Biocompatibility between bone cells and biomred for the process of osteogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Photobiomodulation (PBM) in vitro on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) treated with Bio-Oss® (BO) bone substitute xenograft. DPSC cultures were obtained from third molars extracted from healthy volunteers and characterized by flow cytometry. The effects of PBM (5, 7, or 10J/cm2) on DPSCs treated with BO (5mg/ml) were assessed using cytotoxicity assays, viability staining, cell migration, alkaline phosphatase activity, and Alizarin red S staining. PBM restored the lost migration ability of DPSCs treated with BO; however, this combined therapy was associated with significantly lower levels of DPSC viability, alkaline phosphatase expression, and mineralization compared to controls. PBM therapy did not improve the biocompatibility of DPSCs treated with BO bone substitute. The effect of interaction between these treatments seemed to be cytotoxic to DPSCs. Our results suggest that the interaction between BO and PBM therapy could impair bone regeneration.

Efficacy of home-based low-level laser therapy in patients with low back pain: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Photobiomodulation pre-treatment enhances ALA-induced PpIX accumulation and photodynamic therapy response in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells in cell culture.

This case reports a patient with intermittent and persistent delayed swelling (PIDS) after lip filling with hyaluronic acid which was treated with low-level laser therapy. PIDS is one of the many complications resulting from the use of fillers with hyaluronic acid. The clinical findings of this morbidity are late and intermittent local edema that persists as long as there is the presence of hyaluronic acid in the tissue. The usual treatment for PIDS is the application of the hyaluronidase enzyme, which is responsible for the degradation of hyaluronic acid. However, due to the possible adverse effects the application of the enzyme can cause, the patient was insecure about its use and an alternative treatment was planned. The use of low-level laser could be an alternative therapeutic due to its anti-inflammatory effects, reducing tissue edema and vascular hyperemia, and modulating immune system cells, favoring the repair process. After clinical, radiographic and facial ultrasound examinations in order to establish the diagnosis, a 59-year-old female patient underwent five weekly sessions of laser therapy at wavelengths of 660nm and 808nm. After 30 days of the last session, a new ultrasound examination of the face was performed and a reduction in hyaluronic acid deposits in the labial region was observed. During the last 12 months of follow-up, the patient did not manifest new episodes of edema.

Clarithromycin-based therapy with adjunctive photobiomodulation and microwave treatment for cutaneous Mycobacterium marinum infection.

Pain is a significant challenge in critical care settings, affecting patient outcomes, recovery time, and quality of life. While pharmacological interventions remain the cornerstone of pain management in intensive care units (ICUs), they are associated with numerous adverse effects including respiratory depression, delirium, and prolonged ICU stays. To examine evidence-based physiotherapy approaches that can effectively complement traditional pain management strategies in patients who are critically ill. We conducted a comprehensive literature review of physiotherapy modalities used for pain control in ICU settings. The review focused on six key interventions: Early mobilization, positioning, postural management, manual therapy techniques, thermotherapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and photobiomodulation (PBM). Evidence supports the efficacy of physiotherapy interventions in reducing pain intensity and improving patient comfort in critical care environments. Early mobilization prevents complications of immobility while indirectly reducing pain through improved circulation and endorphin release. Proper positioning techniques alleviate pressure on painful areas and reduce the incidence of pressure injuries. Manual therapy provides pain relief through neural mobilization and muscle relaxation. Thermotherapy offers significant analgesic effects with minimal side effects. TENS and PBM demonstrate promising results as nonpharmacological pain management options, with PBM showing efficacy through its impact on cellular metabolism and neural pathways. Evidence supports physiotherapy interventions as effective nonpharmacological adjuncts to conventional pain management in critical care, demonstrating efficacy through multiple modalities that enhance patient comfort while potentially reducing opioid requirements.

Near-infrared photobiomodulation can alleviate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy-associated sensory abnormalities.

Hard-to-heal (chronic) leg ulcers (LUs) can impair quality of life and, in severe cases, may require amputation. Although there are a few studies on the use of class III laser therapy with LUs, studies using powerful class IV lasers are scarce. The present study uses a class IV therapeutic laser (K-Cube 4; K-Laser; K-Laser USA, LLC, US) which uses four wavelengths (660nm, 800nm, 905nm and 970nm) of diodes in one device to target haemoglobin, water and cytochrome c oxidase simultaneously, with different frequency modulation and high power levels to enhance clinical efficacy and produce short treatment protocols. Patients experience no pain or tissue damage with this procedure, which is non-invasive. The objective was to determine at what rate class IV laser therapy reduces the size of hard-to-heal lower LUs of different aetiologies. This study involved patients with hard-to-heal cutaneous LUs, infected and non-infected, who were non-responsive to standard ulcer treatment for at least six weeks. Medications and dressing materials remained as consistent as possible. Various comorbidities were well controlled for at least four weeks before the trial started. The maximum duration of treatment was 12 therapies, with a four-week post-therapy follow-up. Patients received laser therapy once or twice weekly, to fit in with their dressing change schedule. Ulcer size, wound bed, surrounding tissue condition, pain intensity and overall patient condition were observed. The mean daily percentage area reduction (PAR) with standard deviation was calculated after completing the entire process. The initial cohort was 20 patients. For the 13 patients who received twice-weekly treatment, the wounds increased in size by an average of 0.5559% per day in the four weeks before starting the class IV laser treatment. After starting laser therapy, the ulcer size decreased with a mean daily PAR of 1.118±1.0078%. For the six patients who received once-weekly treatment, the PAR was 0.329% per day in the four weeks before starting the laser treatment, which increased to a mean daily PAR of 0.604±1.348%. After completing three sessions, one patient declined to participate in therapy. Overall, 17/19 (89.47%) patients received a satisfactory reduction. In this study, class IV laser therapy demonstrated promising outcomes in the treatment of LUs by improving wound healing. However, more large-scale, randomised controlled trials are required to create standardised techniques and fully comprehend the long-term benefits and disadvantages. The cost analysis indicated positive cost-saving results based on the patients within the study. However, these cost-effectiveness estimates are based on very small numbers and so further research is needed with a larger sample.

Orthodontic treatments for maxillary canine retraction often extend over long durations, affecting patient comfort and compliance and leading to growing interest in using physical modalities such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), mechanical vibration, and electromagnetic fields to accelerate tooth movement. This study systematically evaluates and compares the effectiveness of these physical methods in increasing the rate of upper canine retraction in fixed-appliance orthodontic patients. A comprehensive electronic search of six databases was conducted through July 5, 2025, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating LLLT, mechanical vibration, or electromagnetic interventions for maxillary canine retraction. Eligible studies compared these modalities with standard orthodontic controls and reported the rate of upper canine retraction (mm/month) as the primary outcome, alongside secondary outcomes including canine angulation, rotation, anchorage loss, and root resorption. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB2 tool, and meta-analyses were performed to calculate mean differences (MDs), p-values, and heterogeneity (I²). Sixteen RCTs with 322 participants were included, revealing that LLLT significantly increased the retraction rate (MD = 0.43 mm/month, p = 0.007; I² = 97%), which, after sensitivity analysis, became MD = 0.26 mm/month (I² = 48%). Mechanical vibration also significantly increased retraction (MD = 0.36 mm/month, p < 0.00001), with no heterogeneity (I² = 0%). Evidence for electromagnetic fields was limited but still positive. For secondary outcomes, no significant adverse effects were noted for angulation, rotation, anchorage, or root integrity, although one study reported minimal, nonsignificant root resorption. In conclusion, physical modalities - particularly LLLT and mechanical vibration - can moderately accelerate upper canine retraction without detectable adverse effects. However, due to variability in protocols and limited long-term data, further high-quality RCTs with standardized methodologies are warranted before routine clinical application.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is widely investigated for tissue recovery, performance enhancement, and post-exercise optimization. This study assessed whether PBM applied to the vagus nerve in the infra-auricular region, combined with resistance exercise, modulates cardiac autonomic function in healthy, physically active adults. In this acute randomized controlled trial, 34 volunteers were enrolled: 17 underwent PBM or sham PBM in a crossover design, while a control group (n = 17) received PBM without exercise. PBM was delivered with a total energy dose of 12 J. Heart rate variability (HRV) was analyzed in time, frequency, and non-linear domains. Results showed a slight reduction (p = 0.011) in approximate entropy (ApEn) in the PBM group compared with controls, but no significant differences were observed in other HRV indices. These findings suggest that PBM applied to the vagus nerve induces minimal acute modulation of autonomic complexity. Further studies with different dosimetries and exercise protocols are warranted.

Surgical extraction of third molars is a common oral and maxillo-facial surgery procedure frequently associated with postoperative complications, such as pain, swelling, and trismus. Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), involves the use of low-intensity laser to promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. This study evaluated the effectiveness of PBM following surgical extraction of mandibular third molars. This was a prospective, multicenter, randomized, triple-blind clinical trial conducted across five Italian centers. Seventy-nine patients were randomly assigned to a test group (PBM) or control group (no PBM). PBM was delivered immediately after surgery and on the following two days, using a multiband diode laser (445, 660 and 970nm). Primary outcomes were postoperative pain, facial swelling, and trismus. Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life and analgesic consumption. Covariates included patient age, gender, the extracted tooth and the impaction classification according to Pell & Gregory and Winter. The time of the surgical procedure, measured in seconds from incision to final suture, was also documented. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables. Normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and homogeneity of variances was evaluated using Levene's test. Between-group comparisons for continuous outcomes were performed using Student's t-test or the Mann-Whitney U test, depending on data distribution. Categorical vari-ables were analyzed with chi-square or Fisher's exact test. A p-value< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. No statistically significant differences were found between groups for any of the measured outcomes. However, trends favored the PBM group, particularly regarding reduced pain and improved quality of life. The study was powered to detect a large effect size (Cohen's d=0.8); therefore, the lack of statistical significance suggests that any true effect, if present, is likely smaller than this threshold. Further studies with larger sample sizes and standardized protocols are needed to explore smaller yet clinically relevant effects.

This study evaluated how photobiomodulation caused by laser irradiation influences the osseointegration of titanium dental implants installed in rat tibiae. A titanium implant was inserted after a bone defect was created in each tibia of 18 rats. The right tibia was treated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) using a Nd:YAG laser (LT group) every other day until sacrifice, with the opposite side serving as a control (Control group). At 2, 3, and 4 weeks after implantation, tibiae were collected, and a torque test was performed. After performing X-ray and micro-computed tomography, bone volume (BV) and bone mineral density (BMD) of new bone formation in the defects after implant removal were calculated from three-dimensional images, and all tibiae were analyzed histologically. BV and BMD were highest in the LT group at 2 weeks and decreased at 3 and 4 weeks. Removal torque values in both groups were lowest at 2 weeks and increased at 3 and 4 weeks. There were significantly higher removal torque values of the LT group than in the Control group at 2 and 3 weeks, whereas no significant differences between groups were evident at 4 weeks. This suggested that LLLT using a Nd:YAG laser significantly accelerated bone formation during the healing process at 2 weeks, and osseointegration between bone and the implant body may have been enhanced at 2 and 3 weeks. Nd:YAG laser therapy appears effective for promoting bone formation and osseointegration of implants in rat tibiae.

This clinical, randomized, controlled, and blinded trial evaluated photobiomodulation (PBM) using 850 nm (infrared) and 660 nm (red) LED clusters on cervical and mandibular mobility and masticatory muscles in temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients. PBM was applied to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region, masseter, temporal, scalene, and trapezius muscles over six non-consecutive sessions over 2 weeks. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) were used to determine the presence of TMD. A caliper and goniometer were used to measure the mandibular and cervical range of motion, respectively. Pain was assessed with the visual analog scale (VAS) before and after intervention. Results showed pain reduction only in the LED group post-intervention; the placebo group showed no difference. No differences were observed in mouth opening, right laterality, flexion, or extension between groups, but left laterality increased in the LED group. In conclusion, PBM with LEDs effectively reduced pain in TMD patients. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06068959.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is widely reported to influence cellular function through light-induced biochemical signaling; however, the contribution of direct protein-photon interactions to PBM-associated optical responses remains insufficiently understood. The current study investigated whether PBM-relevant wavelengths can modulate intrinsic protein autofluorescence independent of cellular photoreceptors. Purified human serum albumin (HSA) and fibrinogen were irradiated with 632.8nm and 830nm lasers using fluences selected to preserve protein photostability. Autofluorescence spectroscopy was performed under ultraviolet excitation to assess wavelength- and dose-dependent changes in intrinsic fluorophore emission. In parallel, SH-SY5Y cells were irradiated under comparable conditions, followed by protein extraction, SDS-PAGE, and fluorescence fingerprinting. Both purified proteins exhibited significant modulation of autofluorescence intensity without detectable spectral shifts, indicating preservation of the local fluorophore environment and absence of gross conformational denaturation. HSA displayed a dose-dependent biphasic response characterized by fluorescence enhancement at lower fluences and attenuation at higher doses, whereas fibrinogen showed predominantly fluorescence quenching, with a partial biphasic trend observed only under near-infrared irradiation. In contrast, cellular protein extracts demonstrated a largely monotonic decrease in autofluorescence intensity with increasing irradiation dose, despite preserved electrophoretic profiles. These findings demonstrate that PBM wavelengths can directly influence intrinsic protein photophysics in a protein-specific manner, independent of cellular signaling pathways. While such direct light-protein interactions may contribute to baseline optical changes observed during PBM, the distinct responses observed in cellular systems highlight the critical role of cellular organization in shaping functional PBM outcomes. This work provides experimental evidence supporting a protein-level component in PBM-associated optical responses.

Efficacy and predictive criteria for success of photobiomodulation therapy in women presenting with vulvar and vaginal pain.

Postoperative pain, inflammation and delayed healing continue to be significant concerns following periodontal surgical procedures. Therefore, it is of interest to compare the effects of light emitting diode therapy and low-level laser therapy on post periodontal surgical healing. Hence, a total of 100 patients undergoing periodontal flap surgery were randomly allocated to receive either LED therapy or low-level laser therapy and healing outcomes were clinically evaluated. Both therapies significantly enhanced postoperative healing, with low-level laser therapy demonstrating superior early pain control and faster inflammatory resolution. This study advances existing knowledge by offering direct comparative evidence on photobiomodulation modalities for optimizing periodontal surgical healing.

Postoperative pain affects 25-40% of Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) patients, impairing oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). This double-blind RCT randomized 80 single-visit RCT patients to low-level laser therapy (LLLT) (808 nm periapical laser) or placebo postoperatively. LLLT reduced 24-hour Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores (2.1ą1.2 vs 4.8ą1.5; p&lt;0.001) across all timepoints. Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) scores improved significantly (15.3ą3.1 vs 22.7ą4.5; p&lt;0.001) with 58% less analgesic use. Immediate LLLT advances RCT recovery as safe adjunct for pain control and enhanced OHRQoL

Advanced technologies and complementary or adjunctive interventions are increasingly used for chronic or recurrent orofacial pain (OP), but comparative evidence remains fragmented across diagnoses, modalities, and outcomes. We conducted a systematic evidence map with selective meta-analyses (PROSPERO CRD420251270501) following PRISMA 2020. Six databases were searched from inception to 31 December 2025 for randomized and non-randomized intervention studies in adults with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), burning mouth syndrome (BMS), trigeminal neuralgia (TN), and other chronic or recurrent orofacial pain phenotypes. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data, assessed risk of bias using validated tools, and rated certainty with GRADE. Random-effects meta-analyses of randomized comparisons used standardized mean differences within prespecified follow-up windows and reported prediction intervals. Pain intensity was prioritized, and disability, jaw function, quality of life, global improvement, medication outcomes, and adverse events were extracted when available. We included 130 studies (n = 6879 participants). Non-randomized intervention studies were retained to widen the evidence map and to capture feasibility, durability, and safety signals that are often underrepresented in early randomized trials. These studies were synthesized narratively and did not contribute to pooled comparative estimates or to certainty upgrading. Low risk of bias was uncommon, and reporting of function, quality of life, and harms was inconsistent, which limited pooling. Safety outcomes were not reported in 37 of 130 included studies, and denominators were often unclear, which limits risk-benefit interpretation. In BMS, photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy (PBM/LLLT) versus inactive control reduced short-term pain (k = 6, N = 200, standardized mean difference - 0.81, 95% CI - 1.35 to - 0.27). The 95% prediction interval crossed the null (- 1.80 to 0.17), while certainty was moderate. Most pharmacologic and supplement interventions for BMS showed uncertain or inconsistent effects. For TMD, effects varied by modality and comparator and were generally low or very low certainty. Evidence for TN and digital therapeutics was sparse, and adverse-event reporting was inconsistent. PBM/LLLT shows the clearest short-term analgesic signal for BMS versus inactive control, but transportability remains uncertain given null-crossing prediction intervals and limited long-term data. Future trials should standardize outcomes, extend follow-up, and report harms transparently to support diagnosis-stratified care.

As a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer's disease (AD) has limited effective therapeutic options. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, a non-invasive light therapy, represents a potential strategy for neurological diseases; however, its preclinical findings have been inconsistent. While previous reviews have summarized PBM's potential, this study is the first quantitative meta-analysis synthesizing preclinical evidence of PBM therapy in AD animal models, evaluating its effects on cognitive and neuropathological outcomes. We performed a systematic search across seven electronic databases to identify all relevant studies. A meta-analysis of 16 eligible studies evaluated the effects of PBM on cognitive outcomes and key neuropathological markers. Subgroup analyses were stratified by animal model and interventions (wavelength, energy density). From 16 eligible studies, the meta-analysis found that PBM therapy significantly improved cognitive function (e.g., learning ability: MD = - 7.18; 95% CI - 9.87 to - 4.48), based on data from 386 animals. However, this was associated with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 88%, p < 0.00001). PBM also significantly reduced Aβ deposition (SMD = - 0.96; I2 = 55%) and p-Tau levels (SMD = - 2.24; I2 = 14%). From a mechanistic standpoint, the activity of cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) is enhanced by PBM therapy. Subgroup analysis by animal model showed that PBM therapy was associated with greater improvement of learning and memory ability in transgenic animals. In different wavelengths, PBM using wavelengths greater than 750nm showed numerically greater effects on learning ability. In different energy densities, PBM with an energy density less than or equal to 3J/cm2 was associated with greater improvement in learning ability and memory ability. This meta-analysis demonstrates that PBM has significant therapeutic potential for AD animal models by improving cognition and ameliorating key pathologies. The mechanisms likely involve mitigating oxidative stress and enhancing mitochondrial function. While preclinical evidence strongly supports the efficacy of PBM, translation to humans requires careful optimization of treatment parameters and dose-response relationships. Further high-quality preclinical trials are crucial to validate the therapeutic potential of PBM for AD.

Skin aging, photoaging, and chronic wounds are increasingly recognized to be driven by mitochondria-centered mechanisms characterized by oxidative stress, defective mitophagy, and impaired bioenergetics in cutaneous cells. Autologous biologics, including platelet-rich plasma, stromal vascular fraction, bone marrow aspirate concentrate, and mesenchymal stromal/stem cell-derived products, are widely used for skin rejuvenation and wound repair. Recent studies have suggested that many of these effects are mediated by mitochondrial mechanisms, including metabolic reprogramming, redox modulation, and intercellular mitochondrial transfer. Concurrently, biophysical modalities such as red/near-infrared photobiomodulation (PBM), low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, mechanical stimulation, and nanoengineered cues can modulate mitochondrial function in skin-relevant cells. In this review, we integrate these lines of evidence to introduce the concept of mitochondria-targeted biophysical priming of autologous biologics for dermatological applications. We summarize the mitochondrial biology in skin pathology, evaluate these biologics as mitochondria-active therapies, and outline ex vivo priming implementation using PBM, ultrasound, or mechanical stimulation. Finally, we discuss key regulatory considerations that support clinical translation.