Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) response variability is partly driven by biophysical characteristics such as skin tone and hair properties that attenuate photon penetration, and by lifestyle factors including sleep quality, alcohol use, and nicotine consumption that disrupt the mitochondrial and vascular pathways on which tPBM acts. To date, no validated self-report tool exists to capture these moderators systematically. To address this gap, the tPBM Variables Assessment Battery was developed and psychometrically evaluated. It integrates adapted versions of established measures (Brief Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, E-cigarette Dependence Scale, Hair Scale Assessment PRO, Monk Skin Tone Scale, and Heaviness of Smoking Index), validated wellbeing evaluators (Ryff's Psychological Wellbeing), and custom measures (Hairstyle Classification, Hair Color Classification). Face and content validity met recommended expert thresholds, internal consistency was acceptable across adapted subscales, and criterion validity analyses confirmed meaningful associations between the lifestyle components and PROMIS-10 global health outcomes. The battery is low-burden, digitally deployable, and psychometrically defensible, offering a practical tool for characterizing the variables most likely to moderate tPBM response in home-use studies.
INTRODUCTION:Er:YAG lasers offer an innovative, minimally invasive alternative for removing ceramic laminates. However, safe parameters preventing thermal and morphological damage require precise establishment. BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the debonding efficacy and thermal safety of Er:YAG laser irradiation on lithium disilicate veneers, focusing on thermal behavior, shear bond strength, and morphological alterations. METHODS:The study utilized 120 enamel slabs for shear bond strength and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and 24 whole extracted teeth for temperature analysis. Ceramic veneers were cemented with a resin cement. Irradiations used an Er:YAG laser (2940 nm) at mean powers from 2 to 6 W (100-300 mJ) and repetition rates of 18 and 20 Hz, with 50/50 water/air cooling. Cement and ceramic optical absorption was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS:The resin cement exhibited high absorption at 2940 nm. Increasing mean laser power reduced shear bond strength, shifting fracture patterns toward adhesive failures and facilitating veneer removal. Intrapulpal and periapical temperature variations remained within biologically safe limits. SEM revealed cement remnants but preserved enamel morphology. CONCLUSIONS:The Er:YAG laser is a safe and effective method for debonding lithium disilicate veneers. Tested parameters successfully compromised the adhesive interface without inducing harmful thermal effects or irreversible morphological damage to the enamel, achieving the proposed objectives.
Background: Total knee and hip arthroplasty (TKA/THA) effectively alleviate chronic pain and improve joint function and quality of life. However, postoperative recovery is often hindered by pain, edema, restricted range of motion (ROM), and muscle weakness, necessitating structured physical rehabilitation. Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) has been proposed as an adjunct modality to enhance rehabilitation outcomes. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of PBMT in reducing postoperative pain and edema as well as improving ROM and functional performance compared with placebo or standard physical therapy in post-arthroplasty patients. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar was conducted from inception to May 31, 2025. Only prospective controlled trials assessing PBMT effects on postoperative pain, swelling, ROM, or functional performance following TKA or THA were included. Case reports, uncontrolled studies, and trials focusing on unrelated outcomes were excluded. Article selection involved title, abstract, and full-text screening, with additional studies identified through reference lists. The review is registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251123169). Results: Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs; n = 133 participants) met the inclusion criteria, three studies focused on TKA, and one study examined THA. PBMT significantly improved postoperative pain and edema reduction in three trials, while two studies demonstrated enhanced ROM and functional outcomes compared with control or placebo interventions. PEDro scores ranged from 8 to 10, indicating moderate-to-high methodological quality. Conclusions: PBMT shows promising short-term benefits in reducing postoperative pain and swelling and improving functional performance after knee or hip arthroplasty. However, due to heterogeneity in treatment parameters and limited high-quality trials, conclusive evidence remains insufficient. Future large-scale RCTs with standardized PBMT parameters and extended follow-up are warranted to confirm its clinical efficacy.
BACKGROUND:Superficial facial vascular lesions such as telangiectasia and persistent erythema are common, and 532-nm laser platforms are widely used, although published evidence is heterogeneous. Our primary aim is to illustrate, in practical terms, how a 532-nm laser is applied across diverse superficial facial vascular phenotypes and to document the treatment parameters used, with a focused contextual review providing clinical background rather than an efficacy assessment. We describe 10 patients treated with a 532-nm platform, set against this focused review. METHODS:Retrospective, single-arm, uncontrolled, non-consecutive descriptive case series of 10 outpatients (Fitzpatrick phototypes I-III) treated with a 532-nm platform (QuadroStarPRO GREEN); outcomes were assessed by paired clinical photographs and the patient-reported Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). RESULTS:Photographic review suggested near-complete apparent improvement in three cases, marked in five, and moderate in two. GAIS was very much improved in 4/10, much improved in 4/10, and improved in 2/10. Mild transient erythema or edema occurred in 6/10; no persistent adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION:This illustrative, hypothesis-generating series documents practical 532-nm parameters across diverse superficial facial vascular phenotypes, with favorable short-term outcomes and acceptable tolerability; it is not intended to establish efficacy. Confirmation requires prospective, consecutive cohorts with standardized imaging and longer follow-up.
BACKGROUND:Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a secondary disorder caused by cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction in the cervical vertebrae, with involvement of the upper three cervical segments. The pain initiates in the neck and is often intensified by head or neck movements. This condition imposes a considerable socioeconomic burden, affecting both community well-being and public health systems. OBJECTIVE:To explore how high-power laser therapy influences pain intensity, suboccipital muscle activity, functional disability, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with CGH. METHODS:A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 40 participants (both males and females) diagnosed with CGH for a duration of at least 6 months, experiencing unilateral neck pain radiating to the suboccipital region. Participants were randomly allocated into two equal groups. The study group (A) received high-power Laser therapy in addition to a conventional physical therapy program, while the control group (B) received a placebo laser alongside the same conventional physical therapy program. Both groups received 3 times per week for 6 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45-60 min. Outcome measures included the visual analog scale for pain intensity measurement, electromyography (EMG) to assess suboccipital muscle myoelectric activity, the Headache Impact Test-6 questionnaire to assess participants' functional health and well-being, the Neck Disability Index to assess functional impairment, and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey to evaluate QoL. Assessments were performed before and after the intervention (6 weeks). RESULTS:Group A showed statistically significant improvements in pain intensity, EMG parameters, functional disability, headache impact, and QoL compared with Group B. CONCLUSIONS:High-power laser therapy, when used alongside conventional physiotherapy, may be an effective approach for reducing symptoms and improving functional outcomes in patients with CGH.
BACKGROUND:Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been proposed as an adjunct to resistance training to enhance strength adaptations; however, findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remain inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate whether adjunctive PBM improves maximal strength gains when combined with periodized resistance training in older adults. METHODS:RCTs were identified through systematic searches of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PEDro, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and CNKI from inception to January 2026. Eligible studies examined PBM delivered via low-level laser therapy or light-emitting diodes in combination with resistance training or other strength-oriented loading tasks. Prespecified meta-analyses were restricted to trials combining PBM with periodized resistance training that reported one-repetition maximum (1RM) outcomes; other studies were included in a narrative synthesis. RESULTS:Eleven RCTs (n = 456) were included. Five trials (PBM plus resistance training: n = 74; control: n = 72) met the criteria for meta-analysis. PBM combined with resistance training did not significantly improve maximal muscle strength compared with sham PBM (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.59; p = 0.14; I2 = 4%). Subgroup analyses showed a nonsignificant trend favoring PBM for unilateral 1RM, with no effect for bilateral outcomes and no significant subgroup differences. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the unilateral effect was dependent on individual studies. In nonresistance training contexts, some studies reported potential benefits for fatigue-, recovery-, or function-related outcomes, particularly in frail or critically ill older adults, although findings were inconsistent. CONCLUSION:Current evidence does not demonstrate a clear additional benefit of PBM on maximal strength when combined with resistance training in older adults, although a small effect cannot be excluded. PBM may have selective value in improving recovery-related outcomes and supporting training tolerance in vulnerable populations. Larger, well-designed RCTs are needed to clarify its role.
Background: Degenerative musculoskeletal disorders involve progressive mechanical dysfunction and accelerated functional aging. Conventional measures fail to capture multidimensional recovery. We developed a Composite Mechanical Dysfunction Index (CMDI) combining functional, gait, asymmetry, mobility, strength, and anthropometric metrics to quantify global impairment and a Composite Multidomain Improvement Index (CMII) to quantify treatment-related recovery. We evaluated whether photobiomodulation therapy plus structured rehabilitation (PBMT + SR) improves CMII and influences functional aging metrics. Methods: In a prospective controlled cohort study, 216 participants with radiographically confirmed degenerative musculoskeletal disorders received PBMT + SR ( n = 108) or standard care ( n = 108) for 16 weeks. Mechanical function was assessed across six domains (WOMAC, gait, asymmetry, mobility, strength, anthropometrics) and combined into the CMII. Functional aging was evaluated using a performance-based regression model derived from controls. A limitation is that single-therapy groups (PBMT alone, rehabilitation alone) were not included. Results: PBMT + SR was associated with significantly greater multidomain improvement versus controls ( p < 0.0001). The intervention group achieved a CMII of 2.01 (ΔCMII = 1.73 between groups). Improvements spanned pain, gait, and neuromuscular symmetry domains. CMII changes correlated with functional performance-based age estimates, indicating an estimated ∼3-year favorable shift in functional age alignment relative to controls. Conclusion: PBMT combined with SR was associated with substantial multidomain improvements in degenerative musculoskeletal disorders, captured by the CMII. These improvements correlated with favorable shifts in functional aging metrics. However, the absence of single-therapy arms limits causal inferences, and randomized trials are needed to isolate the effects of PBMT versus rehabilitation.
Objective: Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation primarily causes skin photoaging by disrupting redox homeostasis, triggering inflammatory responses, and accelerating collagen loss. Sarcandra glabra extract (SGE) is a traditional Chinese herbal extract rich in bioactive compounds and exhibits potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Methods: This study used a zebrafish model to investigate the protective effect and molecular mechanism of SGE against UVB-induced photodamage. Results: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified rosmarinic acid as the main bioactive component in SGE, with a mass fraction of 4.67%, while safety evaluations showed that it showed no significant toxicity toward zebrafish at concentrations of 10 μg/mL or lower. After establishing the UVB zebrafish photodamage model, different SGE concentrations were administered, which alleviated UVB-induced mortality, repaired caudal fin damage, reduced the apoptosis rate, and decreased the intracellular reactive oxygen species levels in zebrafish in a dose-dependent manner. Further, SGE significantly enhanced the superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity, while decreasing the malondialdehyde content in the UVB-irradiated zebrafish, effectively mitigating oxidative stress injury. At the molecular level, SGE significantly inhibited the abnormal upregulation of the cox-2 and IL-1β inflammation-related genes induced by UVB. It also promoted the transcriptional expression of the col1a1a and col1a1b type I collagen-encoding genes, breaking the detrimental oxidative stress-inflammation-collagen loss cycle. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that SGE possesses excellent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-UVB photodamage properties and can be used as a natural bioactive ingredient in skincare products.
Background: Palatal myoclonus (PM) is a rare movement disorder characterized by involuntary rhythmic contractions of the soft palate and adjacent musculature. Conventional therapies, including pharmacologic agents and botulinum toxin injections, frequently provide inconsistent or temporary relief and may be associated with adverse effects. This report evaluates photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) as a noninvasive neuromodulatory treatment.Cases: The two cases were managed by different clinicians in separate clinical settings under standardized protocol guidance from the primary author, allowing assessment of inter-operator reproducibility. Two patients with essential PM were treated using near-infrared diode laser PBMT. Case 1: A 26-year-old female presented with persistent PM (2.5 Hz) accompanied by dysphagia, audible clicking, and sleep disturbance. Pharmacotherapy (clonazepam and gabapentin) was discontinued due to intolerance. PBMT using a 940 nm diode laser (8.7 J/cm2) was applied over 20 sessions. Case 2: A 28-year-old male developed PM-like symptoms (3 Hz) following third molar extraction, associated with clicking, migraine, and myofascial pain. Neurological investigations were inconclusive. PBMT with a 980 nm diode laser (13.3 J/cm2) was administered over 2-month period.Results: In Case 1, contraction frequency decreased from 2.5 Hz to 0.11 Hz after treatment and remained stable between 0.12-0.36 Hz over a 7-year follow-up, with marked improvement in swallowing and sleep quality. In Case 2, contraction frequency decreased from 3 Hz to 0.3 Hz within 60 days, accompanied by functional and symptomatic improvement.Conclusion: Near-infrared PBMT produced a substantial and sustained reduction in PM activity without adverse effects. Comparable outcomes using 940 nm and 980 nm wavelengths suggest a neuromodulatory rather than purely tissue-heating mechanism.Clinical significance: PBMT may represent a safe and repeatable treatment option for essential PM, a condition with limited effective therapies. Controlled clinical studies are required to confirm optimal parameters and long-term efficacy.
PURPOSE:Laser-tissue interactions induce photothermal effects governed by wavelength-dependent absorption and circulation of energy. While 980 nm targets hemoglobin for hemostasis and 1470 nm targets water for vaporization, their synergistic optimization in living liver tissue remains undefined, as existing studies predominantly examine ex vivo models or single wavelengths. This study establishes quantitative relationships between laser parameters and tissue outcomes in an in vivo model. METHODS:Twenty rabbits (female New Zealand White, 1.5-2 kg) underwent hepatic transection using a 400 μm bare fiber diameter (3 mm tissue distance, 10 mm/s advancement speed) in continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed-modulated (100 ms pulse, 50% duty cycle, 5 Hz) modes. Output power: 980 nm (12-160 W) and 1470 nm (6-48 W), with different dual-wavelength power ratios. Measured outcomes: cutting depth, vaporization depth, coagulation depth, and thermal injury depth (quantified by hematoxylin and eosin staining). STATISTICS:analysis of variance for continuous variables, chi-square/Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, and the Mann-Whitney U test for non-normal distributions (p < 0.05). RESULTS:CW mode achieved greater cutting depth than pulsed-modulated mode (median 943.97 μm vs. 689.43 μm, p < 0.05). In CW mode, 1470 nm-dominated ratios (0:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4) achieved greater cutting depths than 980 nm alone (1:0). Cutting depth increased with peak power from 6 to 120 W, then decreased at 160 W due to carbonization. At 24 W total power with 1:2 ratio (8 W 980 nm/16 W 1470 nm), cutting depth was 1249.3 ± 15.55 μm, vaporization depth 739.5 ± 35.32 μm, coagulation depth 1302 ± 125.44 μm, and thermal damage 1987.53 ± 154.61 μm. CONCLUSIONS:The 980/1470 nm wavelength power ratio of 8/16 W in CW mode for liver tissue cutting offers high efficiency, safety, and minimal thermal damage, providing an effective surgical energy device for minimally invasive and precise treatment.
BACKGROUND:Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a prevalent major cause of low back pain and radicular syndromes in the lower extremities. Elevated disc herniation volumes and the subsequent progression of spinal canal compromise are positively correlated with higher severity of radicular symptoms, functional disability, and neurological deficits. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the impact of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on disc size and functional outcomes in patients with LDH. METHODS:This study enrolled 40 patients of both sexes (40% male and 60% female), ages from 30 to 45 years, all presenting with lumbosacral radiculopathy secondary to L4-L5 or L5-S1 disc herniation. Participants were randomly assigned to two equal groups. Group A (study group) received HILT group treated with a combined standard physical therapy exercise program, while Group B (control group) underwent a sham HILT procedure alongside the same physical therapy exercise program. Interventions were conducted three times a week over 6 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in disc herniation size in anteroposterior, transverse, and posterior vertical diameter as measured by magnetic resonance imaging. The secondary outcomes included pain intensity assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS) and functional disability assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS:The HILT group demonstrated statistically significant reductions in all disc size parameters compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the HILT group showed significantly higher reduction in VAS scores (63.88% vs. 26.04%) and ODI scores (53.5% vs. 24.58%) compared with the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION:HILT serves as a potent noninvasive modality for reducing the herniated lumbar discs size and providing significant pain relief and improving functional outcomes in individuals with lumbosacral radiculopathy.
BACKGROUND:Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia in older adults, and effective and widely applicable treatment options remain limited. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has shown promise for AD. However, reported estimates of the delivered dose after transcranial propagation vary widely, limiting translation from animal models to clinical settings. OBJECTIVE:Building on our team's prior clinical findings, this study evaluated whether an 810 nm/10 Hz pulsed PBM regimen improves cognitive performance and reduces Aβ42 burden in APP/PS1 mice. METHODS:APP/PS1 mice received PBM using an 810 nm LED pulsed at 10 Hz. Irradiation was delivered for 540 sec/day, 6 days/week, for 7 weeks, with a scalp-surface power density of 0.025 W/cm2 and an energy density of 13.5 J/cm2. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Morris water maze, and Aβ42 burden was quantified by immunofluorescence. RESULTS:Cortical and hippocampal Aβ42 plaque burden was reduced, p < 0.01. Exploratory correlation analyses suggested an association between hippocampal Aβ42 plaque number and reversal-learning performance in the histological subset, p = 0.02. The microglia-Aβ42 colocalization ratio increased by 7.53%, p = 0.03, indicating enhanced spatial association between microglia and Aβ42 after PBM. CONCLUSIONS:These findings support further evaluation of this 810 nm/10 Hz pulsed PBM regimen in AD mouse models and highlight the value of standardized PBM parameter reporting in preclinical studies.
Fractional carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser is the standard treatment in facial rejuvenation for light skin phototypes; nevertheless, in Latin America, it is one of the most performed procedures on phototypes III–V. The goal of this study is to evaluate the improvement in facial skin aging in Latin skins with fractional CO 2 laser and its side effects in a period of 3 months. Descriptive multicenter cross-sectional study including 165 patients from 2 medical centers in Latin America who attended from 2014 to 2021. Data were collected from medical records and assessment of facial aging was performed through photographic records by two independent investigators. An arithmetic mean was obtained for each variable and for each researcher, subsequently the obtained values were averaged to find the overall average improvement according to the intervention and skin phototype. A Cohen’s Kappa Concordance Test was performed to determine the agreement between observers beyond chance. Significant improvement in fine lines, mottled pigmentation, and overall skin appearance was observed in patients treated with fractional CO 2 laser with or without platelet-rich plasma. As for side effects, only one patient presented with herpes simplex. There are few studies to date that evaluate the use of fractional CO 2 laser in Latin skins, through this research, it is evident that this technology has good results for facial rejuvenation in this type of patients and few side effects.
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of intravenous laser irradiation of blood (ILIB) therapy as an adjunct treatment for patients with ischemic stroke.Background: Despite the diverse medical applications of ILIB, there was no strong evidence on the efficacy of ILIB for improving the clinical outcomes of ischemic stroke.Methods: A total of 22 patients with ischemic stroke were randomly assigned to either the ILIB or the control group. The ILIB group received intravenous laser therapy, whereas the control group received the same intervention but without the output power. The after outcome measures were assessed at baseline and at 3 days, 1 month, and 3 months post intervention: National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score, modified Rankin Scale score, Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) score, Fugl-Meyer assessment-Motor Function (FMA-MF) score, and 6-minute walking test (6-MWT) performance.Results: In total, 10 and 12 participants were randomized to the ILIB and control groups, respectively. Compared with the control group, the ILIB group showed significantly better SIS scores at the 3-month follow-up (p = 0.019), significantly higher FMA-MF scores at the 3-day and 3-month follow-ups (p = 0.003 and p = 0.022), and significantly better 6-MWT performance at the 3-day follow-up (p = 0.018).Conclusions: ILIB therapy provided short-term improvements in functional outcomes, including SIS, FMA-MF scores, and 6-MWT, in patients with ischemic stroke.
PURPOSE:The aim of the present investigation was to observe the effects of different energy densities of ultraviolet A photobiomodulation (UVA PBM) on human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hESC-MSCs). METHODS:The hESC-MSCs were cultured and irradiated with UVA PBM at energy densities ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 J/cm2 at a wavelength of 355 nm. Key biological parameters, including proliferation, viability, and migration, were evaluated at 72 h postirradiation. RESULTS:Compared with the control, the UVA PBM significantly increased cell proliferation and viability at energy densities ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 J/cm2 and 0.5 to 3.0 J/cm2, respectively. Further, UVA PBM notably increased the migratory capacity of hESC-MSCs within the 0.5-2.0 J/cm2 range. Interestingly, higher energy densities beyond this threshold were found to be ineffective in promoting these cellular responses. In addition to examining proliferation, viability, and migration, this study explored the role of UVA PBM in osteogenic differentiation. Following irradiation, hESC-MSCs were induced toward osteogenesis, and differentiation was assessed through Alizarin Red S staining to evaluate calcium deposition. The results indicated that UVA PBM at optimal low-energy densities not only enhanced early proliferation but also supported osteogenic potential, as evidenced by increased mineralization in treated cells. To further understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects, quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed to analyze the expression of key osteogenic markers, including RUNX2, Alkaline phosphatase, and Osteocalcin (OCN). Gene expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of these markers in the UVA PBM-treated groups, suggesting that UVA PBM promotes osteogenesis at the transcriptional level. UVA PBM at low energy densities significantly enhances the proliferation, viability, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of hESC-MSCs, potentially through the modulation of osteogenic gene expression. CONCLUSION:These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of UVA PBM in regenerative medicine and bone tissue engineering, particularly dentistry.
BACKGROUND:Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) sensory disturbance after mandibular third molar extraction can persist and affect speech, mastication, and quality of life. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been used to promote peripheral nerve recovery, but the most suitable irradiation strategy remains unclear. Laser acupuncture (LA) delivers PBM to predefined acupoints and may provide both local and central neuromodulatory effects. OBJECTIVE:To compare standardized LA with direct nerve-trajectory PBM for post-extraction IAN hypoesthesia in a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. METHODS:Adults aged 18-60 years with unilateral IAN hypoesthesia lasting ≥7 days and ≤12 weeks were randomized (1:1:1) to LA, direct PBM along the external IAN projection, or sham treatment. All participants received mecobalamin (0.5 mg, three times daily) for 30 days. PBM was delivered using an 808-nm diode laser (continuous wave, 100 mW; beam area 1.0 cm2), 90 s/site (9 J; 9 J/cm2), every other day for 15 sessions. LA used a fixed 5 + 2 prescription: ST4, ST6, ST7, CV24, Jiachengjiang (EX-HN19), plus LI4 and PC6. Primary outcomes were two-point discrimination (TPD) and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament examination (SWME) at day 30. Secondary outcomes included Visual Analog Scale (VAS) numbness, additional sensory tests, and day-60 follow-up. RESULTS:Sixty participants completed the intervention. Both active groups improved more than sham for TPD and SWME (group × time p < 0.01). Mean TPD change at day 30 was -3.2 ± 1.8 mm (LA) and -2.6 ± 1.7 mm (direct PBM) versus -0.8 ± 1.1 mm (sham). SWME improved by ≥1 grade in 85%, 80%, and 25%, respectively. VAS numbness decreased by 60%, 48%, and 12%, respectively, and the improvement was largely maintained at day 60. No treatment-related adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS:Under matched PBM dosimetry, both irradiation strategies improved sensory recovery compared with sham. LA produced comparable results and was associated with greater improvement in patient-reported numbness.
BACKGROUND:Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a noninvasive light therapy that penetrates deeper skin layers, using wavelengths such as near-infrared. Different wavelengths target specific cellular components and pathways, influencing wound healing. Light absorption by both mitochondria and light-sensitive ion channels increases intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, thereby affecting inflammation, platelet activation, angiogenesis, tissue remodeling, and cell viability. Concurrent use of multiple wavelengths has an advantage, activating distinct pathways involved in the wound-healing process. PURPOSE:This in vitro study aimed to investigate the effects of concurrent PBM on fibrablasts using a dual-wavelength system (655 nm and 808 nm). The effects of concurrent PBM application at three energy densities on cell viability, intracellular ROS levels, and cell migration were assessed using two modalities: single- and triple-treatment protocols. METHODS:Three different energy densities (0.5, 1, and 2 J/cm2) of a dual wavelength system were used, and applications were performed using single or triple applications. Cellular responses were evaluated by assessing viability, ROS generation, and migration. RESULTS:Concurrent PBM application at an energy density of 1 J/cm2 showed a synergistic effect, increasing cell viability by 3%, intracellular ROS levels by 20%, and accelerating wound closure by 89% compared with the untreated group. CONCLUSION:Concurrent dual-wavelength PBM application may reduce treatment duration and enhance wound healing, offering a promising approach for targeting multiple layers and substructures of complex biological tissue in in vivo models and clinical applications.
AIM:To assess the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy for managing oral lichen planus (OLP) and recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), including their outcomes and patient satisfaction with the safety profile. METHOD:A systematic review was conducted by searching electronic databases like PubMed Central, PubMed, Cochrane, CrossRef, Google Scholar, and Embase. Articles published until June 2025 were reviewed using MeSH (Medical Subject Heading) and various combinations of the keywords: oral lichen planus, Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis, photobiomodulation therapy, and conventional drug therapy. We considered two different outcomes, such as pain and the size of the lesion. Due to the heterogeneity of the data, we did not conduct any statistical analysis. RESULT:Initially, 560 publications were selected for this review article, and after analyzing all these, only 12 articles fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In all those studies, the laser wavelength, power output, and duration of irradiation changed between 630-980 m, 20-30 mW, and 10 sec-15 min have been described. Topical medications used in the comparative group were amlexanox, triamcinolone acetonide, granofurin, and socosenyl. Our findings showed that the photobiomodulation laser group is more effective for decreasing the pain and lesion size of RAS and OLP in comparison with the topical medication group. CONCLUSION:We can conclude that photobiomodulation therapy was better for treating RAS and OLP with greater healing, patient satisfaction, and lower recurrence rate in comparison with other topical drug therapies.
PURPOSES:To evaluate the acute effects, safety, and tolerability of an open-label whole-brain transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) protocol in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). METHODS:This prospective, open-label, single-arm pilot trial enrolled 29 adult outpatients with TRD with moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS] score ≥20) in the intention-to-treat analysis. The intervention involved a standardized whole-brain tPBM protocol delivered via a light-emitting diode-based helmet (near-infrared light, 810 nm; 12.8 W), administered in 20-min sessions, three times weekly for 4 weeks (12 sessions). The primary outcome was clinical response at the end of the acute treatment phase (T1), defined as ≥50% reduction in MADRS scores. Safety and tolerability were evaluated throughout. RESULTS:In total, 22 participants completed treatment (per-protocol, n = 22): MADRS scores decreased significantly from 35.5 ± 6.9 at baseline to 22.9 ± 11.2 post-treatment, reflecting a mean change of -12.5 ± 11.3 points (p < 0.001). Clinical response was achieved in nine participants (40.9%), and remission in two (9.1%). In the intention-to-treat analysis, response and remission rates were 31.0% and 6.9%, respectively. Fourteen participants (63.6%) reported ≥1 mild-to-moderate adverse event; headache was the most common (n = 11, 50.0%). No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION:A 4-week, whole-brain tPBM protocol was associated with clinically meaningful reductions in the severity of depressive symptoms in patients with TRD and was well tolerated. These findings support the feasibility and potential clinical relevance of whole-brain tPBM as a noninvasive neuromodulation strategy. Larger, randomized, sham-controlled trials are warranted to confirm efficacy and optimize stimulation parameters.
Conventional root canal therapy relies on mechanical instrumentation and chemical irrigation; however, the complex anatomy of the root canal system often compromises complete disinfection, particularly of anaerobic bacterial biofilms, resulting in persistent or recurrent infections. Laser-assisted endodontic therapy has emerged as an effective adjunct, enhancing antimicrobial efficacy through photothermal effects, photodynamic action, and cavitation, thereby improving disinfection in anatomically inaccessible regions. In addition, laser therapy has been shown to stimulate stem cell proliferation, modulate inflammatory responses, reduce postoperative pain, and promote apical tissue regeneratiojn. Currently, Er:YAG, diode, Nd:YAG, and CO2 lasers are widely used for refractory infection control, smear layer removal, and dentin hypersensitivity reduction. Moreover, laser-nanoparticle interactions further enhance antibacterial efficacy. This narrative review summarizes the applications of laser technology in root canal disinfection, pulp regeneration, and pain management, providing a scientific and clinical basis for the treatment of persistent fistulas and refractory root canal infections.
