Low-level Laser Device Research Articles

Photobiomodulation Modulates Proliferation and Gene Expression Related to Calcium Signaling in Human Osteoblast Cells.

Introduction: Photobiomodulation with low-level laser treatment can enhance bone formation by stimulating the cell division of osteoblasts and increasing the amount of protein deposition, thus encouraging the formation of new bone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation with a low-level laser on proliferation and gene expression related to calcium signaling in human osteoblasts. Methods: Osteoblastic cell lines of the hFOB1.19 lineage, human osteoblasts, were grown and assigned into two groups, control (C; n=78 cultured wells) and photobiomodulation (L; n=78 cultured wells) with n=6 per day of the experimental period. Cells were cultured (immature at 34 ºC), and after maturation at 37 ºC, group L cells were exposed to laser irradiation with a low-level laser device (gallium and aluminum arsenide), at a wavelength of 808 nm, a power output of 200 mW, and a power density of 200 mW/cm2. The energy delivered to the cells was 37 J/cm2, with a beam area of 0.02 mm2 and an exposure time of 5 seconds. This treatment was applied daily for a period of 13 days. Following this, the number of cells was counted, and RNA was isolated, measured, and then converted into cDNA for further quantification using a comparative Ct method with real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results were then subjected to statistical analysis through a Mann-Whitney test, with a significance level of P<0.05. Results: The cell count in the L group (37.25x10±4±22.02) was statistically higher compared to the control group (22.75x10±4±7.660) with a P value of 0.0259. The values of 2-ΔΔCt for S100A6, plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA), and calmodulin genes indicated hyper-expression on the thirteenth day, while the osteocalcin gene showed hypo-expression. Conclusion: The study suggests that the photobiomodulation mechanism with a low-level laser may regulate gene expression in human osteoblasts in a dose-dependent and cumulative manner.

Photobiomodulation therapy enhances neural differentiation of dental pulp stem cells via ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is the application of a low-level laser device to generate physiological changes and provide therapeutic effects. Till now, the effects of PBMT on the neural differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells have been rarely reported. Herein, the potential effect and mechanism of PBMT on the neural differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were preliminarily investigated in our research. The optimal dose of 3.75 J/cm2 was first screened for use in the following neural-inducing studies. Then, DPSCs were cultured in neural induction medium and treated with laser irradiation for 7 days. From the results of morphology and immunofluorescence, we found that irradiation promoted the formation of neural stem cell-like spheroids derived from DPSCs and enhanced potential neural differentiation. Furthermore, neural differentiation gene expressions of Nestin, microtubule-associated protein-2, and neural cell adhesion molecule were increased after PBMT irradiation. The protein expressions of class III β-tubulin and neurogenic differentiation factor 1 were also improved. Meanwhile, the involvement of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) was investigated by western blot. Our study showed that the neural differentiation of DPSCs was promoted by PBMT, and the underlying mechanism in this process was associated with activating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Evaluation of the Functional Treatment of Patients With Skeletal Class II Malocclusion Using Low-Level Laser Therapy-Assisted Twin-Block Appliance: A Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundDifferent techniques have been used to reduce functional treatment time including low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and the majority of studies have been conducted on animals. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of LLLT on improving orthodontic functional treatment using the Twin-Block (TB) appliance.Materials and methodsThis study was a three-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Patients were selected using the following inclusion criteria: skeletal Class II Division 1 malocclusion resulting from mandibular retrognathia (angle between the anterior cranial base and the NB plane (i.e., SNB angle): 73°-78°), the sagittal skeletal discrepancy angle (ANB angle) between 4° and 9°, and overjet between 5 and 9 mm. Forty-eight patients were randomly allocated into three equal groups. In the LLLT-TB group, the low-level laser device was used with a wavelength of 808 nm and power of 250 mW in addition to functional treatment with a Twin-Block appliance. The laser was applied on the skin at the bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) regions, at five points, each point received 5 J of the laser for 20 seconds. The laser course was twice a week in the first month, every two weeks in the second month, and every three weeks up to the end of the treatment. The second group (the TB group) received functional treatment with a Twin-Block appliance, while patients in the third group (the untreated control group (UCG)) were observed for nine months without any intervention.ResultsThere were statistically significant differences in treatment periods between the LLLT-TB group and the TB group (129 days and 235 days, respectively, P-value<0.001). The change in the effective mandibular length (Co-Gn) was the highest in the LLLT-TB group compared with the TB and the UCG groups (4.41 mm, 3.66 mm, and 1.07 mm, respectively; P-value<0.001).ConclusionsThe application of low-level laser therapy on the condylar regions accelerated the functional treatment in skeletal Class II malocclusion patients by approximately 45% and increased the bone growth and mandibular length. The improvement in the SNB angle was similar in both interventional groups. Irradiation of low-level laser stimulated bone growth at the condyles and did not cause anterior movement of the temporomandibular joint following functional orthopedic correction.

Laser therapy in the complex treatment of patients with compression-ischemic neuropathy

Material and methods. Twenty-two patients with compression-ischemic neuropathy were included into the study. Low-level laser device “ALOK-1” was used for laser therapy. Its beam impacts tissues directly; its power is 1 mW, wavelength – 0.63 μm, spot diameter – 0.8 mkm.Results. Subjective, objective and instrumental findings became significantly better, if to compare with the pre-operative period.Conclusion. The developed technique has shown its good efficiency. The intraoperative laser therapy CIN patients decreased the severity of symptoms up to their complete regression; patients were highly satisfied with their postoperative outcomes.

UC-USP collaborative exercise on photobiomodulation therapy in neurological orofacial disturbances.

BackgroundNeurosensory peripheral disorders are one of the most common risks associated with iatrogenic and/or post-traumatic injuries. It is often related to disability. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a nonsurgical and safe procedure which can accelerate and improve the regeneration of injured biological tissue. This study aims to analyze the impact of PBMT, in the quality of life and impairment of individuals with orofacial neurological peripheral disturbance. Material and MethodsA retrospective analysis in the database of the dental traumatology clinic of the Hospital Centre of the University of Coimbra/Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra was performed.5 out of 50 individuals were selected, according to the selection criteria. The neurosensory activity was assessed by a pinprick nociceptive test and the EQ-5D-5L self-report questionnaire was used to analyse the quality of life. The study was performed in two phases:1) inactive laser or placebo phase, for one month and 2) active laser or treatment phase. A diode low-level laser device (SIROLaserBlue;Sirona,Germany) was used, according to our protocol. A collaborative protocol in the PBMT influence in individuals with neurosensory peripheral disturbances was studied. ResultsThere was no improvement in the neurosensory activity nor in the quality of life, in the placebo phase. After the treatment phase, the EQ-5D-5L final results reported no problems in all of the five dimensions, except for anxiety/depression in individuals with long-standing neurosensory peripheral disturbances. The EQ-VAS scores increased in all the individuals. ConclusionsOur results supported the improvement of quality of life and impairment reduction in the individuals submitted to PBMT. Key words:Low-level light therapy, peripheral nerve injuries, sensation disorders, quality of life, forensic medicine.

Effect of Low-Level LASER Therapy on Wound Recovery and Sequelae After Orthognathic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Despite the application of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in diverse dental procedures, its postoperative effects especially on wound recovery after orthognathic surgery have not been well explored. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effects of 660 nm LLLT on postoperative consequences of orthognathic surgery through a randomized controlled trial. Material and Methods: In this split-mouth, triple-blind randomized controlled trial, 12 patients who needed bimaxillary orthognathic surgery were recruited. After the surgery, one side of their face was irradiated with a diode low-level laser device of 660 nm during 1, 2, 4, and 7 days after the surgery, and the other side of their face was considered as placebo. Later, LLLT outcomes were assessed in terms of swelling, pain, and wound recovery after the surgery. For estimating the swelling, distances between tragicus to corner of mouth, tragicus to pogonion, and gonion to cantus were measured; for pain evaluation, the visual analog scale was used. Recovery of wounds was assessed via two ways of probing wounds depth and appraising their clinical features. Results: Although both LLLT and placebo sides presented a constant reduction of swelling over three postoperative months, the swelling in LLLT sides was significantly lower than placebos during the second and fourth days after the surgery. Regarding the pain, there were no significant differences on either sides of the face, 4 days after the surgery. Wounds probing indicated better recoveries at LLLT sides for both upper and lower jaws, whereas the results of clinical features did not show any significant differences between LLLT and placebo sides. Conclusion: LLLT can effectively accelerate the wound recovery after an orthognathic surgery. Also, it is helpful for postoperative sequelae of orthognathic surgery including swelling and pain.

АНАЛІЗ ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ЛАЗЕРНОГО ВИПРОМІНЮВАННЯ В ПРОЦЕСІ ОРТОДОНТИЧНОГО ПЕРЕМІЩЕННЯ ЗУБІВ ТА ПРОПОЗИЦІЇ ЩОДО ВДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ

Процес комплексного ортодонтичного лікування характеризується значною тривалістю та високою ймовірністю розвитку побічних негативних наслідків. Дослідники довели позитивний вплив лазера на процес ортодонтичного переміщення зубів, але питання підбору відповідних характеристик лазерного випромінювання та розробки нових модифікованих підходів його застосування потребує подальших досліджень.Мета дослідження – проаналізувати дослідження із застосуванням лазерного випромінювання в процесі ортодонтичного переміщення зубів та формулювання рекомендацій для розробки нової моделі лазерного апарату низької інтенсивності.Матеріали і методи. Контент-аналіз наукових публікацій, присвячених досліджуваній проблемі, дозволив виокремити праці, в яких найповніше розкрито її вирішення, та надав авторові можливість представити власні рекомендації щодо напрямків удосконалення систем лазерного випромінювання та розробки більш клінічно-ефективного та контруктивно-мобільнішого аналогу.Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Більшість дослідників підтверджує ефективність використання лазерного випромінювання в процесі ортодонтичного переміщення зубів, хоча деякі інші не відмітили будь-якого позитивного впливу. Згідно з першими дослідженнями, лазерне випромінювання сприяє злиттю мононуклеарних макрофагів для дозрівання клітин остеобластів, збільшенню кількості диференційованих клітин остеобластів та центрів формування кісткоутворення, пришвидшенню утворення мінералізованої кісткової тканини у зоні розтягування. В інших дослідженнях відмічається підвищення рівня синтезу колагену, позитивний вплив на експресію металпротеїнази-9, катепсину К та альфа(v)бета(3)-інтегрину та збереження вихідних параметрів мінеральної щільності кісткової тканини. Подальші дослідження здебільшого підтверджують попередні результати підвищення швидкості руху зубів на 20–40 % та відмічають пришвидшення репарації тканин пульпи, і, таким чином, мінімізацію ризику розвитку незворотних ускладнень й значне зниження больових відчуттів. За результатами аналізу науково-дослідних публікацій та на основі власного практичного досвіду автор виокремлює наступні рекомендації для розробки нової моделі лазерного апарату низької інтенсивності: 1) використання люмінофорів у структурі лазера та підбір робочих наконечників із різними вихідними параметрами; 2) використання технології вибіркового розмірного протравлювання металевих плат; 3) формування розбірних лазерних систем; 4) довжина хвилі повинна становити 810 нм.Висновки. Для встановлення механізму впливу лазерного випромінювання на ефект ортодонтичного переміщення зубів необхідно забезпечити проведення додаткових морфометричних, рентгенологічних, гістологічних та клінічних досліджень.

Photodynamic therapy for Schistosoma mansoni: Promising outcomes

The purpose of this study was to assess, for the very first time, the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on Schistosoma mansoni in vitro by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation throughout the treatment, as well as the behavior of the parasites (mating, motility and contraction/shortening), and damage to their tegument and excretory systems. The parasites were divided into 4 groups: control, photosensitizer, laser and PDT. Light irradiation was delivered with an InGaAlP low-level laser device operating at 660nm, with 40mW and 100J/cm2. For PDT, different toluidine blue dye (TBO) concentrations and times of exposure were utilized. Interestingly, TBO-mediated PDT was able to kill S. mansoni (P<0.001) due to the significant amount of ROS released that inflicted damages in the tegument and excretory system, as well as contraction and cessation of motility. In addition, males of S. mansoni were shown to be more sensitive to PDT if compared to their corresponding females when the optimal TBO concentration of 31.2μL was considered (P=0.0126). PDT presents two major advantages: not inducing microbial resistance and also lacking adverse effects. Therefore, PDT may become a promising therapeutic alternative for schistosomiasis in the near future, especially for cases of allergy and resistance to praziquantel.

Low-level laser therapy affects osseointegration in titanium implants: resonance frequency, removal torque, and histomorphometric analysis in rabbits.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with a diode gallium-aluminum-arsenide (Ga-Al-As) low-level laser device on the healing and attachment of titanium implants in bone.Materials and MethodsThirteen New Zealand white male rabbits weighing 3.0±0.5 kg were used for this study. Dental titanium implants (3.75 mm in diameter and 8.5 mm in length, US II RBM plus fixture; Osstem, Seoul, Korea) were implanted into both femurs of each rabbit. The rabbits were randomly divided into a LLLT group and a control group. The LLLT was initiated immediately after surgery and then repeated daily for 7 consecutive days in the LLLT group. Six weeks and 12 weeks after implantation, we evaluated and compared the osseointegration of the LLLT group and control group, using histomorphometric analysis, removal torque testing, and resonance frequency analysis (RFA). The results were statistically significant when the level of probability was 0.05 or less based on a non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test.ResultsThe implant survival rate was about 96%. Histologically and histomorphometrically, we observed that the titanium implants were more strongly attached in LLLT group than in control group. However, there was no significant difference between the LLLT group and control group in removal torque or RFA.ConclusionHistologically, LLLT might promote cell-level osseointegration of titanium implants, but there was no statistically significant effects.

Efficacy and Safety of a Low-level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham Device-controlled, Double-blind Study

SignificanceMale and female pattern hair loss are common, chronic dermatologic disorders with limited therapeutic options. In recent years, a number of commercial devices using low-level laser therapy have been promoted, but there have been little peer-reviewed data on their efficacy.ObjectiveTo determine whether treatment with a low-level laser device, the US FDA-cleared HairMax Lasercomb®, increases terminal hair density in both men and women with pattern hair loss.MethodsRandomized, sham device-controlled, double-blind clinical trials were conducted at multiple institutional and private practices. A total of 146 male and 188 female subjects with pattern hair loss were screened. A total of 128 male and 141 female subjects were randomized to receive either a lasercomb (one of three models) or a sham device in concealed sealed packets, and were treated on the whole scalp three times a week for 26 weeks. Terminal hair density of the target area was evaluated at baseline and at 16- and 26-week follow-ups, and analyzed to determine whether the hypothesis formulated prior to data collection, that lasercomb treatment would increase terminal hair density, was correct. The site investigators and the subjects remained blinded to the type of device they dispensed/received throughout the study. The evaluator of masked digital photographs was blinded to which trial arm the subject belonged.ResultsSeventy-eight, 63, 49, and 79 subjects were randomized in four trials of 9-beam lasercomb treatment in female subjects, 12-beam lasercomb treatment in female subjects, 7-beam lasercomb treatment in male subjects, and 9- and 12-beam lasercomb treatment in male subjects, compared with the sham device, respectively. Nineteen female and 25 male subjects were lost to follow-up. Among the remaining 122 female and 103 male subjects in the efficacy analysis, the mean terminal hair count at 26 weeks increased from baseline by 20.2, 20.6, 18.4, 20.9, and 25.7 per cm2 in 9-beam lasercomb-treated female subjects, 12-beam lasercomb-treated female subjects, 7-beam lasercomb-treated male subjects, and 9- and 12-beam lasercomb-treated male subjects, respectively, compared with 2.8 (p < 0.0001), 3.0 (p < 0.0001), 1.6 (p = 0.0017), 9.4 (p = 0.0249), and 9.4 (p = 0.0028) in sham-treated subjects (95 % confidence interval). The increase in terminal hair density was independent of the age and sex of the subject and the lasercomb model. Additionally, a higher percentage of lasercomb-treated subjects reported overall improvement of hair loss condition and thickness and fullness of hair in self-assessment, compared with sham-treated subjects. No serious adverse events were reported in any subject receiving the lasercomb in any of the four trials.Conclusions and relevanceWe observed a statistically significant difference in the increase in terminal hair density between lasercomb- and sham-treated subjects. No serious adverse events were reported. Our results suggest that low-level laser treatment may be an effective option to treat pattern hair loss in both men and women. Additional studies should be considered to determine the long-term effects of low-level laser treatment on hair growth and maintenance, and to optimize laser modality.

Treatment of Phantom Limb Pain with Laser and Needle Auricular Acupuncture: A Case Report

Abstract Background: Amputees often report the sensation of phantom limb pain. Medications and nonpharmacologic therapies do not always improve symptoms. Objective: To describe treatment of phantom limb pain with laser and needle auricular acupuncture. Design, Setting, and Patient: A 25-year-old male military amputee with phantom limb pain underwent treatment with laser and needle auricular acupuncture in the fall of 2010. Pain intensity was typically rated from 4/10 to 0/10 during the day and 7/10 in the evening. His medications included methadone, memantine, pregabalin, and oxycodone as needed. Nonpharmacologic therapies included massage, physical therapy, and compression bandage. Intervention: Auricular acupuncture was performed on the left ear with a low-level laser device (output ≤5 mW) at a frequency of 650 nm onto the cingulate gyrus point, with light pressure. The patient was offered needle auricular acupuncture but declined. Main Outcome Measure: Patient-reported phantom limb pain. Results: After...