. The reliable changes of NADPH-oxidase activity of neutrophil granulocytes isolated from donor peripheral blood are recorded at an optimum exposure time of 90-100 s. It is concluded that the laser therapy techniques, at least those designed to regulate neutrophils should be applied with the optimum exposure time of 90-100 s.