Comparison between melatonin versus melatonin and photobiomodulation versus photobiomodulation in the treatment of Alopecia X in German Spitz dogs: Clinical, randomized, double-blind, parallel, non-inferiority protocol.

Canine Alopecia X is a non-inflammatory hair loss disorder of unknown etiology that predominantly affects German Spitz dogs. Treatment modalities include hormone and/or melatonin supplementation and low trauma microneedling. Melatonin influences hair growth and pigmentation in several species and presents a low risk of adverse effects when used in dogs with Alopecia X. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is frequently used in human androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata; despite this, PBM remains unexplored in canine Alopecia X. To address this knowledge gap, sixty dogs of both sexes will be randomly assigned to three groups: (i) melatonin only group (3 mg/Kg, n = 20); (ii) PBM only group (diode laser, wavelength 660nm, 100mw power, with 3 J/point, 2 sessions/week for 3 months, n = 20); (ii) PBM + melatonin group (n = 20). The objective is to determine the potential of PBM alone or in conjunction with melatonin supplementation in promoting hair regrowth (hair density and diameter) by means of dermatoscopy and planimetry over a period of 90 days.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy combined to periodontal treatment: Experimental model.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been used as an adjuvant treatment for periodontitis. It combines a photosensitizer with a light source to induce reactive oxygen species and kill microbial cells. PpNetNI is a protoporphyrin derivative, and it has a chemical binding site at biofilm and great affinity to microbial cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aPDT as an adjuvant treatment for periodontitis. METHODS: Thirty healthy male rats Wistar (Rattus norvegicus) were used in this study (Approved by UNINOVE Ethical committee AN0029/2015). Periodontitis was induced by placing a cotton ligature around the first mandibular molar in a subgengival position. The contralateral mandibular first molar received neither a ligature nor any treatment, and was used as a control. After 7 days, the ligature was removed and all animals received scaling and root planing (SRP) and were divided according to the following treatments: SRP group (received SRP and irrigation with PpNetNI, 10µM) and aPDT group (PpNetNI 10µM followed by LED irradiation). aPDT was performed with a LED (630nm) with an output power of 400mW (fluence-rate 200mW/cm2; fluence 18J/cm2). Rats were euthanized at 24h, 48h and 7days postoperatively. The area of bone loss in vestibular region of the first molar was evaluated by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT, THORLABS LTD., Ely, UK). Data were analyzed statistically (ANOVA and Tukey tests, p<0.05). RESULTS: The animals treated by aPDT showed bone gain of approximately 30% compared to the SRP group following 7days from the treatment. CONCLUSION: aPDT promoted bone recovery 7days after periodontal intervention.