Efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy on pain perception reduction associated with dental anesthetic infiltration injection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Dental anesthetic injections, a common source of patient discomfort, often deter individuals from seeking dental care. Recently, there has been a growing focus on photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and its potential role in pain reduction. This systematic review explored the efficacy of PBMT in alleviating pain associated with dental anesthetic infiltration injections. A systematic literature search of different databases was performed up to December, 2023 using specific search strategy to find eligible studies that assessed the impact of PBMT on pain during local anesthesia injections. Data extraction was done based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 13 studies, involving 972 patients were included. The studies employed various PBMT parameters, including wavelengths, and energy densities. Meta-analyses revealed a significant reduction in pain with PBMT compared to controls (MD = -0.90, 95% CI: -1.36 to -0.44, and p = 0.0001), with notable heterogeneity (I2 = 91.79%). Stratified analyses by age demonstrated consistent pain reduction in both adults (MD = -0.59, 95% CI: -1.11 to -0.08, and p < 0.0001) and children (MD = -0.59, 95% CI: -1.11 to -0.08, and p = 0.025). In conclusion, it seems that PBMT using infrared diode lasers can effectively reduce injection pain in both pediatric and adult populations. Further research should focus on optimizing PBMT parameters for enhanced pain management during dental procedures.

Management of androgenic alopecia: a systematic review of the literature.

We aimed to determine the efficacy of the various available oral, topical, and procedural treatment options for hair loss in individuals with androgenic alopecia. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic review of the National Library of Medicine was performed. Overall, 141 unique studies met our inclusion criteria. We demonstrate that many over the counter (e.g. topical minoxidil, supplements, low-level light treatment), prescription (e.g. oral minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride), and procedural (e.g. platelet-rich plasma, fractionated lasers, hair transplantation) treatments successfully promote hair growth, highlighting the superiority of a multifaceted and individualized approach to management.

Photobiomodulation as a Potential Therapy for Erectile Function: A Preclinical Study in a Cavernous Nerve Injury Model.

PURPOSE: To identify the optimal photobiomodulation (PBM) parameters using molecular, histological, and erectile function analysis in cavernous nerve injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cavernous nerve injury was induced in 8-week-old C57BL/6J male mice that were subsequently divided randomly into age-matched control groups. Erectile function tests, penile histology, and Western blotting were performed 2 weeks after surgery and PBM treatment. RESULTS: The PBM treatment was administered for five consecutive days with a light-emitted diode (LED) device that delivers 660 nm±3% RED light, and near infra-red 830 nm±2% promptly administered following nerve-crushing surgery and achieved a notable restoration of erectile function approximately 90% of the control values. Subsequent in-vitro and ex-vivo analyses revealed the regeneration of neurovascular connections in both the dorsal root ganglion and major pelvic ganglion, characterized by the sprouting of neurites. Furthermore, the expression levels of neurotrophic, survival, and angiogenic factors exhibited a substantial increase across all groups subjected to PBM treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of PBM employing LED with 660 nm, 830 nm, and combination of both these wavelengths, exhibited significant efficacy to restore erectile function in a murine model of cavernous nerve injury. Thus, the PBM emerges as a potent therapeutic modality with notable advantages such as efficacy, noninvasiveness, and non-pharmacological interventions for erectile dysfunction caused by nerve injury.

Comparison between three methods of diode laser 810 nm, photodynamic therapy with laser 660 nm, and hypochlorite solution for disinfection of pulp canal of primary teeth.

Background: The presence of treatment-resistant microorganisms is known as the main cause of pulpectomy failure in the endodontic treatment of deciduous teeth. The usage of lasers can contribute to reducing these microorganisms. This study aimed to compare the effect of three disinfection methods for deciduous teeth canals using laser diode 810 nm, photodynamic therapy with laser 660 nm and methylene blue, and sodium hypochlorite. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 58 single-root deciduous teeth with no root resorption were investigated in four groups, including one control group of 10 and three intervention groups of 16. Preparation of the samples was done using manual files up to three numbers after the initial file. After sterilizing the samples in an autoclave, Enterococcus faecalis bacteria were cultured in the canals. In the first group, irrigating with hypochlorite 2.5% was done; in the second group, photodynamic therapy was performed using a laser diode and 0.1 mg/mL methylene solution; and in the third group, high-intensity laser 810 nm direct radiation was done into the canal. Next, samples were taken from all canals. The colony formation unit (CFU) of the bacteria was counted in the blood agar culture medium. The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and negative binomial regression test (α =0.05). Results: The mean CFU differed significantly between the four groups. The rate of incidence of E. faecalis colonies showed a reduction in all three intervention groups compared to the negative control. In the high-intensity laser 810 nm group, there was 68.4%; in the photodynamic therapy with diode 660 nm and methylene blue, there was 88%; and in the hypochlorite group, 98.3% reduction was observed compared to the negative control group. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, to compare three disinfection methods of the deciduous teeth canals without preparation of canals, sodium hypochlorite had greater efficiency. All three groups of laser, photodynamic therapy, and sodium hypochlorite showed reductions of E. faecalis bacterial colony compared to the control group. The reductive effects of CFU were greater in the hypochlorite sodium group, followed by photodynamic and direct laser radiation groups.

IS THE PHOTOBIOMODULATION THERAPY EFFECTIVE IN CONTROLLING POST-SURGICAL SIDE EFFECTS AFTER THE EXTRACTION OF MANDIBULAR THIRD MOLARS? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.

OBJECTIVES: The extraction of third molars is one of the most performed surgical procedures in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Pain, oedema, and trismus are the most frequently complications related in the surgical postoperative period. The literature has indicated PBM as a potential adjuvant method to reduce these complications. The aim of this review and meta-analysis is evaluate the PBM, as an optimal method to improve patient experience and minimize postoperative morbidity. Additionally, we seek to determine which wavelength, site, and frequency of application are most effective. METHODS: This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023429966) and followed PRISMA guidelines. The search was carried out in the main databases, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, and Lilacs, including reviews in the most important journals in the area of oral surgery and laser applied to oral surgery. In addition, all article references and also gray literature were reviewed. After the studies selection, the relevant data was collected. All the studies were randomized controlled trials and the patients were allocated into two groups: active PBM and inactive PBM. The statistical analysis was carried out using Stata v.16, and the methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed by the Jadad scale and RoB 2.0, respectively. RESULTS: Where included 22 studies and 989 subjects, to all with a minimum follow-up of 7 days. Pain and oedema showed statistically significant results in favor to the active PBM group. Especially when laser applied in infrared mode, for pain and oedema at 48 h, MD = -1.80 (CI95% -2.88, -0.72) I²â€¯= 92.13% and MD = -1.45 (CI95% -2.42, -0.48) I²â€¯= 65.01%, respectively. The same is not true for trismus at 48 h, MD = 0.07 (CI95% -0.06, 0.21) I²â€¯= 3.26%. The meta-analysis also presented results in respect of laser site of application and number of PBM sessions. CONCLUSIONS: PBM with infrared laser, in a combination intraoral and extraoral application, in one session in the immediate postoperative period, has been shown to be effective to achieve the objectives of reducing pain and oedema after third molar extraction.

Acute dose-response effect of photobiomodulation therapy on 5-km running performance in trained runners: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been advocated as a potential intervention to improve muscle performance and recovery in the health and sports context. However, the short- and long-term effects of PBMT on endurance running performance remain under-researched and controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute dose-response effect of PBMT with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on endurance performance and rating of perceived exertion (RPE; 6-20 Borg) during a 5-km running trial in recreational runners. In a crossover design, eighteen young adult runners (28.7 ± 7.8 years) were randomized to receive 1 of 4 PBMT conditions (placebo, 300, 900, and 1260 Joules [J]) 60 min before the 5-km running trial on four occasions, separated by a 2-wk washout period. The treatments were applied to the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius muscles of both legs using a device containing 200 LEDs (100 red and 100 infrared). The following variables were assessed: endurance performance (i.e. total time, mean velocity, and velocity in the split distances at the initial 200 m and every 400 m lap) and RPE in the split distances at the initial 200 m and every 400 m lap. Data normality and homogeneity were tested using Shapiro-Wilk's and Levene's tests, respectively. Differences between treatment conditions were assessed using the analysis of variance tests (one- or two-way ANOVA, depending on the comparisons), complemented by the Bonferroni post hoc test. There were significant time effects for the running velocity and RPE in the split distances (p < 0.0001), with no significant treatment-by-time interaction (running velocity, p = 0.59; RPE, p = 0.95). The mean velocity (p = 0.997), total time (p = 0.998), and total mean of the RPE (p = 0.91) were similar between treatment conditions. In conclusion, acute PBMT with LEDs at doses of 300, 900, and 1260 J is not recommended for improving endurance performance and RPE in the 5-km running trial in recreational runners.

Photobiomodulation on isolated mitochondria at 810 nm: first results on the efficiency of the energy conversion process.

In this paper the photobiomodulation on isolated mitochondria of bovine liver is studied as a thermodynamic process of conversion of energy. This analysis is conducted by considering a particular set-up for the photobiomodulation experiments of interest. It allows, in particular, the computation of the electromagnetic field and the related energetic quantities in the stimulated organelles. The measurements of the excess of biochemical power density produced by the illuminated mitochondria are performed at regular time intervals after the experiments. The calculations and the measurements finally allow us to obtain the first results on the efficiency of the process of conversion of electromagnetic energy into excess of biochemical energy released by the isolated organelles.

Burning Mouth Syndrome Treated with Low-Level Laser and Clonazepam: A Randomized, Single-Blind Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic pain disorder characterized by intraoral burning or dysaesthetic sensation, with the absence of any identifiable lesions. Numerous treatments for BMS have been investigated, though without conclusive results. An analysis was conducted of the efficacy of treatment with a low-level diode laser and clonazepam in patients with BMS, and a study was carried out on the levels of different salivary biomarkers before and after treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial was carried out involving 89 patients divided into the following groups: group 1 (laser, The Helbo® Theralite Laser 3D Pocket Probe + clonazepam) (n = 20), group 2 (sham laser placebo) (n = 19), group 3 (laser) (n = 21) and group 4 (clonazepam) (n = 18). Symptom intensity was scored based on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Sialometry was performed before and after treatment, and the Xerostomia Inventory, Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaires were administered. The following markers were measured in saliva samples: interleukins (IL2, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL7, IL8, IL1ß, IL10, IL12, IL13, IL17, IL21 and IL23), proteins (MIP-3α, MIP-1α and MIP-1ß), GM-CSF, interferon gamma (IFNγ), interferon-inducible T-cell alpha chemoattractant (ITAC), fractalkine and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). RESULTS: A significant decrease in the VAS scores was observed after treatment in group 1 (laser + clonazepam) (p = 0.029) and group 3 (laser) (p = 0.005). In turn, group 3 (laser) showed a decrease in the salivary concentration of fractalkine (p = 0.025); interleukins IL12 (p = 0.048), IL17 (p = 0.020), IL21 (p = 0.008), IL7 (p = 0.001) and IL8 (p = 0.007); proteins MIP1α (p = 0.048) and MIP1ß (p = 0.047); and TNFα (p = 0.047) versus baseline. Following treatment, group 1 (laser + clonazepam) showed significant differences in IL21 (p = 0.045) and IL7 (p = 0.009) versus baseline, while group 4 (clonazepam) showed significant differences in IL13 (p = 0.036), IL2 (p = 0.020) and IL4 (p = 0.001). No significant differences were recorded in group 2 (sham laser placebo). CONCLUSIONS: The low-level diode laser is a good treatment option in BMS, resulting in a decrease in patient symptoms and in salivary biomarkers. However, standardization of the intervention protocols and laser intensity parameters is needed in order to draw more firm conclusions.

Can pre-exercise photobiomodulation improve muscle endurance and promote recovery from muscle strength and injuries in people with different activity levels? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) was introduced as an ergogenic aid for sport performance in healthy individuals is still controversial. The main aim of this study is to assess the potential enhancements in muscle endurance and recovery from muscle strength and injuries mediated by PBMT among individuals exhibiting diverse activity levels. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) of PBMT interventions for healthy people (both trained and untrained individuals) exercising were searched (up to January 16, 2024) in four electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Embase. Primary outcome measures included muscle endurance, muscle strength and creatine kinase (CK) levels; secondary outcome measure included Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Subgroup analyses based on physical activity levels were conducted for each outcome measure. Thirty-four RCTs were included based on the article inclusion and exclusion criteria. Statistical results showed that PBMT significantly improved muscle endurance (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.31, 95%CI 0.11, 0.51, p < 0.01), indicating a moderate effect size. It also facilitated the recovery of muscle strength (SMD = 0.24, 95%CI 0.10, 0.39, p < 0.01) and CK (mean difference [MD] = -77.56, 95%CI -112.67, -42.44, p < 0.01), indicating moderate and large effect sizes, respectively. Furthermore, pre-application of PBMT significantly improved muscle endurance, recovery of muscle strength and injuries in physically inactive individuals and athletes (p < 0.05), while there was no significant benefit for physically active individuals. Pre-application of PBMT improves muscle endurance and promotes recovery from muscle strength and injury (includes CK and LDH) in athletes and sedentary populations, indicating moderate to large effect sizes, but is ineffective in physically active populations. This may be due to the fact that physically active people engage in more resistance training, which leads to a decrease in the proportion of red muscle fibres, thus affecting photobiomodulation.

In Vitro Photobiomodulation Effects of Blue and Red Diode Lasers on Proliferation and Differentiation of Periodontal Ligament Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the photobiomodulation effects of blue and red lasers on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament mesenchymal stem cells (PDLMSCs). Methods: PDLMSCs were cultured and tested in 4 groups. The first two groups were exposed to 445 nm diode laser irradiation (200 mW, 6 and 12 J/cm2 ), and the third group was exposed to 660 nm diode laser irradiation (50 mW, 4 J/cm2 ). The fourth group was also considered as the control group without irradiation. Cell viability/proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen type 1 (col1), and osteocalcin (OCN) were evaluated by RT-PCR, and Alizarin red was used to evaluate the colonization. The data were analyzed by means of one-way analysis of variance. Results: The results of our study showed that cell survival/proliferation in the second group was significantly lower than that in the control group on days 1 and 7 (P<0.05). RT-PCR showed a significant increase in osteogenic genes in all three laser groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). All groups showed a significant increase in calcium content compared to the control group (P<0.05). ALP activity also confirmed the osteoblastic differentiation of cells in laser groups. Conclusion: 445 nm and 660 nm lasers with the studied parameters showed positive effects on the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of PDLMSCs.

Efeito da fotobiomodulação na reabilitação de pacientes com patologias traumato-ortopédicas: revisão integrativa / Efectos de la fotobiomodulación en la rehabilitación de pacientes con patologías traumatoortopédicas: revisión integrativa / Effects of photobiomodulationin the rehabilitation of patients with traumato-orthopedic pathologies: integrative review

Introdução: Fotobiomodulação corresponde à exposição de tecidos biológicos a baixos níveis de luz vermelha e infravermelha, esta terapia favorece a reabilitação de diferentes tecidos e que pode ser utilizada para a melhora da prática clínica nas diferentes atuações da fisioterapia, como por exemplo, no tratamento dos acometimentos musculoesqueléticos e inflamatórios. Objetivo: Identificar os benefícios da fotobiomodulação empregados na reabilitação de pacientes nas diferentes patologias traumato-ortopédicas. Metodologia:Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa com busca online nas plataformas de dados: Medline e PubMed. Os descritores foram: fotobiomodulação, taumato-ortopedia e reabilitação. As línguas selecionadas foram: Português, Inglês e Espanhol, entre os anos de 2018 a 2022.Resultados:A descrição dos achados nos ensaios clínicos analisados mostra que a terapia de fotobiomodulação apresenta diferentes usos na prática clínica e que seu uso produz efeito analgésico, anti-inflamatório e regenerativo nos distúrbios musculoesqueléticos. Conclusões:De acordo com a revisão dos artigos, pôde-se perceber que a terapia por fotobiomodulação confirma seus benefícios e eficácia, portando, se fazendo positiva na atuação traumato-ortopédica, gerando resultados significativos quando comparada a outros recursos (AU).

Introduction: Photobiomodulationcorresponds to the exposure of biological tissues to low levels of red and infrared light, this therapy favors the rehabilitation of different tissues and can be used to improve clinical practice in different actions of physiotherapy, such as, for example, in the treatment of musculoskeletal and inflammatory disorders. Objective: To identify the benefits of photobiomodulation used in the rehabilitation of patients with different traumato-orthopedic pathologies. Methodology:This is an integrative review with online search on data platforms: Medline and PubMed. The descriptors were: photobiomodulation, thaumato-orthopedics and rehabilitation. The selected languages were: Portuguese, English and Spanish, from 2018 to 2022. Results: The description of the discovers in the analyzed clinical trials shows that photobiomodulation therapy has different uses in clinical practice and that its use produces analgesic, anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects in musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusions:According to the review of the articles, it could be seen that photobiomodulation therapy confirms its benefits and effectiveness, therefore, becoming positive in the trauma-orthopedic performance, generating significant results when compared to other resources (AU).

Introducción: La fotobiomodulacióncorresponde a la exposición de tejidos biológicos a bajos niveles de luz roja e infrarroja, esta terapia estimula la rehabilitación de diferentes tejidos y puede ser utilizada para mejorar la práctica clínica en diferentes áreas de fisioterapia, como por ejemplo, en tratamiento de Trastornos musculoesqueléticos e inflamatorios. Objetivo: Identificar los beneficios de la fotobiomodulación utilizada en la rehabilitación de pacientes con diferentes patologías traumato-ortopédicas. Metodología: Esta es una revisión integradora con búsqueda en línea en plataformas de datos: Medline y PubMed. Los descriptores fueron: fotobiomodulación, taumato-ortopedia y rehabilitación. Los idiomas seleccionados fueron: portugués, inglés y español, entre los años 2018 a 2022. Resultados: La descripción de los hallazgos en los ensayos clínicos analizados muestra que la terapia de fotobiomodulación tiene diferentes usos en la práctica clínica y que su uso produce efectos analgésicos, antiinflamatorios y regenerador en trastornos musculoesqueléticos. Conclusiones: De acuerdo con la revisión de los artículos, se pudo apreciar que la terapia de fotobiomodulación confirma sus beneficios y efectividad, por lo tanto, tornándose positiva en el desempeño trauma-ortopédico, generando resultados significativos cuando se compara con otros recursos (AU).

Near-Infrared II Photobiomodulation Preconditioning Ameliorates Stroke Injury via Phosphorylation of eNOS.

BACKGROUND: The current management of patients with stroke with intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy is effective only when it is timely performed on an appropriately selected but minor fraction of patients. The development of novel adjunctive therapy is highly desired to reduce morbidity and mortality with stroke. Since endothelial dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of stroke and is featured with suppressed endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) with concomitant nitric oxide deficiency, restoring endothelial nitric oxide represents a promising approach to treating stroke injury. METHODS: This is a preclinical proof-of-concept study to determine the therapeutic effect of transcranial treatment with a low-power near-infrared laser in a mouse model of ischemic stroke. The laser treatment was performed before the middle cerebral artery occlusion with a filament. To determine the involvement of eNOS phosphorylation, unphosphorylatable eNOS S1176A knock-in mice were used. Each measurement was analyzed by a 2-way ANOVA to assess the effect of the treatment on cerebral blood flow with laser Doppler flowmetry, eNOS phosphorylation by immunoblot analysis, and stroke outcomes by infarct volumes and neurological deficits. RESULTS: Pretreatment with a 1064-nm laser at an irradiance of 50 mW/cm2 improved cerebral blood flow, eNOS phosphorylation, and stroke outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Near-infrared II photobiomodulation could offer a noninvasive and low-risk adjunctive therapy for stroke injury. This new modality using a physical parameter merits further consideration to develop innovative therapies to prevent and treat a wide array of cardiovascular diseases.

Influence of Intravascular Laser Irradiation of Blood (ILIB) on inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide in vivo: a systematic review.

The use of Intravascular Laser Irradiation of Blood (ILIB) as a treatment or adjunct tool has been used around the world since the 1980s. So that more professionals can deliver benefits to their patients in different areas of health, it is necessary to understand in depth the mechanisms of laser action at the molecular level, for correct indication and success in the treatment. To analyze works that evaluated the influence of ILIB on inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) in animals and humans. The literature search was carried out between February and April 2023 in Pubmed, Medline, Web of Science, SciELO, Lilacs database. The risk of bias was assessed using the bias table where the authors performed the analyzes of all articles with the risk of bias domains. The methodology was defined following the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalysis Report). The search retrieved 135 possibly relevant articles. After removing duplicates, according to the eligibility criteria, evaluation of titles and review of abstracts, in the end, 6 articles were included. An increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines, a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase in NO can be observed. The wavelengths used ranged from 660 to 808 nm when using a low intensity laser and when using a VIP light source 480-3400 nm, they also differed in terms of the light emission pattern. ILIB may be a complementary treatment option for patients who have comorbidities that lead to systemic inflammation.

Effect of photobiomodulation therapy on pain perception during anesthetic puncture of dental local anesthesia: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Local anesthetic puncture is often related to the experience of pain. This study aimed to systematically analyze the literature on changes in pain perception during the anesthetic puncture of dental local anesthesia after Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search was performed in eight primary databases (Embase, LILACS, BBO, LIVIVO, MedLine via PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science) and three additional ones (EASY, Google Scholar, and OATD) to partially capture the "gray literature". The PICO strategy was used to identify randomized clinical trials evaluating the analgesic effect of PBMT in the anesthetic puncture site of dental local anesthesia compared to placebo or control groups, without restrictions on publication language and year. Two reviewers extracted the data and assessed the individual risk of bias of the eligible studies using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool version 2.0. RESULTS: The electronic search found 3,485 records, of which eight met the eligibility criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. The studies were published from 2011 to 2022. None of the included studies had a low risk of bias. PBMT groups showed no significant difference in pain scores compared to placebo and control groups of most studies. CONCLUSION: Based on a low to very low certainty of evidence, PBMT seems to have no effect on pain perception during anesthetic puncture in patients undergoing dental local anesthesia.

Effect of photobiomodulation on postoperative endodontic pain: A systematic review of clinical trials.

Background: This review aims to perform a complete evaluation of the impact of photobiomodulation (PMB) on postoperative endodontic pain. Materials and Methods: The PRISMA checklist was used to perform this systematic review. The electronic databases were searched, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Embase. Sixty-three papers were obtained through a main electronic search and a hand search. Nine trials met the criteria after screening the titles, abstracts, and/or full texts. Results: Seven out of nine studies showed that PMB has a significant impact on relieving postoperative endodontic pain, with no statistically significant difference in the severity of pain between the laser and control groups in the two remaining studies. In addition, eight studies showed no adverse effects, indicating that we can remove the adverse effects of drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, one study showed evidence of the consequences of PMB application on teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Therefore, it can be concluded that PMB should not be used in teeth with pain because of irreversible pulpitis. Conclusion: Although there is some understanding from a cellular viewpoint of the effects of PMB, there is still some uncertainty about whether these cell-level modifications impact reducing the postendodontic pain.

Inflammation in obsessive-compulsive disorder: A literature review and hypothesis-based potential of transcranial photobiomodulation.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling neuropsychiatric disorder that affects about 2%-3% of the global population. Despite the availability of several treatments, many patients with OCD do not respond adequately, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches. Recent studies have associated various inflammatory processes with the pathogenesis of OCD, including alterations in peripheral immune cells, alterations in cytokine levels, and neuroinflammation. These findings suggest that inflammation could be a promising target for intervention. Transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) with near-infrared light is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique that has shown potential for several neuropsychiatric disorders. However, its efficacy in OCD remains to be fully explored. This study aimed to review the literature on inflammation in OCD, detailing associations with T-cell populations, monocytes, NLRP3 inflammasome components, microglial activation, and elevated proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, CRP, IL-1ß, and IL-6. We also examined the hypothesis-based potential of t-PBM in targeting these inflammatory pathways of OCD, focusing on mechanisms such as modulation of oxidative stress, regulation of immune cell function, reduction of proinflammatory cytokine levels, deactivation of neurotoxic microglia, and upregulation of BDNF gene expression. Our review suggests that t-PBM could be a promising, noninvasive intervention for OCD, with the potential to modulate underlying inflammatory processes. Future research should focus on randomized clinical trials to assess t-PBM's efficacy and optimal treatment parameters in OCD. Biomarker analyses and neuroimaging studies will be important in understanding the relationship between inflammatory modulation and OCD symptom improvement following t-PBM sessions.

Laser acupuncture to reduce temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The application of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to acupuncture points may produce effects similar to that of needle stimulation in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). This systematic review was conducted according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and aimed to address clinical questions using the following strategy: Patient/Problem, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO). A comprehensive literature search was performed upto April 26, 2023, across nine electronic databases (BVS, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and Google Scholar) supplemented with gray literature. The risk of bias in randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials was assessed using two tools: risk-of-bias (RoB) 2 and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I). Meta-analysis involved the extraction of mean and standard deviation values for spontaneous pain and mouth opening levels. Seven studies were included in this review, all of which used LLLT. The applied wavelengths ranged from 690 to 810 nm without significant variations in light emission patterns. LLLT demonstrated a significant reduction in instantaneous pain levels (standard mean difference [SMD] = 3.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.09, 5.62; p < 0.003) and an improvement in instantaneous mouth opening ability (mean difference [SMD] = -7.15; 95% CI = -11.73, -2.58; p < 0.002), with low certainty of evidence. LLLT may alleviate symptoms in patients with TMD; however, caution should be exercised when interpreting the results because of protocol variations among studies and the limited number of studies included in the meta-analysis.

Photobiomodulation in the Treatment of Dysgeusia in Patients with Long COVID: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate local and systemic photobiomodulation (PBM) in patients with COVID-19-related dysgeusia, with the expectation of improving taste dysfunction. Background: PBM has garnered attention as a potential therapy in long COVID, a condition characterized by many persistent symptoms following the acute phase of COVID-19. Among these symptoms, dysgeusia, or altered taste perception, can significantly affect patients' quality of life. Emerging research suggests that PBM may hold promise in ameliorating dysgeusia by modulating cellular processes and reducing inflammation. Further clinical studies and randomized controlled trials are essential to establish the efficacy and safety of PBM for the treatment of dysgeusia in long COVID, but initial evidence suggests that this noninvasive modality may offer a novel avenue for symptom management. Methods: Seventy patients experiencing dysgeusia were randomly assigned to receive active local and systemic PBM (n = 34) or simulated PBM (n = 36). Low-power laser (red wavelength) was used at 18 spots on the lateral borders of the tongue (3 J per spot), salivary glands (parotid, sublingual, and submandibular glands-3 J per spot), and over the carotid artery for 10 min (60 J). Alongside laser therapy, all patients in both groups received weekly olfactory therapy for up to 8 weeks. Results: Dysgeusia improved in both groups. At weeks 7 and 8, improvement scores were significantly higher in the PBM group than in the sham group (p = 0.048). Conclusions: Combined local and systemic PBM, as applied in this study, proved effective and could serve as a viable treatment option for alleviating dysgeusia in long-COVID patients. Clinical Trial Registration: RBR-2mfbkkk.

Efficacy of 660 nm Photobiomodulation in Burning Mouth Syndrome Management: A Single-Blind Quasi-Experimental Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is characterized by a burning sensation of the oral mucosa without any evidence of clinical signs or underlining condition. Several treatment modalities have been utilized with various results and levels of evidence. Lately, photobiomodulation (PBM) has emerged as a noninvasive effective therapy due to its anti-inflammatory and biostimulatory effects, especially the low-power laser setting of red wavelength. Objective: This single-blind quasi-experimental controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the PBM effectiveness at a low level of red laser light in patients with BMS compared with sham control. Materials and methods: Thirty patients diagnosed with BMS were consecutively assigned to intervention (PBM therapy) and control (sham) groups. The protocol for PBM dosimetry was as follows: laser 660 nm; spot size: 0.04 cm2; power output: 100 mW; emission mode: continuous wave; power density: 6 J/cm2; irradiation time: 10 sec per point within 1 cm2 surface area of the symptomatic area. The treatment protocol was based on once a week for a total of 10 sessions. Results: Our results showed no statistically significant difference in reduction of pain intensity between the two groups at all the evaluated timepoints during the course of treatment. However, in both groups, we observed a statistically significant reduction of maximum pain intensity of 50% compared with patient-self reporting before the treatment. Conclusions: Further randomized clinical trials to validate our positive results with a large sample size with a long-term follow-up and understanding further the sham placebo effect are warranted.

Photobiomodulation CME Part I: Overview and Mechanism of Action.

Photobiomodulation (PBM), previously known as low-level laser light therapy, represents a non-invasive form of phototherapy that utilizes wavelengths in the red light (RL, 620-700 nm) portion of the visible light (VL, 400-700 nm) spectrum and the near-infrared (NIR, 700-1440 nm) spectrum. PBM is a promising and increasingly used therapy for the treatment of various dermatologic and non-dermatologic conditions. Photons from RL and NIR are absorbed by endogenous photoreceptors including mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase (COX). Activation of COX leads to the following changes: modulation of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and alterations in intracellular calcium levels. The associated modulation of ATP, ROS and calcium levels promotes the activation of various signaling pathways (e.g., insulin-like growth factors, phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathways), which contribute to downstream effects on cellular proliferation, migration and differentiation. Effective PBM therapy is dependent on treatment parameters (e.g., fluence, treatment duration and output power). PBM is generally well-tolerated and safe with erythema being the most common and self-limiting adverse cutaneous effect.