Low-level Laser Research Articles

Physical Therapies for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: A Protocol for an Umbrella and Mapping Systematic Review with Meta-Meta-Analysis.

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), also known as exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), is typically caused by strenuous and/or unaccustomed physical exercise. DOMS/EIMD manifests itself in reduced muscle strength and performance levels, increased muscle soreness, swelling, and elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Numerous randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews (SRs) of a wide variety of physiotherapy interventions for reducing the signs and symptoms of DOMS/EIMD have been published. However, these SRs often arrive at contradictory conclusions, impeding decision-making processes. We will systematically review the current evidence on clinical outcomes (efficacy, safety) of physiotherapy interventions for the treatment of DOMS/EIMD in healthy adults. We will also assess the quality of the evidence and identify, map, and summarise data from the available SRs. Umbrella review with evidence map and meta-meta-analyses. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Epistemonikos and PEDro will be searched from January 1998 until February 2024. SRs of RCTs of any treatment used by physiotherapists (e.g., low-level laser therapy, electrical stimulation, heat/cold therapy, ultrasound, magnets, massage, manual therapies) to treat DOMS/EIMD in healthy adults will be eligible. Narrative/non-systematic reviews, studies of adolescents/children and medically compromised individuals, of complementary therapies, dietary, nutritional, or pharmacological interventions, as well as self-administered interventions, or those published before 1998, will be excluded. AMSTAR 2 will be used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included SRs. Corrected covered area, will be computed for assessing overlaps among included SRs, and an evidence map will be prepared to describe the credibility of evidence for interventions analysed in the relevant SRs. DOMS/EIMD is a complex condition, and there is no consensus regarding the standard of clinical/physiotherapeutic care. By critically evaluating the existing evidence, we aim to inform clinicians about the most promising therapies for DOMS/EIMD. This umbrella review has the potential to identify gaps in the existing evidence base that would inform future research. The protocol has been registered at PROSPERO (CRD42024485501].

Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) And Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) On Improving Balance In Knee Osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND : Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a joint disease with a high prevalence among the elderly. OA can cause balance disorders, which are one of the main causes of falls in the elderly. Balance can be measured using several scoring systems, one of which is the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). One of the treatment modalities for OA is laser therapy which is non-invasive and easy to apply. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been widely used in patients with knee OA, but recently high intensity laser therapy (HILT) has begun to be used in physical therapy with advantages over a wider range and depth. AIMS : to compare the effect of LLLT and HILT therapy on improving functional balance in the elderly with knee OA. METHOD : This research is a randomized controlled trial pre-test and post-test-controlled group design. The sampling method used in this study is the simple random sampling method. The sample size was 27 subjects and divided into two groups, the LLLT group (n=14) and the HILT group (n=13). Each subject received laser therapy sessions 2 times a week for 4 weeks. Balance was assessed using the BBS before and after the intervention. RESULT : There was an increase in BBS scores before and after treatment in the HILT group (p<0.001) and in the LLLT group (p<0.001), with the increase in the HILT group (7.79 ± 2.16) significantly greater than in the LLLT group (3 .08 ± 0.76) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION : HILT improves balance score better than LLLT.

Simultaneous effect of medicinal plants as natural photosensitizers and low-level laser on photodynamic inactivation.

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) technology is a promising alternative to antibiotics. This technology is defined as the inhibition of bacterial growth with photosensitizers while irradiated with low-level laser light in the wavelength of 532 ± 2.08nm. A challenging area in this field is selecting photosensitizers with antibacterial potential. In this paper, to enhance the antibacterial efficiency, the photosensitizers (the selected plant extracts) with a high absorption peak at the selected laser frequency, 532nm, were prepared. Low-concentration ethanolic plant extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Opuntia ficus-indica were found to exhibit significant antibacterial activity against, Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606 and, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 33591 as two important human pathogenic bacteria. The effectiveness of these natural photosensitizers was measured by determining their Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values and by performing a time-killing assay in the absence and the presence of laser irradiation. Our results showed that the combination of low-level laser irradiation and the selected photosensitizers had excellent potential for treating in vitro bacterial infections. Therefore, PDI technology has great potential as a viable alternative to traditional antibiotics for combating bacterial infections. This study presents a promising avenue for further exploration of PDI and the use of laser technology in medical science.

Morphological features of wound repair processes under low-level laser therapy in patients with diabetic foot syndrome

Purpose. To assess morphological features of tissue regeneration processes in lower extremities in patients with the diabetic foot syndrome after low-level laser therapy (LLLT).Materials and methods. The article presents a comparative retrospective analysis of the histological material of wound tissues in 125 patients with the diabetic foot syndrome (DFS). Studied material – histological sections of wound tissues stained with hematoxylin-eosin. The material was divided into two groups: main group – 65 micro-preparations of wound tissues of DFS patients who were treated traditionally plus LLLT; control group – 60 micro-preparations of wound tissues of DFS patients who had surgical wound debridement , then traditional comprehensive therapy with local wet-drying dressings.Results and discussion. The analysis of the obtained results has shown that LLLT promotes activation of cellular components and increases their number: macrophages, lymphocytes, fi broblasts. One can also see faster regenerative processes and granulation tissue formation as well as signifi cantly less area of wound surface, if to compare to the group of patients treated with traditional comprehensive wound management and local techniques.Conclusion. LLLT in the comprehensive management of patients with DFS purulent-necrotic forms can accelerate reparative processes in wound defects and signifi cantly reduce their area. It also helps to clean wounds, to reduce or eliminate infl ammatory processes within much shorter terms than under traditional care. LLLT stimulates production of granulation tissue and accelerates epithelialization as well.

Case Study] Low-Level Laser and Its Interface With Sleep Dentistry: Clinical Case Report

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate and raise the therapeutic hypothesis of the use of low-level laser as a complementary therapy in patients with sleep disorder (SD) in a broad approach involving other pathologies superimposed on this pathology. METHODS: This is a clinical case report of a patient with Parkinson's disease (PD) complaining of sleep disorder. The proposed treatment is the use of photobiomodulation (FB) with intraoral application using an innovative dosimetry. SD was assessed using an adapted analogue scale. RESULTS: In the evaluation performed after the last session, there was an improvement in the sleep disorder compared to the pre-treatment evaluation. However, one month after the end of the treatment, it was observed that the quality of sleep remained practically the same. CONCLUSION: We can conclude that low-potency FB can be a modulator in the production of neurotransmitter substances in a local and systemic way, being a complementary or alternative treatment for patients with sleep disorder (SD).

Comparative Efficacy of Non-Invasive Therapies in Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction: A Systematic Review.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a multifaceted disorder impacting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), causing substantial discomfort and functional limitations. This systematic review aims to comprehensively assess the effectiveness of non-invasive treatment modalities for TMJ dysfunction, prioritizing a definitive protocol to ensure patient safety and enhance quality of life. Employing the PRISMA guidelines, we meticulously analyzed 20 studies from a pool of 1,417 articles sourced from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Medline. These studies underscore the multifarious nature of TMD and the varied responses to treatments such as physical therapy, laser therapy, ultrasound and electrical stimulation, splint therapy, injections, and arthrocentesis. Notably, the review highlights the paramount importance of precise diagnosis, often through surface electromyography, followed by a tailored treatment approach integrating manual therapy, counseling, and splint therapy. The systematic analysis revealed that while certain treatments such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and low-level laser therapy showed limited efficacy, combination therapies, especially those involving manual therapy, counseling, and splint therapy, demonstrated substantial improvement in reducing pain, depression, and anxiety. The findings advocate for a non-invasive, patient-centric approach, emphasizing education and symptom management before considering more invasive procedures such as injections and arthrocentesis. The review identifies the need for more comprehensive, longitudinal studies to establish a standardized, evidence-based treatment protocol for TMJ dysfunction, aiming to improve patient outcomes holistically.

Effect of low level laser therapy versus pulsed ultrasound on postpartum carpal tunnel syndrome

Background. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a major health issue that can impede postpartum women's activities and skills in both their personal and professional lives. Purpose. To compare the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and pulsed ultrasound (US) in relieving postpartum CTS. Methods. Forty-eight women with mild to moderate CTS were divided into three groups. In addition to wrist exercises, Group (A) (n = 16) received LLLT, Group (B) (n = 16) received pulsed US, and Group (C) (n = 16) performed wrist exercises alone. For all groups, the treatment sessions were applied to the affected hand, 3 sessions weekly for four weeks. All postpartum women were evaluated pre- and post-treatment via a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the Boston Questionnaire of CTS (BCTS) for diagnosing CTS symptoms, electromyography for measuring motor conduction velocity (MCV), sensory conduction velocity (SCV), motor distal latency (MDL), and sensory peak latency (SPL), and a hand grip dynamometer for assessing hand grip strength. Results. All measured variables were significantly improved in the three groups post-treatment compared to pre-treatment. Between-groups comparison showed a highly significant decrease in the VAS, BCTS, and SPL and a significant increase of SCV and hand grip strength between groups A and C in favor of group A and between groups B and C in favor of group B, while the significant change in MDL and MCV was found between groups A and C only in favor of group A (p < 0.05), with no significant change in all outcome measures between groups A and B (P > 0.05). Conclusion. Either LLLT or pulsed US are useful modalities that can be used as an effective conservative therapy for alleviating postpartum CTS.

Current Applications and Future Perspectives of Photobiomodulation in Ocular Diseases: A Narrative Review

The present article provides an overview of photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser light therapy (LLLT), which has garnered attention in ophthalmology for its potential therapeutic benefits in various ocular diseases. Photobiomodulation involves the use of low-intensity lasers or light-emitting diodes to stimulate biological processes in target tissues without causing thermal damage. This article discusses how PBM has been explored across various ocular conditions, including ocular surface diseases, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, myopia, amblyopia, and glaucoma. It summarizes findings from human studies and clinical trials demonstrating positive outcomes of PBM treatment in these areas. Moreover, the article emphasizes the importance of establishing standardized treatment protocols in terms of session duration and frequency, light type, and patients’ inclusion criteria to further validate the role of PBM in managing ocular diseases.

Combined Effects of Brunnstorm Movement Therapy and Low-Level Laser Therapy on Upper Limb Function and Hand Dexterity in Chronic Stroke Patient

Background: Stroke remains a leading cause of disability worldwide, necessitating innovative rehabilitation strategies to enhance recovery and improve quality of life. The integration of Brunnstrom movement therapy and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) presents a novel approach to addressing the complexities of stroke rehabilitation, focusing on improving upper limb function and hand dexterity. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of Brunnstrom movement therapy and LLLT on upper limb function and hand dexterity in chronic stroke patients, providing insights into potentially enhancing rehabilitation outcomes. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 48 chronic stroke patients, divided equally into two groups to receive either Brunnstrom movement therapy or LLLT. The study spanned six months, with assessments including the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Nine-Hole Peg Test, Box and Block Test, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and Handheld Dynamometer. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests to compare outcomes between groups. Results: Significant improvements were noted in both groups, with the LLLT group showing superior performance in the Nine-Hole Peg Test (p<0.001), Box and Block Test (p<0.001), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (p<0.001) compared to baseline. The MAS scores indicated a significant reduction in muscle spasticity over time in both groups, with the LLLT group exhibiting a more substantial decrease (p=0.003 at week 6). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that combining Brunnstrom movement therapy with LLLT could significantly enhance upper limb function and hand dexterity in chronic stroke patients. These findings advocate for the integration of innovative and non-invasive therapies into rehabilitation programs, potentially setting a new benchmark in stroke recovery practices.

Effect of Different Treatment Modalities on Masseter Inhibitory Reflex in Patients with Sleep Bruxism: A Case-Control Study

Background: Sleep bruxism (SB) is a parafunctional oral habit that is frequently related to sleep arousals. The masseter inhibitory reflex (MIR) causes reflex inhibition of voluntary contractions of the elevator muscles induced by intense peri- or intraoral mechanical or electrical stimulations. This study aimed to investigate the changes in MIR of patients with SB, and the effect of different treatment modalities on MIR. Methods: In this case-control study, 100 individuals were randomly assigned to four groups (n=25) of conservative treatment (G1), occlusal splint treatment (G2), low-level laser therapy (LLLT) treatment (G3); and control (G4). The MIR was tested in all participants before and one month after treatment. Results: All MIR components of the patients had longer right and left SP1 and right and left SP2 latencies (P=0.017, P=0.043, P<0.001, and P=0.04, respectively), and shorter right and left SP1 and right and left SP2 durations (P=0.021, P=0.021, P<0.001, and P<0.001, respectively) as compared to the control group. The right SP1 and SP2 latencies were prolonged in G3 versus G1 and G2 (P=0.026 and P<0.001, respectively); whereas, the left SP2 latency was prolonged in G2 compared with G1. The right and left SP2 duration was not significantly different among the three treated groups. The left SP1 duration was not significantly different among the three treated groups. Gender had no effect on MIR parameters. Conclusion: SB patients had an abnormal MIR response. LLLT was the most effective compared to other treatment modalities.

Case Study] Low-Level Laser and Its Interface With Sleep Dentistry: Clinical Case Report

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate and raise the therapeutic hypothesis of the use of low-level laser as a complementary therapy in patients with sleep disorder (SD) in a broad approach involving other pathologies superimposed on this pathology. METHODS: This is a clinical case report of a patient with Parkinson's disease (PD) complaining of sleep disorder. The proposed treatment is the use of photobiomodulation (FB) with intraoral application using an innovative dosimetry. SD was assessed using an adapted analogue scale. RESULTS: In the evaluation performed after the last session, there was an improvement in the sleep disorder compared to the pre-treatment evaluation. However, one month after the end of the treatment, it was observed that the quality of sleep remained practically the same. CONCLUSION: We can conclude that low-potency FB can be a modulator in the production of neurotransmitter substances in a local and systemic way, being a complementary or alternative treatment for patients with sleep disorder (SD).

Effect of low-level laser therapy in wound healing of primary molar teeth extraction

IntroductionTooth extraction in children requires attention to wound healing and pain management, which are influenced by patient-related factors and behavioral guidance. Aim of the study: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of LLLT on healing sockets in pediatric patients with bilateral primary molar teeth extraction and determine its impact on pain management.Methods6–10 years of age, systemically healthy, and with atraumatic extraction indications of bilateral primary molar teeth were included in the study (n = 40). In the first session, randomly selected teeth were extracted under local anesthesia. In the control group, only clot formation in the socket was observed and photographed. The other group extractions were performed 2 weeks later. The low-level laser therapy (LLLT) group was treated with a 980 nm wavelength, in a continuous emission mode, 0.5 W power, 300 J of energy, 400 µm tip, 60 s diode laser and photographed. Nonepithelialized surface measurements were performed using ImageJ. Pain assessment was performed using the Wong-Baker Pain Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference between the groups in the Wong-Baker values in 3rd day (p < 0.05). In soft tissue healing on the 3rd and 7th day, the nonepithelialized surface of the laser socket was smaller than that of the control group, and the measurement results were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05).ConclusionAlthough LLLT was not found to be very effective in reducing postoperative discomfort after extraction of primary molars, it provided better wound healing in extraction sockets.

Evaluation of the Impact of Near-Infrared Multiwavelength Locked System Laser Therapy on Skin Microbiome in Atopic Dogs.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a newly adopted consensus term to replace the therapeutic application of low-level laser therapy. It has been suggested that PMB influences the microbiome which, in turn, has increasingly been shown to be linked with health and disease. Even though the use of PBM has also grown dramatically in veterinary medicine, there is still a lack of evidence supporting its effect in vivo. Our objective was to investigate the impact of a dual-wavelength near-infrared laser source (Multiwavelength Locked Laser System, MLS®) on the skin microbiome in atopic dogs. Twenty adult-client-owned atopic dogs were enrolled in the study. The dogs were treated with MLS® laser therapy on one half of the abdominal region, whereas the contralateral side was left untreated and served as a control. Skin microbiome samples were collected before and after MLS® treatments, and then subjected to NGS-based ITS and 16S rRNA analysis. The results showed that while microbiome composition and diversity were not significantly affected, PBM could play a role in modulating the abundance of specific bacterial species, in particular Staphylococcus, that represent a major skin pathogenic strain. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the potential impact of MLS® laser therapy on the skin microbiome in atopic dogs.

Early Intensive Neurorehabilitation in Traumatic Peripheral Nerve Injury-State of the Art.

Traumatic nerve injuries are common lesions that affect several hundred thousand humans, as well as dogs and cats. The assessment of nerve regeneration through animal models may provide information for translational research and future therapeutic options that can be applied mutually in veterinary and human medicine, from a One Health perspective. This review offers a hands-on vision of the non-invasive and conservative approaches to peripheral nerve injury, focusing on the role of neurorehabilitation in nerve repair and regeneration. The peripheral nerve injury may lead to hypersensitivity, allodynia and hyperalgesia, with the possibility of joint contractures, decreasing functionality and impairing the quality of life. The question remains regarding how to improve nerve repair with surgical possibilities, but also considering electrical stimulation modalities by modulating sensory feedback, upregulation of BDNF, GFNF, TrKB and adenosine monophosphate, maintaining muscle mass and modulating fatigue. This could be improved by the positive synergetic effect of exercises and physical activity with locomotor training, and other physical modalities (low-level laser therapy, ultrasounds, pulsed electromagnetic fields, electroacupuncture and others). In addition, the use of cell-based therapies is an innovative treatment tool in this field. These strategies may help avoid situations of permanent monoplegic limbs that could lead to amputation.

EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITIES OF SOME CONTEMPORARY PHYSICAL THERAPY METHODS FOR THE CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compression neuropathy, affecting nearly 5% of the general population. The modern approach to its treatment is complex and includes early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of all conditions and diseases leading to its manifestation.&#x0D; Many authors have worked on the problems related to the possibilities of physical therapy in treating CTS, but the question of optimal treatment and rehabilitation remains relevant to this day. In practice, various rehabilitation programs are constantly being implemented and developed. Many have demonstrated positive outcomes, but work in this area persists. Every novel approach or integration of established physiotherapeutic and rehabilitation techniques enhances the current methods and expands the potential for more comprehensive functional recovery of the impaired limb, as well as the patient's restoration to their previous lifestyle.&#x0D; Physical therapy has advanced significantly in recent decades due to the introduction of numerous new techniques and technologies. The article offers a brief literature overview of several contemporary physical medicine approaches that can be applied in the conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome based on their physiological and therapeutic effects. Modern physical therapy approaches can be a viable alternative to established physical therapy methods like ultrasound, low-level laser, iontophoresis, magnetotherapy, TENS, and others. It is crucial to conduct additional qualitative and comprehensive investigations to verify the effectiveness of physical therapy in treating CTS, identify the most efficient ways, and create improved protocols for its conservative treatment.

Unveiling the Efficacy of Physiotherapy Strategies in Alleviating Low Back Pain: A Comprehensive Review of Interventions and Outcomes.

Low back pain (LBP) presents a significant burden globally, affecting individuals of all ages, but it is more common in adults aged 30-60 years oldand demographics including race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Physiotherapy interventions are commonly employed to manage LBP due to their non-invasive nature and potential for addressing underlying biomechanical dysfunctions. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate the efficacy of various physiotherapy strategies in alleviating LBP, considering a range of interventions and their associated outcomes. Through a thorough examination of existing literature from January 2017 to October 2023, this review synthesises evidence on the effectiveness of interventions such as manual therapy, exercise therapy, electrotherapy modalities, and education-based approaches. The review also scrutinizes the comparative effectiveness of different physiotherapy modalities and their suitability for specific patient populations, considering factors such as chronicity, severity, and underlying pathology. By critically evaluating the evidence base, this review aims to provide insights into the most effective physiotherapy strategies for alleviating LBP, chronic low back pain (CLBP)and chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) and guiding clinical practice towardevidence-based interventions. The Visual Analogue Scale and Numerical Pain Rating Scale for pain, Oswestry Disability Index andRoland-Morris Disability Questionnaire for disability, Modified-Modified Schober Test for measurement of lumbar flexion and extensionand static and dynamic balance for assessing postural stability and balance were among the measures used to foresee enhancements in pain, disability, balance, and LBP symptoms. Twenty-one studies that fulfilled the criteria for inclusion (aged 20 to 50 years and of both genders) were added to the review. Exercises for core stability, strengthening, orthosis (a medical device designed to support, align, stabilise, or correct musculoskeletal structures and functions), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, heat massage therapy, interferential current (a form of electrical stimulation used in physical therapy), Mulligan's mobilization (a manual therapy technique), low-level laser therapy, and McGill stabilization exercises (core exercises) were among the therapeutic strategies. The McKenzie method (back exercises), ultrasound, sensory-motor training, Swiss ball exercises, and other techniques reduced pain and enhanced strength, balance, and ease of daily activities. Every therapeutic approach has an impact on recovery rates ranging from minimal to maximal. Conventional physical therapy is less effective than most recent advancedtechniques like mobilisation and exercises. In summary, the integration of manual techniques, orthoses and alternative intervention strategies with conservative therapeutic approaches can effectively alleviate pain, enhance function and yield better overall outcomes. To get more information about the optimal dosage, therapeutic modalitiesand long-term effects of these treatments, more admirable research is required. This paper aims to expand the scientific discourse by exploring non-traditional physiotherapy interventions and assessing their efficacy in light of the rigorous standards set forth by the latest WHO guidelines.

Large-volume lipolysis assisted by low-level multifrequency laser in obesity: Short-term weight trajectories and postoperative complications

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic and complex syndrome resulting from the interactions of genetic, environmental, metabolic, and psychological factors. Current pharmacologic treatments often yield limited, unsustainable weight loss; thus, bariatric surgery and large and giant-volume liposuction have emerged as viable options for its control. Objective: This study aimed to assess Laser-assisted with large-volume liposuction in weight reduction effectiveness in obese adults and to describe the early postoperative complications of this procedure.

Osteoblastic differentiation and changes in the redox state in pulp stem cells by laser treatment

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on cell proliferation, mitochondrial membrane potential changes (∆Ψm), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and osteoblast differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). These cells were irradiated with 660- and 940-nm lasers for 5 s, 50 s, and 180 s. Cell proliferation was assessed using the resazurin assay, cell differentiation by RUNX2 and BMP2 expression, and the presence of calcification nodules using alizarin-red S staining. ROS was determined by the dichlorofluorescein-diacetate technique and changes in ∆Ψm by the tetramethylrhodamine-ester assay. Data were analyzed by a Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney U test. The 940-nm wavelength for 5 and 50 s increased proliferation at 4 days postirradiation. After 8 days, a significant decrease in proliferation was observed in all groups. Calcification nodules were evident in all groups, with a greater staining intensity in cells treated with a 940-nm laser for 50 s, an effect that correlated with increased RUNX2 and BMP2 expression. ROS production and Δψm increased independently of irradiation time. In conclusion, photobiomodulation (PBM) with LLLT induced morphological changes and reduced cell proliferation rate, which was associated with osteoblastic differentiation and increased ROS and Δψm, independent of wavelength and time.

Major clinical outcomes of laser therapy in endodontic treatments: a systematic review

Introduction: In the setting of endodontic treatment, postoperative pain continues to be a problem in up to 58% of patients. This is due to the release of inflammatory mediators whenever the pulp or periradicular tissues are injured during root canal treatment or retreatment. The application of lasers in endodontics has increased due to their safety and effectiveness in dental treatments. Objective: It was to develop a systematic review to present the main clinical outcomes of the use of laser therapy in endodontic treatments. Methods: The PRISMA Platform systematic review rules were followed. The search was carried out from December 2023 to January 2024 in the Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: A total of 98 articles were found, 35 articles were evaluated in full and 20 were included and developed in the present systematic review study. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 21 studies with a high risk of bias and 26 studies that did not meet GRADE and AMSTAR-2. Most studies did not show homogeneity in their results, with X2=72.7% &lt;50%. It was concluded that low-level laser therapy has been used in endodontics to promote analgesia, modulation of inflammation, and tissue healing. Analgesia mediated by low-level laser therapy results in vasodilation, and increased levels of adenosine triphosphate and cortisol, inhibiting the production of inflammatory factors. Recent studies reported that the use of low-level lasers enabled the treatment of post-endodontic pain compared to control. Furthermore, studies have shown that laser therapy can increase collagen synthesis and, concerning bone, modulate inflammation, accelerate cell proliferation, as well as stimulate bone stem cells, and accelerate their repair process.

Low-level laser therapy as an adjuvant in the treatment of erythema multiforme of the oral mucosa: a case report

Erythema multiforme is an autoimmune condition that can affect the skin and mucosa. Oral lesions initially present with edema and progress to superficial erosions with pseudomembrane formation. The most recommended treatment is the use of corticosteroids; however, low-level laser therapy can be effective in the treatment of erythema multiforme. We report a case of erythema multiforme in the oral mucosa treated with low-level laser therapy. A 73-year-old woman using alendronate for osteoporosis, losartan, and puran T4 with extensive ulcers on the upper and lower lips. The clinical diagnosis was erythema multiforme. The proposed treatment was 0.05% clobetasol propionate in gel, 3 times a day, and seven sessions of low-level laser therapy on alternate days. Low-level laser therapy significantly improved the erythema multiforme of the oral mucosa, offering the patient a non-invasive approach with no side effects.