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Published on: September 27, 2024
Induction of apoptosis by fractional CO2 laser treatment
Francesca Prignano1, Federica Ricceri, Paolo Bonan
1Division of Clinical, Preventive and Oncology Dermatology, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Surgery, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. francesca.prignano@unifi.it
Introduction:
Fractional CO2-laser is considered a preferential method for skin resurfacing, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying this surgical tool. In the present study, we investigated the possible role of apoptosis by the sequential analysis of lesional skin after laser treatment, with special attention to power. Moreover, we have analyzed if there is a correlation with clinical improvement.
Materials And Methods:
We evaluated the effects of fractional CO2-laser in twelve patients with photodamage skin Fitzpatrick types I to III. Apoptosis markers were assessed by an immunohistochemical study on skin samples of foream at 24 h, 72 h and 7 days after the irradiation with 15 W or 20 W. Moreover, clinical improvement was assessed by iconography.
Results:
Fractional CO2-laser induced an inflammatory repair process mediated by activation of apoptotic pathway that was completed in 7 days. The expression of proapototic markers, as annexin-VII and Caspases-9 was increased 24-72 hours after irradiation and decreased after 7 days. While the expression of the anti-apototic marker Bcl-2 increased progressively during 7 days after treatment.
Conclusion:
Our study suggests that the skin's appearance may be enhanced by creating skin changes through apoptosis. Apoptosis, one of the major mechanisms of cell death, might play a key role in initiating the paracrine cascades that lead to cell proliferation.
Insights
Fractional CO2 laser treatment for skin resurfacing activates apoptosis, a programmed cell death pathway. This molecular mechanism, involving specific markers, contributes to skin repair and potential aesthetic improvement.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
- Laser Technology
Background:
- Fractional CO2 laser is a preferred skin resurfacing method.
- The molecular mechanisms of fractional CO2 laser treatment are not fully understood.
- Investigating apoptosis's role in laser-induced skin changes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of apoptosis in skin after fractional CO2 laser treatment.
- To analyze the effect of laser power on apoptosis.
- To correlate molecular changes with clinical improvement.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated fractional CO2 laser effects on 12 patients (Fitzpatrick types I-III).
- Assessed apoptosis markers (annexin-VII, Caspases-9, Bcl-2) via immunohistochemistry at 24h, 72h, and 7 days post-irradiation (15W or 20W).
- Clinical improvement was assessed using iconography.
Main Results:
- Fractional CO2 laser induced an inflammatory repair process mediated by apoptosis, completing within 7 days.
- Pro-apoptotic markers (annexin-VII, Caspases-9) increased at 24-72 hours and decreased by day 7.
- Anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2 expression progressively increased over 7 days.
Conclusions:
- Fractional CO2 laser treatment enhances skin appearance by inducing apoptosis.
- Apoptosis plays a key role in initiating paracrine cascades for cell proliferation.
- Understanding apoptosis mechanisms can optimize laser skin resurfacing outcomes.
