Introduction: Cisplatin is widely used as a key treatment for solid tumors. Despite being a highly effective chemotherapy, the use of cisplatin is restricted by several side effects during treatment, such as germ cell depletion and testicular atrophy. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has emerged as a promising strategy for tissue repair. The present study seeks to assess the effects of PBM on improving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses in the testicular tissue of adult male mice subjected to cisplatin treatment. Methods: Twenty-four adult male NMRI mice were randomly assigned to three groups (n=8 each): an untreated Control group (Cont), an Injury group that received a solitary intraperitoneal (IP) injection of Cisplatin at 7 mg/kg (Cis), and a Treatment group that received Laser treatment at 4 J/cm2 following the Cisplatin injection (Treat). Subsequently, the testes and epididymides were extracted. The right testis was designated for histological and stereological analysis, while the left testis was preserved at –80 °C for molecular and biochemical assessments. Results: PBM conferred notable protective effects after treatment, significantly improving the total sperm count and sperm motility in the Treat group (P≤0.0001). Following laser irradiation, a marked reduction in the TNF-α and IL-1β levels was observed in the Treat group (P=0.0008, P≤0.0001). Moreover, there was a significant rise in the expression of the Bcl-2 gene in the Treat group (P=0.0004). Conclusion: Notwithstanding the constraints of the current research, this study endorses the translational potential of PBM and establishes a robust basis for forthcoming investigations in the domain of toxicology and laser-assisted therapies.
Introduction: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a challenging male infertility disorder with limited treatment options. This study investigated the efficacy of novel reconstructive approaches, specifically platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), with and without laser needling, in improving testicular function and sperm retrieval in patients with NOA. Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 40 men with NOA were divided into two groups: PRF + laser and PRF alone. Semen parameters (volume, concentration, motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation), hormone levels (FSH, LH, testosterone), and testicular volume were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at one and three months. Results: Sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and DNA fragmentation rates showed no significant intergroup differences. While semen volume increased within groups post-intervention (P=0.039), this change was not significant between groups (P>0.05). No serious complications were reported. Conclusion: In summary, this study found that PRF injection, with or without laser-acupuncture, did not significantly improve sperm parameters in NOA patients in the short term. Further research with larger cohorts, extended follow-up, and precise patient selection is needed.
Introduction: While photobiomodulation and high-power lasers are common for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain, evidence interpretation is hindered by inconsistent dosimetry and clinical findings. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the effects of low-level (LLLT) and high-level laser therapy (HLLT) on pain, range of motion (ROM), and shoulder function. Methods: This PROSPERO-registered review included randomized controlled trials comparing LLLT or HLLT against sham, no treatment, or conventional care. Two reviewers independently conducted screening, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment. Continuous outcomes were synthesized using random-effects models, supplemented by subgroup analyses (LLLT vs. HLLT; laser vs. laser plus exercise) and sensitivity analyses to address heterogeneity. Results: Twenty-three trials (wavelengths 805–1064 nm) were included. Pooled analysis showed that laser therapy significantly reduced overall pain (VAS: MD −5.22; 95% CI −7.56 to −2.88; P<0.001 P<0.001 P<0.001), though improvements in pain at rest, during movement, and at night were not statistically significant. After excluding outliers, modest improvements were noted in active internal rotation (MD 1.14; 95% CI 0.19–2.09; P<0.001 P<0.001 P<0.001) and passive external rotation (MD −1.33; 95% CI −1.92 to −0.73; P<0.001 P<0.001 P<0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that HLLT yielded superior active-abduction outcomes compared to LLLT (P=0.016 P=0.016 P=0.016). Certainty was limited by heterogeneity, small sample sizes, inconsistent dosimetry, and short follow-up. Conclusion: Laser therapy provides modest, reproducible analgesic benefits, and selective ROM improvements, particularly when HLLT is combined with exercise. Given the limited functional gains and reporting inconsistencies, lasers should be used as an adjunct to structured rehabilitation rather than a standalone treatment. Future trials require standardized dosing and longer follow-ups.
Introduction: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a minimally invasive strategy for cancer treatment because of its spatial selectivity and relatively low systemic toxicity. However, its clinical efficacy is limited by poor solubility and nonspecific distribution of photosensitizers (PSs), rapid degradation, and tumor hypoxia. Recently, graphene oxide (GO) and its derivatives have gained considerable attention as multifunctional nanocarriers capable of overcoming these limitations. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using recent studies focused on GO based nanoplatforms for PDT applications in cancer therapy. Relevant articles were analyzed to evaluate the physicochemical properties of GO, photosensitizer loading mechanisms, surface functionalization approaches, and therapeutic performance in different therapeutic strategies. Results: The reviewed studies demonstrated that GO possesses unique physicochemical characteristics enabling efficient loading of PS molecules through π–π interactions and other surface modification strategies. Functionalization approaches, including polymer coating, targeting ligands, metal nanoparticle incorporation, and stimuli responsive systems, improved PS stability, tumor targeting, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Furthermore, GO based systems showed promising performance in combined photodynamic and photothermal therapy (PDT/PTT), resulting in synergistic anticancer effects and improved therapeutic efficacy. Conclusion: Overall, GO based nanoplatforms represent a promising strategy for improving the therapeutic efficiency, targeting capability, and multifunctionality of PDT based cancer treatments. Nevertheless, further investigations regarding long term biosafety and clinical translation are still required.
Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the role of chlorin e6 in mediating targeted vascular injury during transscleral photodynamic therapy (TS-PDT) under controlled thermal conditions. Methods: Twenty eyes of ten rabbits were randomized into two groups. The TS-PDT group received intravenous chlorin e6 (2.5 mg/kg) followed by transscleral laser irradiation (660 nm, 0.17 W, 10 min.). The control group (TSLT) underwent identical laser exposure without a photosensitizer. Scleral temperature was monitored in real time using a thermal probe. On day 14, histological analysis assessed choroidal vascular thrombosis and stromal fibrosis using a semiquantitative scoring system. Retinal and scleral tissue damage was also evaluated. Results: The analysis accounting for inter-animal clustering revealed a significant association between chlorin e6 administration and choroidal vascular thrombosis (90% vs. 50%; adjusted OR=9.8, 95% CI: 1.4–68.9; P=0.021) and fibrosis (80% vs. 40%; adjusted OR=6.2, 95% CI: 1.1–35.0; P=0.039). Severity scores for thrombosis and fibrosis were also significantly higher in the TS-PDT group (P<0.001 for both). No significant differences in scleral temperature (P≥0.45) orretinal/scleral damage were observed. Conclusion: Vascular damage during TS-PDT is primarily photochemical, mediated by chlorin e6. No significant intergroupdifferences were observed in monitored scleral surface temperaturesunder these parameters, arguing against a major contribution from differential surface heating. The method demonstrates short-term structuralpreservation of surrounding ocular tissues, supporting itspotential as an organ-preserving treatment for intraocular tumors.
