Mesenchymal Stem Cells Synergize with 635, 532, and 405 nm Laser Wavelengths in Renal Fibrosis: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To address whether a single treatment of one of three visible light wavelengths, 635, 532, and 405 nm (constant wave, energy density 2.9 J/m2), could affect the hallmarks of established renal fibrosis and whether these wavelengths could facilitate mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) beneficence. BACKGROUND DATA: Chronic kidney disease is a global health problem with only 20% receiving care worldwide. Kidneys with compromised function have ongoing inflammation, including increased oxidative stress and apoptosis, peritubular capillary loss, tubular atrophy, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Promising studies have highlighted the significant potential of MSC-based strategies to mitigate fibrosis; however, reversal of established fibrosis has been problematic, suggesting that methods to potentiate MSC effects require further development. Laser treatments at visible wavelengths have been reported to enhance mitochondrial potential and available cellular ATP, facilitate proliferation, and inhibit apoptosis. We hypothesized that laser-delivered energy might provide wavelength-specific effects in the fibrotic kidney and enhance MSC responses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Renal fibrosis, established in C57BL6 mice following 21 days of unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO), was treated with one of three wavelengths alone or with autologous MSC. Mitochondrial activity, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cytokines were measured 24 h later. RESULTS: Wavelengths 405, 532, and 635 nm all significantly synergized with MSC to enhance mitochondrial activity and reduce apoptosis. Proliferative activity was observed in the renal cortices following combined treatment with the 532 nm laser and MSC; endothelial proliferation increased in response to the 635 nm laser alone and to the combined effects of MSC and the 405 nm wavelength. Reductions of transforming growth factor-ß were observed with 532 nm alone and when combined with MSC. CONCLUSIONS: Specific wavelengths of laser energy appear to induce different responses in renal fibrotic tissue. These findings support further study in the development of a customized laser therapy program of combined wavelengths to optimize MSC effects in the treatment of renal fibrosis.

Low-level laser therapy decreases renal interstitial fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). BACKGROUND DATA: Regardless of the etiology, CKD involves progressive widespread tissue fibrosis, tubular atrophy, and loss of kidney function. This process also occurs in kidney allograft. At present, effective therapies for this condition are lacking. We investigated the effects of LLLT on the interstitial fibrosis that occurs after experimental UUO in rats. METHODS: The occluded kidney of half of the 32 Wistar rats that underwent UUO received a single intraoperative dose of LLLT (AlGaAs laser, 780 nm, 22.5 J/cm(2), 30 mW, 0.75 W/cm(2), 30 sec on each of nine points). After 14 days, renal fibrosis was assessed by Sirius red staining under polarized light. Immunohistochemical analyses quantitated the renal tissue cells that expressed fibroblast (FSP-1) and myofibroblast (α-SMA) markers. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to determine the mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 and Smad3. RESULTS: The UUO and LLLT animals had less fibrosis than the UUO animals, as well having decreased expression inflammatory and pro-fibrotic markers. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, we showed that LLLT had a protective effect regarding renal interstitial fibrosis. It is conceivable that by attenuating inflammation, LLLT can prevent tubular activation and transdifferentiation, which are the two processes that mainly drive the renal fibrosis of the UUO model.

[Influence of low intensive laser irradiation on ultrastructural changes in kidney tissue in experimental colic].

This investigation aimed at estimation of the influence of low-intensive laser irradiation on ultrastructural changes in renal tissue according to electronic microscopy data in case of experimental renal colic. The experiment was made on twenty rabbits with a single or recurrent colic. Ten animals after a single colic were exposed to low intensive laser therapy. Electronic microscopy showed that single renal colic is associated with marked ultrastructural changes in the proximal tubules. In recurrent colic the edema and destruction were more expressed in all nephron parts. Low intensive laser irradiation suppresses pathological processes in nephrocytes both after a single renal colic and after a recurrent renal colic; has a systemic effect on the body; stimulates compensatory processes in the contralateral kidney.