Red LED light therapy associated with epidermal growth factor on wound repair process in rats.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and light-emitting diode (LED) are currently deployed as promissory treatments for skin repair; however, the mechanisms of their association are not yet evidenced. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of combined treatment with EGF and red LED on the wound healing processes in rats. Adult Wistar rats were randomized in control group (CG) wounds without treatment; wounds submitted to EGF treatment (EGF); wounds submitted to LED treatment (LED); wounds submitted to EGF associated with LED treatments (EGF/LED). Treatments were performed immediately after the surgical procedure and each 24 h, totaling 8 sessions. Moreover, LED was applied before EGF treatment at a single point in the center of the wound. Morphological characteristics and the immunoexpression of COX-2, VEGF, and TGF-ß were measured. The results demonstrated that EGF/LED group presented a higher wound healing index. Additionally, all experimental groups presented similar findings in the histological evaluation, the degree of inflammation, and the area of dermis-like tissue. However, for EGF-treated animals (with or without LED), neoepithelial length was higher. Furthermore, all the treated groups decreased COX-2 and increased VEGF immunoexpression, and only EGF/LED group enhanced the TGF-ß protein expression when compared to the untreated group. This research shows that EGF and LED modulate inflammatory process and increase the vascularity. In addition, treatment of EGF associated with LED promoted a more evident positive effect for increasing TGF-ß expression and may be promising resources in the clinical treatment of cutaneous wounds.

Investigation of cytokine polymorphisms on viral infections after renal transplantation exhibit association between IFN-γ +874 A > T and CMV manifestations.

We investigated the effects of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10 polymorphisms on viral infections (CMV, BKPyV, HHV-6, EBV) after renal transplantation. IFN-γ+874 A > T (lower IFN production) was associated with CMV disease (p = .039) in patients under mycophenolate-based therapy and graft failure (p = .025). This study underscores the role of IFN-γ+874 SNP in CMV infection.

Effects of photobiomodulation therapy in chondrocyte response by in vitro experiments and experimental model of osteoarthritis in the knee of rats.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy in chondrocyte response by in vitro experiments and cartilage repair using an experimental model of osteoarthritis (OA) in the knee of rats. The in vitro experiment was performed with chondrocyte cells, and they were divided into two groups: non-irradiated and irradiated with PBM (808 nm; 0.8 J or 1.4 J). Then, cell proliferation was evaluated after 1, 3, and 5 days. The experimental model of osteoarthritis (OA) was performed in the knee of 64 Wistar rats, and they were assorted into control group (CG), PBM (808 nm; 1.4 J). The results of in vitro showed that PBM 1.4 J increased cell proliferation, on days 1 and 5. However, after 3 days was demonstrated a significant increase in cell proliferation in PBM 0.8 J. The in vivo experiment results demonstrated, on histological analysis, that PBM presented less intense signs of tissue degradation with an initial surface discontinuity at the superficial zone and disorganization of the chondrocytes in the cartilage region when compared to CG, after 4 and 8 weeks. These findings were confirmed by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR analysis which showed that PBM increased IL-4, IL-10, COL-2, Aggrecan, and TGF-ß which are anabolic factors and acts on extracellular matrix. Also, PBM reduces the IL1-ß, an inflammatory marker that operates as a catabolic factor on articular cartilage. In conclusion, these results suggest that PBM may have led to a return to tissue homeostasis, promoting chondroprotective effects and stimulating the components of the articular tissue.

Influence of photobiomodulation therapy on the treatment of pulmonary inflammatory conditions and its impact on COVID-19.

We are currently facing a pandemic that continuously causes high death rates and has negative economic and psychosocial impacts. Therefore, this period requires a quick search for viable procedures that can allow us to use safe and non-invasive clinical tools as prophylactic or even adjuvant methods in the treatment of COVID-19. Some evidence shows that photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) can attenuate the inflammatory response and reduce respiratory disorders similar to acute lung injury (ALI), complications associated with infections, such as the one caused by the new Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of PBMT (infrared low-level laser therapy) on the treatment of ALI, one of the main critical complications of COVID-19 infection, in an experimental model in rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to three experimental groups (n = 8): control group (CG), controlled ALI (ALI), and acute lung injury and PBM (ALIP). For treatment, a laser equipment was used (808 nm; 30 mw; 1.68 J) applied at three sites (anterior region of the trachea and in the ventral regions of the thorax, bilaterally) in the period of 1 and 24 h after induction of ALI. For treatment evaluation, descriptive histopathological analysis, lung injury score, analysis of the number of inflammatory cells, and expression of interleukin 1 ß (IL-1ß) were performed. In the results, it was possible to observe that the treatment with PBMT reduced inflammatory infiltrates, thickening of the alveolar septum, and lung injury score when compared to the ALI group. In addition, PBMT showed lower immunoexpression of IL-1ß. Therefore, based on the results observed in the present study, it can be concluded that treatment with PBMT (infrared low-level laser therapy) was able to induce an adequate tissue response capable of modulating the signs of inflammatory process in ALI, one of the main complications of COVID-19.

Treatment of partial injury of the calcaneus tendon with heterologous fibrin biopolymer and/or photobiomodulation in rats.

The present study aimed to evaluate the new heterologous fibrin biopolymer associated, or not, with photobiomodulation therapy for application in tendon injuries, considered a serious and common orthopedic problem. Thus, 84 Rattus norvegicus had partial transection of the calcaneus tendon (PTCT) and were randomly divided into: control (CG); heterologous fibrin biopolymer (HFB); photobiomodulation (PBM); heterologous fibrin biopolymer + photobiomodulation (HFB + PBM). The animals received HFB immediately after PTCT, while PBM (660 nm, 40 mW, 0.23 J) started 24 h post injury and followed every 24 h for 7, 14, and 21 days. The results of the edema volume showed that after 24 h of PTCT, there was no statistical difference among the groups. After 7, 14, and 21 days, it was observed that the treatment groups were effective in reducing edema when compared to the control. The HFB had the highest edema volume reduction after 21 days of treatment. The treatment groups did not induce tissue necrosis or infections on the histopathological analysis. Tenocyte proliferation, granulation tissue, and collagen formation were observed in the PTCT area in the HFB and HFB + PBM groups, which culminated a better repair process when compared to the CG in the 3 experimental periods. Interestingly, the PBM group revealed, in histological analysis, major tendon injury after 7 days; however, in the periods of 14 and 21 days, the PBM had a better repair process compared to the CG. In the quantification of collagen, there was no statistical difference between the groups in the 3 experimental periods. The findings suggest that the HFB and PBM treatments, isolated or associated, were effective in reducing the volume of the edema, stimulating the repair process. However, the use of HFB alone was more effective in promoting the tendon repair process. Thus, the present study consolidates previous studies of tendon repair with this new HFB. Future clinical trials will be needed to validate this proposal.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy against Propionibacterium acnes biofilms using hypericin (Hypericum perforatum) photosensitizer: in vitro study.

Acne vulgaris is the most recurring skin condition in the world, causing great harm to the physical and psychological well-being of many patients. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has broad therapeutic applicability. The purpose was to evaluate in vitro the photodynamic inactivation against Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) biofilms by using different concentrations of hypericin (Hypericum perforatum) photosensitizer associated with different energies of low-level laser. The biofilms were placed in 96-well microplates with a 6.4-mm diameter surface, by using standard suspensions (2 × 107 CFU/mL) and grown in brain heart infusion broth (BHI) for 48 h in anaerobic chamber. Subsequently, the control group received application of 0.9% sterile saline solution for 3 min; the photosensitising groups received hypericin at concentrations of 5 and 15 µg/mL for 3 min; the laser groups received irradiation of energies of 3 and 5 J (660 nm, continuous output, 100 mW, 30 and 50 s and 100 J/cm2 and 166 J/cm2, respectively); the aPDT groups received 5 and 15 µg/mL concentrations of hypericin associated with energies of 3 and 5 J of low-level laser irradiation. After the biofilms were broken up and seeded for CFU counting. The results showed a reduction in P. acnes biofilms after aPDT emphasising that 15 µg/mL hypericin associated with 3 and 5 J laser irradiation reduced biofilms by 14.1 and 27.9%, respectively. In addition, all groups of aPDT demostrated statistically significant reductions. In vitro photodynamic inactivation against P. acnes biofilms using different concentration of hypericin photosensitizer associated with different energies of low-level laser promoted effective antimicrobial action.

Effects of red and near-infrared LED light therapy on full-thickness skin graft in rats.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vivo response of different wavelengths (red and near-infrared) of light-emitting diode (LED) on full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG) in rats. Thirty rats were randomly allocated into three experimental groups: control group (C); red LED treated group (R); and near-infrared LED group (NIR). Skin grafts were irradiated daily for ten consecutive days, starting immediately after the surgery using a red (630 nm) or near-infrared (850 nm) LED. The results showed that the red wavelength LED significantly enhanced the skin graft score in relation to the NIR group and increased transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) protein expression and density of collagen fibers compared with the other experimental groups. These results suggest that the red wavelength LED was efficient to improve the dermo-epidermal junction and modulate the expression proteins related to tissue repair.

Effects of photobiomodulation therapy in the integration of skin graft in rats.

Skin graft is one of the most common techniques used in plastic surgery and repair. However, there are some complications that can lead to loss of the skin graft. Thus, several features have been studied with the aim of promoting the integration of skin grafts. Among these resources, the use of laser photobiomodulation (laser PBM) has been highlighted. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of laser PBM on the viability and integration of skin grafts in rats. Twenty male Wistar rats (± 250 g) were randomly assigned into two experimental groups with 10 animals each: control group, animals submitted to skin graft and simulation of laser PBM; laser PBM group, submitted to the skin graft and submitted to laser PBM at 660 nm, 40 mW, 60 s, 2.4 J. The animals were submitted to laser photobiomodulation immediately after the surgical procedure and each 24 h. Animal euthanasia occurred on the 7th day after surgery, 24 h after the last treatment session. The histopathological analysis revealed that the laser PBM showed better adhesion of the graft when compared to the control group. Likewise, the morphometric analysis of mast cells, blood vessels, and collagen showed a statistically significant increase in the animals irradiated with the laser PBM when compared to the control group. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the laser PBM showed statistically higher immunoexpression of FGF when compared to the CG. However, IL-4 immunoexpression did not show statistical difference between the experimental groups. From the results obtained in the present study, it can be suggested that laser photobiomodulation was effective in promoting the integration and viability of total skin grafts in rats.

Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate associated to photobiomodulation prevents degenerative morphological changes in an experimental model of osteoarthritis in rats.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of combined treatment with chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate (CS/Gl) and photobiomodulation (PBM) on the degenerative process related to osteoarthritis (OA) in the articular cartilage in rats. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: OA control group (CG); OA animals submitted to PBM treatment (PBM); OA animals submitted to CS/Gl treatment (CS/Gl); OA submitted to CS/GS associated with PBM treatments (GS/Gl + PBM). The CS/Gl started 48 h after the surgery, and they were performed for 29 consecutive days. Moreover, PBM was performed after the CS/Gl administration on the left joint. Morphological characteristics and immunoexpression of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and 1 beta (IL-1ß) and collagen type II (Col II) of the articular cartilage were evaluated. The results showed that all treated groups (CS/Gl and PBM) presented attenuation signs of degenerative process (measured by histopathological analysis) and lower density chondrocytes [PBM (p = 0.0017); CS/Gl (p = 0.0153) and CS/Gl + PBM (p = 0.002)]. Additionally, CS/Gl [associated (p = 0.0089) or not with PBM (p = 0.0059)] showed significative lower values for OARSI grade evaluation. Furthermore, CS/GS + PBM decreased IL-1ß protein expression (p = 0.0359) and increased IL-10 (p = 0.028) and Col II imunoexpression (p = 0.0204) compared to CG. This study showed that CS/Gl associated with PBM was effective in modulating inflammatory process and preventing the articular tissue degradation in the knees OA rats.

Interleukin-10 and collagen type II immunoexpression are modulated by photobiomodulation associated to aerobic and aquatic exercises in an experimental model of osteoarthritis.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) associated with an aerobic and an aquatic exercise training on the degenerative process related to osteoarthritis (OA) in the articular cartilage in rats. Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: OA control group (CG), OA plus aerobic training group (AET), OA plus aquatic training group (AQT), OA plus aerobic training associated with PBM group (AETL), OA plus aquatic training associated with PBM group (AQTL). The aerobic training (treadmill; 16 m/min; 50 min/day) and the aquatic training (water jumping; 50-80% of their body mass) started 4 weeks after the surgery and they were performed 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Moreover, PBM was performed after the physical exercise trainings on the left joint. Morphological characteristics and immunoexpression of IL-10, TGF-ß, and collagen type I (Col I) and II (Col II) of the articular cartilage were evaluated. The results showed that all the treated groups (exercise and PBM) presented less intense signs of degradation (measured by histopathological analysis and OARSI grade system). Additionally, aerobic and aquatic exercise training rats (associated or not with PBM) showed increased IL-10 (AET p = 0.0452; AETL p = 0.03; AQTL p = 0.0193) and Col II (AET p = 0.012; AQT p = 0.0437; AETL p = 0.0001; AQTL p = 0.0001) protein expression compared to CG. Furthermore, a statistically higher TGF-ß expression was observed in AET (p = 0.0084) and AETL (p = 0.0076) compared to CG. These results suggest that PBM associated with aerobic and aquatic exercise training were effective in mediating chondroprotective effects and maintaining the integrity of the articular tissue in the knees of OA rats.

Effects of different fluences of low-level laser therapy in an experimental model of spinal cord injury in rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo response of different fluences of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the area of the injury, inflammatory markers, and functional recovery using an experimental model of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Thirty two rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups: control group (CG), laser-treated group 500 J/cm2 (L-500), laser-treated group 750 J/cm2 (L-750), and laser-treated group 1000 J/cm2 (L-1000). SCI was performed by an impactor equipment (between the ninth and tenth thoracic vertebrae), with a pressure of 150 kdyn. Afterwards, the injured region was irradiated daily for seven consecutive sessions, using an 808-nm laser, at the respective fluence of each experimental groups. Motor function and tactile sensitivity were performed on days 1 and 7 post-surgery. Animals were euthanized on the eighth day after injury, and the samples were retrieved for histological and immunohistochemistry analyses. Functional evaluation and tactile sensitivity were improved after LLLT, at the higher fluence. Additionally, LLLT, at 750 and 1000 J/cm2, reduces the lesion volume and modulates the inflammatory process with decrease of CD-68 protein expression. These results suggest that LLLT at higher doses was effective in promoting functional recovery and modulating inflammatory process in the spinal cord of rats after SCI.

Effectiveness of an aquatic exercise program and low-level laser therapy on articular cartilage in an experimental model of osteoarthritis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an aquatic exercise program and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) (associated or not) on degenerative modifications and inflammatory mediators on the articular cartilage using an experimental model of knee OA. METHOD: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: knee OA - without treatment (OA); OA plus exercise program group (OAE); OA plus LLLT (OAL); OA plus exercise program associated with LLLT (OAEL). Trained rats performed a water-jumping program carrying a load equivalent to 50-80 % of their body mass strapped to their chest. The laser irradiation was used either as the only method or after the exercise training had been performed, at 2 points contact mode (medial and lateral side of the left joint). The treatments started 4 weeks after the surgery, 3 days/week for 8 weeks. RESULTS: The results revealed that all treated groups (irradiated or not) exhibited a better pattern of tissue organization, with less fibrillation and irregularities along the articular surface and improved chondrocytes organization. Also, a lower cellular density and structural damage (OARSI score) and higher thickness values were observed in all treated groups. Additionally, OAE and OAEL showed a reduced expression in IL-1ß and caspase-3 as compared with OA. Furthermore, a statistically lower MMP-13 expression was only observed in OAEL as compared with OA. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that aquatic exercise program and LLLT were effective in preventing cartilage degeneration. Also, physical exercise program presented anti-inflammatory effects in the knees in OA rats.

Low level laser therapy associated with a strength training program on muscle performance in elderly women: a randomized double blind control study.

The aging process leads to a gradual loss of muscle mass and muscle performance, leading to a higher functional dependence. Within this context, many studies have demonstrated the benefits of a combination of physical exercise and low level laser therapy (LLLT) as an intervention that enhances muscle performance in young people and athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of combination of LLLT and strength training on muscle performance in elderly women. For this, a hundred elderly women were screened, and 48 met all inclusion criteria to participate in this double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Volunteers were divided in three groups: control (CG = 15), strength training associated with placebo LLLT (TG = 17), and strength training associated with active LLLT (808 nm, 100 mW, 7 J) (TLG = 16). The strength training consisted of knee flexion-extension performed with 80 % of 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) during 8 weeks. Several outcomes related to muscle performance were analyzed through the 6-min walk test (6-MWT), isokinetic dynamometry, surface electromyography (SEMG), lactate concentration, and 1-RM. The results revealed that a higher work (p = 0.0162), peak torque (p = 0.0309), and power (p = 0.0223) were observed in TLG compared to CG. Furthermore, both trained groups increased the 1-RM load (TG vs CG: p = 0.0067 and TLG vs CG: p < 0.0001) and decreased the lactate concentration in the third minute after isokinetic protocol (CG vs TLG: p = 0.0289 and CG vs TG: p = 0.0085). No difference in 6-MWT and in fatigue levels were observed among the groups. The present findings suggested that LLLT in combination with strength training was able to improve muscle performance in elderly people.

Acute effects of low-level laser therapy irradiation on blood lactate and muscle fatigue perception in hospitalized patients with heart failure-a pilot study.

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the acute effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on functional capacity, perceived exertion, and blood lactate in hospitalized patients with heart failure (HF). Patients diagnosed with systolic HF (left ventricular ejection fraction <45 %) were randomized and allocated prospectively into two groups: placebo LLLT group (n = 10)-subjects who were submitted to placebo laser and active LLLT group (n = 10)-subjects who were submitted to active laser. The 6-min walk test (6MWT) was performed, and blood lactate was determined at rest (before LLLT application and 6MWT), immediately after the exercise test (time 0) and recovery (3, 6, and 30 min). A multi-diode LLLT cluster probe (DMC, São Carlos, Brazil) was used. Both groups increased 6MWT distance after active or placebo LLLT application compared to baseline values (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, respectively); however, no difference was observed during intergroup comparison. The active LLLT group showed a significant reduction in the perceived exertion Borg (PEB) scale compared to the placebo LLLT group (p = 0.006). In addition, the group that received active LLLT showed no statistically significant difference for the blood lactate level through the times analyzed. The placebo LLLT group demonstrated a significant increase in blood lactate between the rest and recovery phase (p < 0.05). Acute effects of LLLT irradiation on skeletal musculature were not able to improve the functional capacity of hospitalized patients with HF, although it may favorably modulate blood lactate metabolism and reduce perceived muscle fatigue.

Photobiomodulation and bone healing in diabetic rats: evaluation of bone response using a tibial defect experimental model.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) leads to a delay in bone healing. Thus, some therapeutic approaches have been used to accelerate the process of bone repair such as photobiomodulation (PBM). Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of PBM, in different fluences, in bone repair in an experimental model of tibial bone defects in diabetic rats. Sixty-four Wistar rats were submitted to a surgical procedure to perform bone defect and distributed in four groups: diabetic control group (DCG), diabetic laser group 30 J/cm(2) (L30), diabetic laser group 60 J/cm(2) (L60), and diabetic laser group 120 J/cm(2) (L120). A 808 nm Ga-Al-As (DMC Equipment, São Carlos, SP, Brazil) laser, 100 mW; 0.028 cm(2); 3.57 W/cm(2); 30, 60, and 120 J/cm(2); 0.84, 1.68, and 3.36 J; 8, 16, and 33 s was used. Animals were euthanized 15 and 30 days after the surgery. Histological, morphometric, immunohistochemistry, and biomechanical analyses were performed. In the histological and morphometric evaluation, all laser-treated groups showed a better histological pattern and a higher amount of newly formed bone compared to DCG. An intense RUNX2 immunoexpression was observed in the laser-treated groups, 15 days after the surgery. Receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-ß ligand (RANK-L) immunohistochemistry analysis showed a significant decrease in the immunoreactivity for L30 and L120, 30 days after surgery. There was no statistical difference in the biomechanical analysis among the groups. In conclusion, PBM, in all fluences used, showed an osteogenic potential in bone healing of diabetic rats.

The effects of 780-nm low-level laser therapy on muscle healing process after cryolesion.

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of 780-nm low-level laser therapy at different periods of 7, 14 and 21 days after cryolesion, including the dose (10 or 50 J/cm(2)), to promote a better muscle repair evidenced by histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Fifty-four male rats were divided into three groups: injured control group (CG)-injured animals without any treatment; injured 780-nm laser-treated group, at 10 J/cm(2) (G10); and injured 780-nm laser-treated group, at 50 J/cm(2) (G50). Each group was divided into three subgroups (n = 6): 7, 14 and 21 days post-injury. Histopathological findings revealed better organised muscle fibres in the G10 and G50 during the periods of 7 and 14 days compared to the CG. The G10 and G50 during the 7 days showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) of lesion area compared to the CG, without differences between groups treated for 14 and 21 days. The G10 showed an increase of the amount of vessels after 14 days compared to the G50, but not in relation to controls. With regard to the immunohistochemical analyses of the MyoD factor, the G10 and G50 during the 7 days showed higher concentrations of immunomarkers than controls. Myogenin immunomarkers were similarly observed at days 7 and 14 in all the three groups analysed, whereas immunomarkers were found in none of the groups after 21 days of laser therapy. The results showed that laser, regardless the applied dose, has positive effects on muscle repair.

Low-level laser therapy prevents degenerative morphological changes in an experimental model of anterior cruciate ligament transection in rats.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the prevention of cartilage damage after the anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) in knees of rats. Thirty male rats (Wistar) were distributed into three groups (n = 10 each): injured control group (CG); injured laser-treated group at 10 J/cm(2) (L10), and injured laser-treated group at 50 J/cm(2) (L50). Laser treatment started immediately after the surgery and it was performed for 15 sessions. An 808 nm laser, at 10 and 50 J/cm(2), was used. To evaluate the effects of LLLT, the qualitative and semi-quantitative histological, morphometric, and immunohistochemistry analysis were performed. Initial signs of tissue degradation were observed in CG. Interestingly, laser-treated animals presented a better tissue organization, especially at the fluence of 10 J/cm(2). Furthermore, laser phototherapy was able of modulating some of the aspects related to the degenerative process, such as the prevention of proteoglycans loss and the increase in cartilage area. However, LLLT was not able of modulating chondrocytes proliferation and the immunoexpression of markers related to inflammatory process (IL-1 and MMP-13). This study showed that 808 nm laser, at both fluences, prevented features related to the articular degenerative process in the knees of rats after ACLT.

Association of a Skin Dressing Made With the Organic Part of Marine Sponges and Photobiomodulation on the Wound Healing in an Animal Model.

The present study aims to characterize and to evaluate the biological effects of a skin dressing manufactured with the organic part of the Chondrilla caribensis marine sponge (called spongin-like collagen (SC)) associated or not to photobiomodulation (PBM) on the skin wound healing of rats. Skin dressings were manufactured with SC and it was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a tensile assay. In order to evaluate its biological effects, an experimental model of cutaneous wounds was surgically performed. Eighteen rats were randomly distributed into three experimental groups: control group (CG): animals with skin wounds but without any treatment; marine collagen dressing group (DG): animals with skin wounds treated with marine collagen dressing; and the marine collagen dressing + PBM group (DPG): animals with skin wounds treated with marine collagen dressing and PBM. Histopathological, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical evaluations (qualitative and semiquantitative) of COX2, TGFß, FGF, and VEGF were done. SEM demonstrates that the marine collagen dressing presented pores and interconnected fibers and adequate mechanical strength. Furthermore, in the microscopic analysis, an incomplete reepithelialization and the presence of granulation tissue with inflammatory infiltrate were observed in all experimental groups. In addition, foreign body was identified in the DG and DPG. COX2, TGFß, FGF, and VEGF immunostaining was observed predominantly in the wound area of all experimental groups, with a statistically significant difference for FGF immunostaining score of DPG in relation to CG. The marine collagen dressing presented adequate physical characteristics and its association with PBM presented favorable biological effects to the skin repair process.

Low-level laser therapy (808 nm) contributes to muscle regeneration and prevents fibrosis in rat tibialis anterior muscle after cryolesion.

Muscle regeneration is a complex phenomenon, involving replacement of damaged fibers by new muscle fibers. During this process, there is a tendency to form scar tissue or fibrosis by deposition of collagen that could be detrimental to muscle function. New therapies that could regulate fibrosis and favor muscle regeneration would be important for physical therapy. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been studied for clinical treatment of skeletal muscle injuries and disorders, even though the molecular and cellular mechanisms have not yet been clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of LLLT on molecular markers involved in muscle fibrosis and regeneration after cryolesion of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle in rats. Sixty Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, injured TA muscle without LLLT, injured TA muscle treated with LLLT. The injured region was irradiated daily for four consecutive days, starting immediately after the lesion using an AlGaAs laser (808 nm, 30 mW, 180 J/cm(2); 3.8 W/cm(2), 1.4 J). The animals were sacrificed on the fourth day after injury. LLLT significantly reduced the lesion percentage area in the injured muscle (p<0.05), increased mRNA levels of the transcription factors MyoD and myogenin (p<0.01) and the pro-angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (p<0.01). Moreover, LLLT decreased the expression of the profibrotic transforming growth factor TGF-ß mRNA (p<0.01) and reduced type I collagen deposition (p<0.01). These results suggest that LLLT could be an effective therapeutic approach for promoting skeletal muscle regeneration while preventing tissue fibrosis after muscle injury.

Electromagnetic field for supramaximal muscle stimulation: A retrospective study of safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Currently, even individuals who do physical activity regularly have some degree of dissatisfaction with their own bodies. The electromagnetic field for supramaximal muscle contraction has been the subject of research. High-intensity supramaximal muscle stimulation (HI-SMS) is a non-invasive technology used to strengthen, firm, and tone the abdominal muscles, arms, buttocks, and thighs and has been indicated for aesthetic purposes. AIMS: The present study aimed to examine the safety and efficacy of HI-SMS used in the abdominal muscles of patients through the analysis of clinical evaluation, biochemical serum profile, and patient satisfaction with the procedure. PATIENTS/METHODS: This is retrospective non-randomized and non-controlled study collected in a private clinic; all data from healthy participants (n = 25), aged between 18 and 55 years, were compiled and analyzed. All received eight 30 min sessions of electromagnetic field ONIX HI-SMS (intensity of the 90%-100%) located in abdominal, twice a week with intervals of 2-3 days. RESULTS: The results show that BMI, fat thickness, and waist circumference improved the body contour after the treatment. There was no statistical difference in the data referring to the values of AST, ALT, ALP, creatinine, cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C, HDL-C, glycemia, LDH, CK, and IL-6. However, there was a reduction of "non-esterified" free fatty acids when compared to baseline. This treatment provided high levels of tolerance, comfort, and high level of satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, it can be suggested that the treatment with HI-SMS in abdominal muscles proves to be a safe technology with potential for non-invasive therapy for aesthetic purposes.