Effect of low-level laser therapy on tooth-related pain and somatosensory function evoked by orthodontic treatment

Low-level laser therapy(LLLT) may have an effect on the pain associated with orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of LLLT on pain and somatosensory sensitization induced by orthodontic treatment. Forty individuals(12–33 years old; mean ± standard deviations: 20.8 ± 5.9 years) scheduled to receive orthodontic treatment were randomly divided into a laser group(LG) or a placebo group(PG)(1:1). The LG received LLLT(810-nm gallium-aluminium-arsenic diode laser in continuous mode with the power set at 400 mW, 2 J·cm–2) at 0 h, 2 h, 24 h, 4 d, and 7 d after treatment, and the PG received inactive treatment at the same time points. In both groups, the non-treated side served as a control. A numerical rating scale(NRS) of pain, pressure pain thresholds(PPTs), cold detection thresholds(CDTs), warmth detection thresholds(WDTs), cold pain thresholds(CPTs), and heat pain thresholds(HPTs) were tested on both sides at the gingiva and canine tooth and on the hand. The data were analysed by a repeated measures analysis of variance(ANOVA). The NRS pain scores were significantly lower in the LG group(P = 0.01). The CDTs,CPTs, WDTs, HPTs, and PPTs at the gingiva and the PPTs at the canine tooth were significantly less sensitive on the treatment side of the LG compared with that of the PG(P < 0.033). The parameters tested also showed significantly less sensitivity on the nontreatment side of the LG compared to that of the PG(P < 0.043). There were no differences between the groups for any quantitative sensory testing(QST) measures of the hand. The application of LLLT appears to reduce the pain and sensitivity of the tooth and gingiva associated with orthodontic treatment and may have contralateral effects within the trigeminal system but no generalized QST effects. Thus, the present study indicated a significant analgesia effect of LLLT application during orthodontic treatment.Further clinical applications are suggested.

Efficacy of super-pulsed 905 nm Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in the management of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A case study

Traumatic brain injury is a major health concern worldwide with massive financial and social impact. Conventional treatments primarily focus on the prevention of further damage to the brain parenchyma, while failing to address the already existent symptoms. Previous clinical studies have shown that Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) can significantly reduce pain and induce temporary vasodilation in capillaries, which the authors hypothesize can be used to improve the quality of life in TBI patients by treating their current symptoms, which are predominately migraine-like headaches. This case report illustrates the use of LLLT in the treatment of a patient with a TBI and the great clinical success achieved in the reduction of pain, as measured by VAS—achievable within five treatments of 10 minutes in duration.

Induction of Autologous Bone-Marrow Stem Cells by Low-Level Laser Therapy Has Beneficial Effects on the Kidneys Post-Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in the Rat

Acute renal failure has a 50% - 80% mortality rate. Currently, treatment options for this life-threatening disease are limited. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been found to modulate biological activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of laser application to stem cells in the bone marrow, on the kidneys of rats that had undergone ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). IRI was induced by occlusion of the renal artery to 3- and 7-month-old rats for 15 or 30 minutes. In an additional experiment IRI was applied to both kidneys for 20 min each in 2-3-month-old rats. Rats were then divided randomly into two groups of control and laser-treated. Laser therapy (Ga-Al-As 810 nm, 200 mW output for 2 min) was applied to the bone marrow 1 and 7 days post-IRI to the kidneys, and rats were sacrificed 2 weeks later. Histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry were performed on kidney sections and blood markers for kidney function. Quantitative histomorphometric analysis revealed a reduction in dilatation of the renal tubules, restored structural integrity of the renal tubules, and reduced necrosis in the laser-treated rats as compared to the control, non-laser-irradiated group. C-kit positive cell density in kidneys post-IRI and laser-treatment was significantly (p = 0.015) 3.2-fold higher compared to the control group. Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen content were significantly lower in the laser-treated rats as compared to control. It is concluded that LLLT application to the bone marrow (BM) causes a significant increase in the density of mesenchymal stem cells in the kidneys post-IRI, probably by induction of stem cells in the BM, which subsequently migrate to the IRI kidney, significantly reducing the pathological features of the kidney and increasing kidney function post IRI.

Low-level laser therapy enhances the number of osteocytes in calvaria bone defects of ovariectomized rats

Background : Osteoporosis can make bone repair difficult. Low-level laser therapy( LLLT) has been shown to be a promising tool for bone neoformation. This study aimed to analyze the effect of LLLT on calvaria bone defects of ovariectomized rats using stereology. Methods : Fifty-four Wistar rats were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy, and bone defects were created in calvaria after 150 days. The animals were divided into nine groups(n = ?6 per group), and 24 hours after the bone defects were created they received three, six or 12 sessions of LLLT at 0, 20 or 30 J/cm 2, using a 780-nm low-intensity GaAlAs laser. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey ' s post hoc test was used for data processing. A difference of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The parameters evaluated were osteocyte density( Nv_(ost)), total osteocyte number( Nto ost), trabecular surface density( Sv_t), and trabecular surface area( Sa_t). Results : Data obtained showed that Nto ost, Sv t, and Sa t in group G2 rats were significantly different from G1(0 J/cm^2)( P < 0.05). Compared to group G4, G5 presented higher values for the parameters Sv t and Sa t, and G6 presented significantly higher values for almost all the analyzed parameters( Nv _(ost), Nto_(ost), Sv_t, and Sa t)( P < 0.05). Compared to group G7, G8 showed a higher value only for the parameter Sa t, and G9 showed significantly higher values for parameters Nv ost, Nto ost, Sv_t, and Sa_t. Conclusion : We conclude that LLLT stimulated bone neoformation and contributed to an increase in the total number of osteocytes, especially with a laser energy density of 30 J/cm^2 given for six and 12 sessions.

Effects of Kangfuxin Solution (康复新液) Combined with Low-level Laser on Cytokines and Immune Function in Patients with Radiation-induced Oral Mucositis

Objective:To investigate the effect of Kangfuxin Solution(康复新液)combined with low-level laser therapy(LLLT)on cytokines and immune function in patients with radiation-induced oral mucositis.Methods:There were 84 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with oral mucositis after intensity-modulated radiation therapy(IMRT)were randomly divided into the control group(CG)and the observation group(OG),with 42 cases in each group.The CG was given LLLT,and the OG was treated with Kangfuxin Solution in addition to LLLT for 10 consecutive days.The healing time of oral mucosa,mucositis grading,oral pain scores,cytokines(interleukin-6,interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α)and T lymphocyte subsets were compared between the 2 groups before and after treatment.Results:The healing time of oral mucosa in the OG was(6.8±1.4)d,which was significantly shorter than(8.6±1.9)d in the CG(t=4.943,P<0.01).After treatment,the grading of oral mucositis in the OG was better than that in the CG,with a statistically significant difference(Z=2.942,P<0.05).The oral pain scores of the OG was lower than that in the CG at different time points after treatment,and the difference was statistically significant(t=8.207,11.017,P<0.01).After treatment,the levels of IL-6,IL-1βand TNF-αin peripheral blood of the OG were significantly lower than those in the CG(t=5.217,2.775,4.053,P<0.01).There were statistically significant differences in CD4+,CD8+and CD4+/CD8+between the OG and the CG after treatment(t=5.692,6.093,3.658,P<0.01).Conclusion:Kangfuxin Solution combined with LLLT can significantly shorten the healing time of oral mucosal,reduce the grading of oral mucositis,relieve oral pain,reduce inflammatory response and improve the immune function of patients.

Effect of autologous mesenchymal stem cells induced by low level laser therapy on cardiogenesis in the infarcted area following myocardial infarction in rats

In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that photobiostimulation by low-energy laser therapy (LLLT) applied to the bone marrow (BM) of myocardial infarcted rats may attenuate the scarring processes that follow myocardial infarction (MI). Wistar rats underwent experimental MI. LLLT (Ga-Al-As diode laser) was applied to the BM of the exposed tibia at different time intervals post-MI (4 hrs, 48 hrs and 5 days). Sham-operated infarcted rats served as control. Infarct size was significantly reduced (55%) in the laser-treated rats as compared to the control non-treated rats, at 2 weeks post-MI. A significant 3-fold increase was observed in the density of desmin immunopositive stained cells 14 days post-MI in the infarcted area of the laser-treated rats as compared to the non-laser-treated controls. The electron microscopy from the control infarcted rat hearts revealed a typical interphase area between the intact myocardium and the infarcted area, with conspicuous fibroblasts with collagen deposition dispersed among them. In rats that were laser treated (to BM), the interphase zone demonstrated cells with different intracellular structures. There was also a significant increase in the percentage of c-kit positive cells and macrophages in the circulating blood of the laser treated rats as compared to control non treated ones. In the majority of the cells clusters of myofibrils anchored to well-developed Z-lines and structures resembling the morphological characteristics of mature intact cardiomyocytes were evident. In conclusion, LLLT to the BM of rats post-MI induces cardiogenesis mainly at the borders of the infarcted area in the heart.

Photobiomodulation with Super-Pulsed Laser Shows Efficacy for Stroke and Aphasia: Case Studies

Background: Brain disorders have become more and more common today, due to both the aging population and the ever-expanding sports community. However, a new therapeutic technology called photobiomodulation (PBM) is giving hope to thousands of individuals in need. Traumatic brain injury (TBI), dementia, post traumatic stress (PTSD) and attention deficit (ADD) disorders are in many cases quickly and safely improved by PBM. PBM employs red or near-infrared (NIR) light (600 - 1100 nm) to stimulate healing, protect tissue from dying, increase mitochondrial function, improve blood flow, and tissue oxygenation. PBM can also act to reduce edema, increase antioxidants, decrease inflammation, protect against apoptosis, and modulate the microglial activation state. All these effects can occur when light is delivered to the head, and can be beneficial in both acute and chronic brain conditions. Methods: In this case series, we used a high power, FDA-approved superpulsed laser system applied to the head to treat four chronic stroke patients. Patients received as few as three 6 - 9 minute treatments over a one-week period. The follow up time varied, but in one case was two years. Results: Patients showed significant improvement in their speech and verbal skills. Improvements were also noticed in walking ability, limb movement, less numbness, and better vision. Conclusion: The use of PBM in stroke rehabilitation deserves to be tested in controlled clinical trials, because this common condition has no approved pharmaceutical treatment at present.

Photobiomodulation therapy for osteoarthritis: Mechanisms of action

Photobiomodulation(PBM)is a non-invasive therapeutic modality with demonstrated effects in many fields related to regenerative medicine.In the field of orthopedics,in particular,PBM at various wavelengths has demonstrated the capacity to trigger multiple biological effects associated with protective mechanisms in musculoskeletal tissues.The articles cited in this review show that devices operating close to or within the near infrared range at low intensities can provoke responses which favor the shift in the predominant catabolic microenvironment typically seen in degenerative joint diseases,especially osteoarthritis(OA).These responses include proliferation,differentiation and expression of proteins associated with stable cell cycles.Additionally,PBM can also modulate oxidative stress,inflammation and pain by exerting regulatory effects on immune cells and blocking the transmission of pain through sensory neuron fibers,without adverse events.Collectively,these effects are essential in order to control the progression of OA,which is in part attributed to exacerbated inflammation and degradative enzymatic reactions which gradually contribute to the destruction of joint tissues.PBM may offer medical experts ease of application,financial viability,efficacy and lack of serious adverse events.Therefore,it may prove to be a suitable ally in the management of mild to moderate degrees of OA.This review explores and discusses the principal biological mechanisms of PBM and how the produced effects may contribute to the amelioration of osteoarthritic progression.Literature was reviewed using PubMed and Google Scholar in order to find studies describing the mechanisms of PBM.The investigation included a combination of nomenclature such as:“photobiomodulation”,“phototherapy”,“laser therapy”,“PBM”,“osteoarthritis”,low level light therapy”,“inflammation”and“cartilage”.We considered only articles written in English,with access to the full text.

Potential targets and mechanisms of photobiomodulation for spinal cord injury

As a classic noninvasive physiotherapy,photobiomodulation,also known as low-level laser therapy,is widely used for the treatment of many diseases and has anti-inflammatory and tissue repair effects.Photobiomodulation has been shown to promote spinal cord injury repair.In our previous study,we found that 810 nm low-level laser therapy reduced the M1 polarization of macrophages and promoted motor function recovery.However,the mechanism underlying this inhibitory effect is not clear.In recent years,transcriptome sequencing analysis has played a critical role in elucidating the progression of diseases.Therefore,in this study,we performed M1 polarization on induced mouse bone marrow macrophages and applied low-level laser therapy.Our sequencing results showed the differential gene expression profile of photobiomodulation regulating macrophage polarization.We analyzed these genes using gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses.Networks of protein-protein interactions and competing RNA endogenous networks were constructed.We found that photobiomodulation inhibited STAT3 expression through increasing the expression of miR-330-5p,and that miR-330-5p binding to STAT3 inhibited STAT3 expression.Inducible nitric oxide synthase showed trends in changes similar to the changes in STAT3 expression.Finally,we treated a mouse model of spinal cord injury using photobiomodulation and confirmed that photobiomodulation reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase and STAT3 expression and promoted motor function recovery in spinal cord injury mice.These findings suggest that STAT3 may be a potential target of photobiomodulation,and the miR-330-5p/STAT3 pathway is a possible mechanism by which photobiomodulation has its biological effects.

Photobiomodulation provides neuroprotection through regulating mitochondrial fission imbalance in the subacute phase of spinal cord injury

Increasing evidence indicates that mitochonarial lission imbalance plays an important role in derayed neuronal cell death. Our previous study round that photo biomodulation improved the motor function of rats with spinal cord injury.However,the precise mechanism remains unclear.To investigate the effect of photo biomodulation on mitochondrial fission imbalance after spinal cord injury,in this study,we treated rat models of spinal co rd injury with 60-minute photo biomodulation(810 nm,150 mW) every day for 14 consecutive days.Transmission electron microscopy results confirmed the swollen and fragmented alte rations of mitochondrial morphology in neurons in acute(1 day) and subacute(7 and 14 days) phases.Photo biomodulation alleviated mitochondrial fission imbalance in spinal cord tissue in the subacute phase,reduced neuronal cell death,and improved rat posterior limb motor function in a time-dependent manner.These findings suggest that photobiomodulation targets neuronal mitochondria,alleviates mitochondrial fission imbalance-induced neuronal apoptosis,and thereby promotes the motor function recovery of rats with spinal cord injury.

Nd:YAG激光联合局部用药对中老年口腔扁平苔藓患者疗效的初步评价

目的:研究Nd:YAG激光在LLLT模式下联合局部用药对中老年患者两种类型口腔扁平苔藓的疗效。方法:将17例口腔扁平苔藓患者根据患病类型分为糜烂组及非糜烂组,每种类型患者的左侧病损区为对照组,右侧病损区为实验组。对照组仅以激光照射病损区域,而实验组在病损区域涂抹相应药物后再进行激光照射,分别在治疗前及治疗后0、1、3、6周评价病损区域的面积缩小率及疼痛指数。结果:两种疗法均有助于减少患者的病损面积,但1周内实验组疗法均较对照组显著提高了两类患者的病损面积缩小率(P<0.05),而两类患者分别经两种疗法治疗3周后的病损面积缩小率间均无显著的统计学差异(P>0.05)。两种疗法均显著降低了两类患者的疼痛指数(P<0.05),但两种疗法在各时间点均无显著的统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:两种疗法对糜烂型及非糜烂型口腔扁平苔癣患者均有显著的疗效,但激光治疗联合局部用药可显著提高两类患者的早期疗效。

低水平激光治疗促进正畸牙齿移动的研究进展

低水平激光治疗(low-level laser therapy,LLLT)是被FDA批准应用于临床的一种安全、无创的治疗方法,可通过使用600~1 000 nm的单色可见红光或近红外光对细胞和组织产生光生物刺激作用。目前,LLLT广泛应用于促进伤口愈合,缓解疼痛,减少炎症,再生医学等领域。现有研究认为,LLLT的分子和细胞机制主要与线粒体电子呼吸链有关,通过促进ATP的生成,调节细胞新陈代谢。大量研究表明,LLLT可通过促进牙周膜和牙槽骨的生理性改建,加速牙齿移动,进而缩短正畸治疗时间。由于LLLT的光生物刺激作用、非侵入性方式等特点使其在加速正畸牙齿移动方面有广泛的应用前景。该文就LLLT的作用机制,生物学效应及对正畸治疗中牙齿移动的促进作用进行探讨。

Efficacy of Photobiomodulation for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Case Studies

Extensive research has now been conducted and published for the treatment of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other brain disorders using photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT). However, minimal information is available regarding the use of LLLT for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We have been using LLLT in our practice for over 15 years addressing chronic pain and injury issues. However, our work with brain injuries is more recent, and we have published three case studies, one describing a serious traumatic brain injury and two describing our success with dementia/Alzheimer’s disease and PTSD. Currently, there is very little published evidence regarding efficacious therapy for ADHD. The case studies presented here, suggest that LLLT can provide alleviation of these symptoms, with some improvement reported after just a single treatment, without any need for pharmaceutical intervention.

低水平激光用于加速正畸牙齿移动的研究进展

以往研究表明,低水平激光治疗(low-level laser therapy,LLLT)可能具有加速牙齿移动的效果。笔者通过查阅文献,总结归纳了LLLT在加速牙齿移动方面的临床效果及其生物学机制。大多数研究认为,LLLT可加速牙齿移动。但也有一些研究认为LLLT不具有加速正畸牙齿移动的效果。LLLT具有小剂量刺激,大剂量抑制的特点。因此,结果差异可能与激光应用时的参数设置有关。LLLT通过光生物调节作用,促进牙齿周围骨组织的改建。研究表明,接受LLLT的患者,牙周组织中的骨细胞数、局部胶原蛋白量、炎症因子的表达情况等均出现差异,但具体的机制尚不明确,有待更深入的研究。

Photobiomodulation therapy assisted orthodontic tooth movement:potential implications,challenges,and new perspectives

Over the past decade,dramatic progress has been made in dental research areas involving laser therapy.The photobiomodulatory effect of laser light regulates the behavior of periodontal tissues and promotes damaged tissues to heal faster.Additionally,photobiomodulation therapy(PBMT),a non-invasive treatment,when applied in orthodontics,contributes to alleviating pain and reducing inflammation induced by orthodontic forces,along with improving tissue healing processes.Moreover,PBMT is attracting more attention as a possible approach to prevent the incidence of orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption(OIIRR)during orthodontic treatment(OT)due to its capacity to modulate inflammatory,apoptotic,and anti-antioxidant responses.However,a systematic review revealed that PBMT has only a moderate grade of evidence-based effectiveness during orthodontic tooth movement(OTM)in relation to OIIRR,casting doubt on its beneficial effects.In PBMT-assisted orthodontics,delivering sufficient energy to the tooth root to achieve optimal stimulation is challenging due to the exponential attenuation of light penetration in periodontal tissues.The penetration of light to the root surface is another crucial unknown factor.Both the penetration depth and distribution of light in periodontal tissues are unknown.Thus,advanced approaches specific to orthodontic application of PBMT need to be established to overcome these limitations.This review explores possibilities for improving the application and effectiveness of PBMT during OTM.The aim was to investigate the current evidence related to the underlying mechanisms of action of PBMT on various periodontal tissues and cells,with a special focus on immunomodulatory effects during OTM.

下关穴氦氖激光照射治疗慢性每日头痛随机对照临床研究

目的:观察下关穴氦氖激光穴位照射模拟针刺治疗慢性每日头痛的有效性和比较该疗法与红光照射作为安慰剂对照之间存在的差异性。方法:以氦氖激光穴位照射模拟针刺和红光照射作为安慰剂对照进行比较,选取下关穴治疗慢性每日头痛,开展随机、对照、双盲的临床研究。采用头痛日记与中医证候疗效评分判定疗效。结果:受试者在激光照射组治疗4周后与治疗前比较,在发作次数、疼痛程度方面均有显著改善(P<0.05),与红光照射组同期相应指标比较均存在统计学差异(P<0.05)。受试者治疗后中医症候疗效评分均呈不同下降,主症评分相当,次症评分激光照射组优于红光对照组,存在统计学差异性(P<0.05)。结论:与红光照射作为安慰剂对照相比,下关穴氦氖激光穴位照射模拟针刺治疗慢性每日头痛确有一定疗效。

脂肪堆积治疗进展

无创身体塑形方式已成为美容外科界的一大转折点,目前已经有多种的无创塑形设备应用于临床,其优点为无创性、安全性、有效性、误工时间短及不需麻醉。多种的无创塑身设备已被之前的研究证实其在身体塑形方面的有效性,如高能聚焦超声,冷冻溶脂、射频溶脂和弱激光等。

Comparison between four treatment modalities for active myofascial triggers points

Aim:The study aimed at the painful trigger points(TrPs)for the purpose of ablating muscle spasms and restoring normal muscle length to find the most effective treatment for alleviating pain and improving mouth range of motion in patients with myofascial pain dysfunction.Methods:We enrolled 72 patients with pain and reduced mouth opening due to temporomandibular joint dysfunction.Patients assigned to four groups and four treatment modalities used to treat myofascial TrPs pain.We used mean and standard deviation values.The Mann–Whitney U-test was used to compare the two groups.The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to study the changes by the time in mean pain scores.The Student’s t-test was used to compare maximum mouth opening(MMO)groups.Then paired t-test was also used to study the changes of time in an MMO.Results:The results showed that pulsed electromagnetic field(PEMF)therapy is the most effective treatment modality regarding for pain relief.Both the anesthesia and PEMF groups showed a reduction in mean pain scores throughout all follow-up periods,and a statistically significant increase in mean MMO.Conclusion:The findings suggest that PEMF is the most effective treatment for alleviating pain and improving mouth range of motion in patients with myofascial pain.