Photobiomodulation effects on synovial morphology, iNOS gene, and protein expression in a model of acute inflammation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate morphological aspects and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene and protein expression in a model of acute inflammation. METHODS: Thirty-six female Wistar rats were assigned into three groups: control (saline, n = 12), sham (arthritis, n = 12), and PBM (arthritis and photobiomodulation, n = 12). Arthritis induction was performed with 200 µg of intra-articular Zymosan in sham and PBM animals. PBM was performed 24 h after induction with a laser device (λ = 808 nm, 25 mW of nominal power, fluence of 20 J/cm2, beam area of 0.02 mm2, time of 33 s, total energy of 0.825 J) with punctual and single dose application. Morphological analysis of joint structure (HE) and immunohistochemistry (anti-iNOS antibody) were performed on knee samples, and synovial tissue was submitted to RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and gene expression analysis by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analyses were performed with p < 0.05. RESULTS: It was observed an increase in the thickness of the synovial lining epithelium and inflammatory infiltrate in sham compared to PBM. Gene expression analysis showed higher iNOS expression in PBM, and iNOS protein expression decreased in PBM compared to sham. CONCLUSIONS: Photobiomodulation decreased inflammation in PBM animals, upregulated iNOS gene expression, however down egulated protein expression compared to sham.

Arnica montana L. associated with microcurrent accelerates the dermis reorganisation of skin lesions.

The aim of this study was to test the effect of electrical stimulation in association with topical Arnica montana gel on organisational changes in the dermis during tissue repair. An experimental rat incisional skin lesion was used for the study. This involved making an incisional lesion on the dorsum of the animals using a scalpel. Ninety-six animals were used divided into the following groups: control (C), microcurrent (MC); topical treatment with Arnica montana gel (ARN); the ARN + microcurrent (ARN + MC). Treatments were administered daily, and injured tissue samples were collected and processed on Days 2, 6 and 10 for dermis analyses. Myeloperoxidase levels were greater in control than in treatment groups on Days 2 and 6. F4/80 expression was similar among all treatment groups and greater than that in control on Day 2. On Day 6, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was higher in the MC group than that in other groups, whereas transforming growth factor-ß expression increased in the MC and ARN + MC groups on Day 10. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 was higher in the ARN + MC group when compared with other groups on Day 10. Expression levels of collagen I were increased in the ARN and ARN + MC groups when compared with control and MC groups on Day 6, while expression of collagen III was enhanced in MC, ARN, and ARN + MC groups when compared with the control. The protocol combining microcurrent with topical application of ARN reduces the inflammatory process, increases myofibroblasts proliferation and decreases the presence of macrophages in the dermis during skin repair in rats.

Influence of microcurrent on the modulation of remodelling genes in a wound healing assay.

The literature has shown the beneficial effects of microcurrent (MC) therapy on tissue repair. We investigated if the application of MC at 10 µA/90 s could modulate the expression of remodeling genes transforming growth factor beta (Tgfb), connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf), insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf1), tenascin C (Tnc), Fibronectin (Fn1), Scleraxis (Scx), Fibromodulin (Fmod) and tenomodulin in NIH/3T3 fibroblasts in a wound healing assay. The cell migration was analyzed between days 0 and 4 in both fibroblasts (F) and fibroblasts + MC (F+MC) groups. On the 4th day, cell viability and gene expression were also analyzed after daily MC application. Higher expression of Ctgf and lower expression of Tnc and Fmod, respectively, were observed in the F+MC group in relation to F group (p < 0.05), and no difference was observed between the groups for the genes Tgfb, Fn1 and Scx. In cell migration, a higher number of cells in the scratch region was observed in group F+MC (p < 0.05) compared to group F on the 4th day, and the cell viability assay showed no difference between the groups. In conclusion, MC therapy at an intensity/time of 10 µA/90 s with 4 daily applications did not affect cell viability, stimulated fibroblasts migration with the involvement of Ctgf, and reduced the Tnc and Fmod expression.

Effects of low-level laser therapy on the organization of articular cartilage in an experimental microcrystalline arthritis model.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy using the gallium arsenide laser (λ = 830 nm) on the articular cartilage (AC) organization from knee joint in an experimental model of microcrystalline arthritis in adult male Wistar rats. Seventy-two animals were divided into three groups: A (control), B (induced arthritis), and C (induced arthritis + laser therapy). The arthritis was induced in the right knee using 2 mg of Na4P2O7 in 0.5 mL of saline solution. The treatments were daily applied in the patellar region of the right knee after 48 h of induction. On the 7th, 14th, and 21st days of treatment, the animals were euthanized and their right knees were removed and processed for structural and biochemical analysis of the AC. The chondrocytes positively labeled for the TUNEL reaction were lower in C than in B on the 14th and 21st days. The content of glycosaminoglycans and hydroxyproline in A and C was higher than B on the 21st day. The amount of tibial TNF-α in B and C was lower than in A. The amount of tibial BMP-7 in B and C was higher than in A. The femoral MMP-13 was lower in B and C than for A. The tibial TGF-ß for C was higher than the others. The femoral ADAMT-S4 content of A and C presented similar and inferior data to B on the 21st day. The AsGa-830 nm therapy preserved the content of glycosaminoglycans, reduced the cellular changes and the inflammatory process compared to the untreated group.

Electrical stimulation: Complementary therapy to improve the performance of grafts in bone defects?

The limitations of bone reconstruction techniques have stimulated the tissue engineering for the repair of large bone defects using osteoconductive materials and osteoinductive agents. This study evaluated the effects of low intensity electric current on the inorganic bovine graft in calvaria defects. Bone defects were performed with piezoelectric system in the calvaria of Wistar rats divided into four groups (n = 24): (C) without grafting and without electrical stimulation; (E) with grafting; (MC) without grafting and submitted to electrical stimulation; (MC + E) with grafting and submitted to electrical stimulation. Inflammatory, angiogenic and osteogenic events during bone repair at the 10th, 30th, 60th, and 90th days were considered. Several inflammatory markers demonstrated the efficacy of grafting in reducing inflammation, particularly when subjected to electrical stimulation. Angiogenesis and collagen organization were more evident by electrical stimulation application on the grafts. Moreover, the osteogenic cell differentiation process indicated that the application of microcurrent on grafting modulated the homeostasis of bone remodeling. It is concluded that microcurrent favored the performance of grafts in calvarial rat model. Low-intensity electrical current might improve the osteoconductive property of grafting in bone defects. Therefore, electrical current becomes an option as complementary therapy in clinical trials involving bone surgeries and injuries. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 924-932, 2019.

Differing energy densities with laser 670nm InGaP controls inflammation and collagen reorganization in burns.

PURPOSE: This study compared different energy densities of laser on second degrees burns in rats aiming to determine the most effective dosimetry in stimulation of the healing process. METHODS: Burns were induced in the dorsal skin of 54 animals divided into three groups (n: 18): 1-without treatment; 2-irradiated lesions by the Indium Gallium Phosphide (InGaP) 670nm (4.93J/cm2) laser; 3-irradiated lesions by the InGaP-670nm (9.86J/cm2) laser. Samples were collected on the 2, 10 and 18 days after injury for structural, morphometry, biochemical analysis and Western blotting. RESULTS: The energy densities examined were effective in significantly increasing the total number of fibroblasts and blood vessels and reduce the number of inflammatory cells particularly in irradiated lesions with 9.86J/cm2. This same energy density significantly increased the amount of GAGs (Glycosaminoglycans), decreased the TGF-ß1 (Transforming Growth Factor ß1) and increased the VEGF (Vascular and Endothelial Growth Factor) during the experimental period. This energy density also significantly increased the Collagen type I and decreased Collagen type III and the active isoform of metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). CONCLUSIONS: The energy density of 9.86J/cm2 was more effective in promoting cellular responses related to neoangiogenesis, decreasing inflammation and collagen fibers reorganization.

Effects of microcurrent therapy on excisional elastic cartilage defects in young rats.

The effects of microcurrent application on the elastic cartilage defects in the outer ear of young animals were analyzed. Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into a control (CG) and a treated group (TG). An excisional lesion was created in the right outer ear of each animal. Daily treatment was started after 24h and consisted of the application of a low-intensity (20µA) continuous electrical current to the site of injury for 5min. The animals were euthanized after 7, 14 and 28 days of injury and the samples were submitted to analyses. In CG, areas of newly formed cartilage and intense basophilia were seen at 28 days, while in TG the same observations were made already at 14 days. The percentage of birefringent collagen fibers was higher in CG at 28 days. The number of connective tissue cells and granulocytes was significantly higher in TG. Ultrastructural analysis revealed the presence of chondrocytes in TG at 14 days, while these cells were observed in CG only at 28 days. Cuprolinic blue staining and the amount of glycosaminoglycans were significantly higher in TG at 14 days and 28 days. The amount of hydroxyproline was significantly higher in TG at all time points studied. The active isoform of MMP-2 was higher activity in TG at 14 days. Immunoblotting for type II collagen and decorin was positive in both groups and at all time points. The treatment stimulated the proliferation and differentiation of connective tissue cells, the deposition of glycosaminoglycans and collagen, and the structural reorganization of these elements during elastic cartilage repair.

Effect of Aloe vera application on the content and molecular arrangement of glycosaminoglycans during calcaneal tendon healing.

Although several treatments for tendon lesions have been proposed, successful tendon repair remains a great challenge for orthopedics, especially considering the high incidence of re-rupture of injured tendons. Our aim was to evaluate the pharmacological potential of Aloe vera on the content and arrangement of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) during tendon healing, which was based on the effectiveness of A. vera on collagen organization previously observed by our group. In rats, a partial calcaneal tendon transection was performed with subsequent topical A. vera application at the injury site. The tendons were treated with A. vera ointment for 7 days and excised on the 7(th) , 14(th) , or 21(st) day post-surgery. Control rats received ointment without A. vera. A higher content of GAGs and a lower amount of dermatan sulfate were detected in the A. vera-treated group on the 14(th) day compared with the control. Also at 14 days post-surgery, a lower dichroic ratio in toluidine blue stained sections was observed in A. vera-treated tendons compared with the control. No differences were observed in the chondroitin-6-sulfate and TGF-ß1 levels between the groups, and higher amount of non-collagenous proteins was detected in the A. vera-treated group on the 21(st) day, compared with the control group. No differences were observed in the number of fibroblasts, inflammatory cells and blood vessels between the groups. The application of A. vera during tendon healing modified the arrangement of GAGs and increased the content of GAGs and non-collagenous proteins.

Effects of microcurrent stimulation on hyaline cartilage repair in immature male rats (Rattus norvegicus).

BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigate the effects of microcurrent stimulation on the repair process of xiphoid cartilage in 45-days-old rats. METHODS: Twenty male rats were divided into a control group and a treated group. A 3-mm defect was then created with a punch in anesthetized animals. In the treated group, animals were submitted to daily applications of a biphasic square pulse microgalvanic continuous electrical current during 5 min. In each application, it was used a frequency of 0.3 Hz and intensity of 20 µA. The animals were sacrificed at 7, 21 and 35 days after injury for structural analysis. RESULTS: Basophilia increased gradually in control animals during the experimental period. In treated animals, newly formed cartilage was observed on days 21 and 35. No statistically significant differences in birefringent collagen fibers were seen between groups at any of the time points. Treated animals presented a statistically larger number of chondroblasts. Calcification points were observed in treated animals on day 35. Ultrastructural analysis revealed differences in cell and matrix characteristics between the two groups. Chondrocyte-like cells were seen in control animals only after 35 days, whereas they were present in treated animals as early as by day 21. The number of cuprolinic blue-stained proteoglycans was statistically higher in treated animals on days 21 and 35. CONCLUSION: We conclude that microcurrent stimulation accelerates the cartilage repair in non-articular site from prepuberal animals.

Effects of the application of Aloe vera (L.) and microcurrent on the healing of wounds surgically induced in Wistar rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of topical application of an Aloe vera gel combined or not with microcurrent application on the healing of skin wounds surgically induced in Wistar rats. METHODS: The animals were randomly divided into the following groups: control group, animals topically treated with Aloe vera, animals treated with a microcurrent, and animals receiving topical application of Aloe vera combined with microcurrent application. RESULTS: The results indicated differences in wound healing between the various treatments when compared to the control group. Tissue hyperplasia was lower in the control group compared to the other treated groups. Accelerated wound healing was observed in the group treated with Aloe vera compared to control. Animals submitted to microcurrent application only and the group treated with microcurrent plus Aloe vera presented an earlier onset of the proliferative phase compared to the control group and animals treated with Aloe vera gel alone. Morphometric data confirmed the structural findings. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous application of Aloe vera gel and microcurrent is an excellent choice for the treatment of open wounds thus indicating a synergistic action of these two applications.

Effects of the application of Aloe vera (L. ) and microcurrent on the healing of wounds surgically induced in Wistar rats / Efeitos da aplicação de Aloe vera (L. ) e microcorrente no reparo de lesões cirúrgicas induzidas em ratos Wistar

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of topical application of an Aloe vera gel combined or not with microcurrent application on the healing of skin wounds surgically induced in Wistar rats. METHODS: The animals were randomly divided into the following groups: control group, animals topically treated with Aloe vera, animals treated with a microcurrent, and animals receiving topical application of Aloe vera combined with microcurrent application. RESULTS: The results indicated differences in wound healing between the various treatments when compared to the control group. Tissue hyperplasia was lower in the control group compared to the other treated groups. Accelerated wound healing was observed in the group treated with Aloe vera compared to control. Animals submitted to microcurrent application only and the group treated with microcurrent plus Aloe vera presented an earlier onset of the proliferative phase compared to the control group and animals treated with Aloe vera gel alone. Morphometric data confirmed the structural findings. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous application of Aloe vera gel and microcurrent is an excellent choice for the treatment of open wounds thus indicating a synergistic action of these two applications.

OBJETIVO: Investigar os efeitos da aplicação tópica do gel de Aloe vera, combinada ou não com a aplicação de microcorrente no reparo de lesões cutâneas induzidas cirurgicamente em ratos Wistar. MÉTODOS: Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em: grupo controle, tratado topicamente com gel in natura de Aloe vera, tratado com microcorrente e tratado com aplicação tópica de Aloe vera associada à microcorrente. RESULTADOS: Os resultados do presente trabalho indicaram que o reparo tecidual ocorreu de forma diferenciada nos vários tratamentos empregados quando comparados ao grupo controle. A hiperplasia tecidual no grupo controle foi menor que a observada nos demais grupos tratados. No grupo tratado com aplicação de Aloe vera o processo de reparo foi acelerado em relação ao controle. Os animais do grupo tratado somente com microcorrente e do grupo tratado com microcorrente associada à Aloe vera apresentaram uma fase proliferativa mais precoce quando comparados com o grupo controle e tratado somente com Aloe vera. Os dados morfométricos confirmaram os achados estruturais. CONCLUSÃO: A aplicação simultânea do gel de Aloe vera e microcorrente é uma excelente escolha para o tratamento de feridas abertas indicando uma ação sinérgica dessas duas aplicações.