Evaluation of Low-Level Laser Therapy of Osteoblastic Cells

Abstract

Objective:

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of biomodulation on osteoblastic cells using a gallium-aluminium-arsenide diode laser.

Background Data:

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-pharmacological therapeutic resource to which biological tissues respond well, producing such effects as the acceleration of bone formation and bone repair.

Materials and Methods:

Osteoblastic cell cultures (OFCOL II) were irradiated with a gallium-aluminium-arsenide diode laser (GaAlAs λ = 830 nm; 50 mW; 3 J/cm²; 600-μm-diameter optical fiber) and divided into two groups: group 1—irradiated cells, and group 2—non-irradiated cells. Irradiation occurred at 24-h intervals for a total of 3 d. After each interval, the cells were marked with Mito Tracker Orange dye to assess the biostimulatory effect on mitochondrial activity and cell proliferation using an MTT assay.

Results:

Intense grouping of mitochondria in the perinuclear region was observed at 24 h and 48 h following irradiation. Changes from a filamentous to a granular appearance in mitochondrial morphology and mitochondria distributed throughout the cytoplasm were observed 72 h following proliferation. Such changes led to an in vitro proliferation process, as confirmed by the MTT assay.

Conclusion:

LLLT has shown itself capable of altering mitochondrial activity and the population of OFCOL II cells.