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Effect of the transdermal low-level laser therapy on endothelial function
Alicja Szymczyszyn1,2, Adrian Doroszko1,2, Ewa Szahidewicz-Krupska1,2
1Department of Internal and Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213 Street, 50-552, Wroclaw, Poland.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) enhances endothelial function by boosting antioxidant capacity and angiogenic potential. This study found increased glutathione (GSH) and decreased angiostatin after LLLT, with no significant changes in nitric oxide metabolites.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Biomedical Engineering
- Photomedicine
Background:
- The cardiovascular system's response to low-level laser therapy (LLLT) requires further elucidation.
- The endothelium's role as an endocrine element necessitates understanding LLLT's mechanisms of action.
- Establishing LLLT's impact on endothelial function is crucial for its therapeutic application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of transdermal LLLT on endothelial function in healthy volunteers.
- To assess changes in biochemical markers related to angiogenesis, oxidative stress, and nitric oxide pathways post-LLLT.
- To determine if LLLT influences key factors like VEGF, FGF, GSH, and nitric oxide metabolites.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled study involving 40 healthy volunteers (30 in the laser group, 10 in the control group).
- Transdermal LLLT (808 nm, 50 mW, 1.6 W/cm², 20 J/day for 3 days) applied to the radial artery.
- Biochemical assessment of angiogenesis (VEGF, FGF, angiostatin), oxidative status (GSH), and nitric oxide pathway (SDMA, ADMA, L-arginine) before and after irradiation.
Main Results:
- Significant increase in glutathione (GSH) levels observed in the laser-irradiated group.
- Considerable decrease in angiostatin concentration noted post-LLLT.
- No significant alterations in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), or asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels.
Conclusions:
- LLLT positively modulates vascular endothelial function by enhancing antioxidant potential.
- LLLT appears to increase the angiogenic potential, as indicated by reduced angiostatin.
- No immediate impact on the nitric oxide pathway metabolites was detected within 24 hours following LLLT.
