Journal of lasers in medical sciences最新文献

Introduction: Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the most prevalent form of hair loss, affecting both males and females. Current treatment modalities show varying degrees of efficacy, including high recurrence rates, potential adverse effects, and surgical trauma. The 1927-nm thulium laser has emerged as a promising alternative treatment, offering long-term benefits with good patient tolerability and minimal side effects. Methods: A pre- and post-treatment study design was utilized to assess the efficacy of 1927-nm thulium laser therapy in ten patients with AGA. The procedure involved laser application with a pulse duration of 300 µs, power output of 5 W, and a treatment distance of 0.7 mm, performed without anesthesia. Participants underwent two treatment sessions at two-week intervals, followed by a post-treatment evaluation two weeks after the final session. The primary outcome was the Global Photographic Assessment, based on a 7-point scale evaluating standardized clinical photographs before and after treatment. The secondary outcome was patient satisfaction, measured using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Statistical analysis was conducted using paired t-tests for parametric data and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for non-parametric data, with a two-tailed significance threshold. Results: A significant clinical improvement was observed at follow-ups 1 and 2 when compared to baseline, with scores (mean±SD) of 1.10±0.316 and 2.00±0.471 (P<0.05). The patients also scored their satisfaction, which showed a significant improvement compared to baseline, with scores of 1.90±0.316 and 3.00±0.471 for follow-ups 1 and 2, respectively (P<0.05). No treatment-related adverse events were reported, and pain levels during the procedure were minimal. Conclusion: Thulium laser therapy is safe and effective in short-term evaluation for hair regrowth in AGA patients.

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of high-power laser therapy (HPLT) in treating myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the upper trapezius muscle, a key contributor to myofascial pain syndrome. Methods: This randomized controlled trial enrolled 40 participants with clinically confirmed active MTrPs in the upper trapezius muscle. Participants were randomly allocated to either the HPLT group or the control group. Both groups received ten treatment sessions over a two-week period. The high-power laser group was treated using a 15-watt laser device (810/980 nm wavelengths), while the control group received routine physiotherapy. Outcomes (Visual Analog Scale, neck disability, cervical range of motion) were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: Significant improvements were observed in both groups, with the HPLT group showing superior outcomes. Pain intensity in the laser group declined by 4.06 points (6.39±1.65 and 2.23±1.24 before and after the intervention, respectively) compared to 2.33 (7.11±1.88 and 4.78±2.18 before and after the intervention, respectively) in the control group (P<0.001). The Neck Disability Index also showed a more pronounced reduction in the laser group (18.35±6.19 and 6.15±3.64 before and after the intervention, respectively) compared to the control group (21.90±7.49 and 15.50±9.09 before and after the intervention, respectively) (P<0.001). Although both groups showed improved cervical side-bending range of motion (ROM), no significant difference was noted (P>0.05). Conclusion: High-power laser therapy provided significant pain relief and functional neck improvement for individuals suffering from upper trapezius MTrPs. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of HILT as a viable therapeutic modality for musculoskeletal pain, particularly MTrPs.

Introduction: Skin aging involves a complex series of biological processes, resultingin alterations that can impact the aesthetics and well-being of patients. There has been a notable rise in the demand for safe, efficient, and effective treatments for skin aging in recent years; among them, laser-based treatments have gained rapid global popularity. Thus, the current study aimed to present two clinical cases in which a very conservative approach using a combination of laser devices was adopted to simultaneously correct certain facial aesthetic issues. Methods: Two patients sought aesthetic treatment for facial sagging, especially regarding the loss of mandibular contour due to fat accumulation in the submental region, in addition to dark spots and dark circles. The treatment proposed was performed using a combination of fractional 1927 nm thulium laser and subdermal 1470 nm diode laser in a single session. Results: Within 30 days, both patients noticed an improvement in the aesthetics of their faces, and after 90 days, there was a significant perception of reduced submental fat, facial lifting, and a reduction in facial pigmentation. Conclusion: Combining different laser wavelengths appears to be an effective, simple, and conservative option for simultaneously managing certain facial aesthetic concerns.

Introduction: Given the unique biostimulatory effects of low-level lasers, particularly on collagen production and fibroblast activity, this study aimed to measure the changes in MMP-1 levels in response to low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment. The increase in MMP-1 may signal beneficial tissue adaptation to orthodontic force. Methods: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial included 22 individuals referred to the orthodontic department of Yazd Faculty of Dentistry who required fixed orthodontic treatment. The left and right mandibular anterior teeth of patients meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to the intervention and control sides. A low-level diode laser (980 nm, 100 mW output power) was applied to two teeth in the intervention group for two consecutive days. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected from both sides at 24 hours (T1) and 164 hours (T2) post-irradiation. MMP-1 levels were measured using ELISA. Data were analyzed using SPSS software with independent and paired t-tests, with a significance level set at 0.05. Results: At T1, the mean MMP-1 level in the intervention group was 6.77±0.54 ng/mL, which was significantly higher than the control group's level of 6.15±0.40 ng/mL (P<0.001). At T2, the mean MMP-1 level in the intervention group (6.20±0.62 ng/mL) was not significantly different from that in the control group (6.21±0.55 ng/mL) (P=0.960). The average MMP-1 level in the control group did not differ significantly between T1 and T2 (P=0.546). However, the mean MMP-1 level in the intervention group at T1 was significantly higher than at T2 (P<0.001). Conclusion: MMP-1 levels in GCF increase temporarily after low-level laser irradiation with orthodontic force, indicating a potentially beneficial effect on tissue remodeling. Levels return to baseline by 164 hours, suggesting a controlled, short-term response.

Introduction: Dentin Hypersensivity is a dental short _lasting sharp pain originating from exposed dentin. This study investigated the level of dentinal tubule occlusion using a diode laser, the desensitizing agent Shield Force Plus, and the combined application of both treatments. Methods: Forty-five human premolar teeth, extracted due to orthodontic treatment plans or periodontal issues and confirmed to be free of caries, were collected for this study. The samples were sectioned to expose the outer third of the coronal dentin, and a rectangular area measuring 8 by 3 mm was delineated on each sample. The teeth were then allocated to five groups (n=9 per group): a negative control group (smear layer), a positive control group (smear layer removed), a group treated with the diode laser, a group treated with Shield Force Plus, and a group that received both the diode laser (wavelength 980 nm) and Shield Force Plus treatment. Imaging of the specimens was conducted using scanning electron microscopy at a 2000x magnification. Results: The group with the highest mean percentage of open dentinal tubules was the positive control group, which had an average of 10.52%. In contrast, the diode laser combined with the Shield Force Plus group exhibited the lowest average at 0.22%. The comparison revealed a significant difference between the laser group and the positive control group (P<0.001), as well as between the Shield Force Plus group and the positive control (P<0.001). No significant differences were found in dentinal tubule occlusion when comparing the effects of the diode laser, Shield Force Plus, and their combination (P>0.05). Conclusion: All three methods-diode laser application, Shield Force Plus, and their simultaneous use-effectively occluded dentinal tubules; however, none demonstrated superiority.

Introduction: Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for various nervous system disorders. Its biological effects on neural tissue are primarily mediated by the absorption of light by mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), leading to increased ATP synthesis and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These upstream processes consequently activate kinases and release second messengers, ultimately influencing the structure and function of the nervous system. This narrative review aims to summarize the current understanding of the effects of PBM on nervous system disorders by assembling findings from both preclinical and clinical studies. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of Google Scholar, PubMed, and Medline databases using keywords such as "low-level laser therapy," "photobiomodulation," and "nervous system diseases" to identify relevant studies. Results: The review compiles findings on the application of PBM in a range of central and peripheral nervous system disorders, highlighting the diverse ways in which PBM has been explored for neural tissue stimulation and modulation. Conclusion: The evidence we have compiled indicates that PBM is a non-invasive treatment option for nervous system disorders, showing its potential to bring about positive biological changes. Further research is required to optimize PBM protocols and clarify its long-term efficacy and safety in various neurological conditions.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.34172/jlms.2022.36.].

Introduction: Inadequate wound treatment can lead to complications like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, increased medical risks, and skin ulcers. Antimicrobial resistance is a global health threat, and Indonesia's injury prevalence has increased. Laser photobiomodulation therapy, using near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths, has shown potential in accelerating wound healing by stimulating cellular energy, enhancing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and promoting cell proliferation and collagen synthesis. Methods: Each treatment sample received NIR therapy for 15 minutes per session on days 0, 1, 2, 3, and 5. Wound measurements were recorded, and blood samples were collected for laboratory testing to assess the effectiveness of laser therapy in postoperative wound healing. Meanwhile, the control group did not receive therapy but underwent wound measurements and blood sample collection. The data obtained were analyzed using the SPSS non-parametric Friedman test to compare the mean values of TNF-α, IL-1β, and TGF-β1 expression between the control and therapy groups. The Mann-Whitney test followed this to determine whether there were significant differences between the groups. A significance level of P<0.05 was used. Results: The use of NIR laser therapy in the treatment group resulted in a 35% reduction in wound length and a 46% reduction in wound width. In the control group, wound length decreased by 30%, while wound width decreased by 26%. These results indicate that NIR therapy is effective in tissue regeneration, as evidenced by the reduction in wound size due to granulation formation and re-epithelialization. Statistical analysis of laboratory assessments showed significant differences in IL-1β and TGF-β1 cytokine expression (P<0.05) in the treatment group, while TNF-α expression did not show a significant difference (P>0.05) between the two groups. Conclusion: Clinical assessment shows that NIR has an effect on the formation of better wound tissue and shows good wound quality.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.34172/jlms.2022.28.].

Introduction: This review examines the question, "Can artificial intelligence enhance the antimicrobial effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT)?" We discuss current knowledge and uncertainties surrounding this topic, address the limitations of existing approaches-such as the complexities of predicting reactive oxygen species generation and the necessity for large datasets for AI training-and propose future strategies that integrate AI with PDT. Methods: In the present literature review, the authors used keywords such as Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, Photosensitizers, and Artificial intelligence, and conducted a literature search via Google Scholar and PubMed from January 2000 to November 2024. Results: The reviewed literature indicates that AI has been used to enhance antimicrobial therapy by identifying optimal photosensitizers, predicting treatment outcomes, and enabling real-time monitoring. In antimicrobial PDT (aPDT), AI facilitates personalized therapy by selecting appropriate agents and light parameters based on microbial profiles, although clinical implementation remains limited. Conclusion: While the combination of AI and PDT is theoretically possible, it has not yet been implemented. Consequently, this article may serve as a foundation for future research on personalizing laser-based treatments through AI.