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High energy Gallium Arsenide laser does not facilitate collagen alteration in muscle skeletal extracellular matrix: experimental study

Laser de Arseneto de Gálio com alta energia não promove alteração colágena da matriz extracelular no músculo esquelético: estudo experimental

Abstract

Introduction:

Low intensity laser therapy has proven effective in treating different tissues, reducing inflammation, preventing the formation of fibrous tissue, and promoting muscle regeneration.

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of low intensity laser therapy, seven days after the injury, and verify whether the radiated energy chosen influences the formation of fibrous tissue.

Methods:

Thirty Wistar rats, adult male, average body weight 210-340 g were used. The animals were randomized into three groups: control group, untreated injured group (L), and injured and treated group (LT). After anesthetizing the animals, muscle injury was induced by freezing (cryoinjury) in the central region of the tibialis anterior muscle belly (TA) on the left hind limb, through an iron rod previously immersed in liquid nitrogen. A Gallium Arsenide laser, wavelength 904 nm was used. The applications were initiated 24 hours after injury, daily, for five days, at two points in the lesion area. After 7 days, the animals were euthanized; the TA muscle of the left hind limb was removed and frozen in liquid nitrogen and the obtained histological sections were subjected to Sirius Red staining.

Results:

Histological analysis showed no significant difference in relation to the area of fibrosis in the LT and L groups.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that the energy density of 69 J/cm² and final energy (4.8 joules) did not promote alterations in the area of collagen in the skeletal muscle extracellular matrix.

Keywords:
Laser Therapy; Striated Muscle; Fibrosis

Resumo

Introdução:

A Laserterapia de Baixa Intensidade tem se mostrado eficaz no tratamento de diferentes tecidos, diminuindo o processo inflamatório, prevenindo a formação de tecido fibroso e promovendo a regeneração muscular.

Objetivo:

Avaliar o efeito da Laserterapia de Baixa Intensidade, 7 dias após a lesão e verificar se a energia irradiada escolhida tem influência na formação de tecido fibroso.

Métodos:

Foram utilizados trinta ratos Wistar, machos, adultos, peso corporal médio de 210-340 g. Os animais foram randomizados em três grupos: Grupo Controle, Grupo lesado não tratado (L) e o Grupo lesado e tratado (LT). Após anestesia dos animais, a lesão muscular foi induzida por congelamento (criolesão) na região central do ventre do músculo tibial anterior (TA) do membro posterior esquerdo, por meio de uma haste de ferro previamente imersa em nitrogênio líquido. Foi utilizado o laser de Arseneto de Gálio, comprimento de onda de 904 nanômetros. As aplicações foram iniciadas 24 horas após a lesão, diariamente, durante cinco dias, em dois pontos na área da lesão. Aos 7 dias, os animais foram eutanizados; o músculo TA do membro posterior esquerdo foi retirado e congelado em nitrogênio líquido e os cortes histológicos obtidos foram submetido a coloração Picrosirius Red.

Resultados:

A análise histológica mostrou que não houve diferença significativa em relação á área da fibrose do LT e Grupo L.

Conclusão:

Os resultados sugerem que a densidade de energia de 69 J/cm² e energia final (4,8 joules) não promoveu alteração na área do colágeno da matriz extracelular do músculo esquelético.

Palavras-chaves:
Terapia a Laser; Músculo Estriado; Fibrose

Introduction

Low intensity laser therapy (LILT) is the application of low power electromagnetic radiation, from 1 mW to 500 mW, used in the clinical practice of Physiotherapy for the treatment and rehabilitation of several tissues, where the wavelength lies in the red spectrum of 630 to 700 nanometers (nm) and the infrared spectrum of 700 to 1200 nm11 Huang YY, Sharma SK, Carroll J, Hamblin MR. Biphasic Dose Response In Low Level Light Therapy - An Update. Dose Response. 2011;9(4):602-18.), (22 Barolet D. Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in Dermatology. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2008;27(4):227-38.), (33 Silva JP, Silva MA, Almeida APF, Lombardi Jr I, Matos AP. Laser Therapy in the Tissue Repair Process: A Literature Review. Photomed Laser Surg. 2010;28(1):17-21.), (44 Albertini R, Aimbire F, Villaverde AB, Silva Jr JA, Costa MS. COX-2 mRNA expression decreases in the subplantar muscle of rat paw subjected to carrageenan-induced inflammation after low level laser therapy. Inflamm Res. 2007;56(6):228-9.. Red and infrared radiation can be used in the treatment of different types of tissue as the wavelength allows efficient penetration of the beam into the tissue. In this way, infrared radiation is widely used in the treatment of soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons, muscles, and capsules22 Barolet D. Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in Dermatology. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2008;27(4):227-38..

Studies have shown that LILT is able to accelerate the tissue repair process, using Helium-Neon (HeNe), and semi-conductor diode lasers of Gallium-Aluminum-Arsenide (AsGaAl), Gallium Arsenide (AsGa), and Gallium-Indium-Phosphorus Arsenide (InGaAlP)33 Silva JP, Silva MA, Almeida APF, Lombardi Jr I, Matos AP. Laser Therapy in the Tissue Repair Process: A Literature Review. Photomed Laser Surg. 2010;28(1):17-21..

LILT has been used in the treatment of different types of tissues, including skeletal muscle, and the results point to control of the inflammatory process, increase in mitosis, and promotion of angiogenesis, as well as favoring the deposition of collagen, which can promote tissue repair and/or regeneration44 Albertini R, Aimbire F, Villaverde AB, Silva Jr JA, Costa MS. COX-2 mRNA expression decreases in the subplantar muscle of rat paw subjected to carrageenan-induced inflammation after low level laser therapy. Inflamm Res. 2007;56(6):228-9.), (55 Bortone F, Santos HA, Albertini R, Pesquero JB, Costa MS, Silva Jr JA. Low level laser therapy modulates kinin receptors mRNA expression in the subplantar muscle of rat paw subjected to carrageenan-induced inflammation. Int Immunopharmacol. 2008;8(2):206-210.), (66 Liu XG, Zhou YJ, Liu TC, Yuan JQ. Effects of low-level laser irradiation on rat skeletal muscle injury after eccentric exercise. Photomed Laser Surg. 2009;27(6):863-9.), (77 Sussai DA, Carvalho PTC, Dourado DM, Belchior ACG, Reis FA, Pereira DM. Low-level laser therapy attenuates creatine kinase levels and apoptosis during forced swimming in rats. Lasers Med Sci. 2010;25(1):115-20..

Adult skeletal muscle, under normal conditions, is a stable tissue with remarkable regeneration capacity in response to injury, physical overload, or genetic muscle disease. During muscle repair and/or regeneration, an inflammatory process, cell proliferation and differentiation, remodeling of connective tissue, angiogenesis, and functional recovery of injured muscles occur88 Zanou N, Gailly P. Skeletal muscle hypertrophy and regeneration: interplay between the myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) pathways. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2013;70(21):4117-30..

Among several beneficial effects, LILT can prevent the formation of fibrous tissue in muscle tissue after injury. Fibrosis is characterized by abnormal and exaggerated deposition of extracellular matrix and may compromise muscle function99 Ten Broek RW, Grefte S, Von den Hoff JW. Regulatory factors and cell populations involved in skeletal muscle regeneration. J Cell Physiol. 2010;224(1):7-16.. In a study in rats using the Gallium-Aluminum-Arsenide semiconductor diode laser (AsGaAl), wavelength (808 nm) and energy density 180 J/cm², reductions in type 1 collagen and fibrous tissue were observed in the lesion area after injury to the anterior tibial muscle induced by cryosurgery1010 Assis L, Moretti AIS, Abrahão TB, Souza HP, Hamblin MR, Parizotto NA. Low-level laser therapy (808 nm) contributes to muscle regeneration and prevents fibrosis in rat tibialis anterior muscle after cryolesion. Lasers Med Sci. 2013;28(3):947-55.. In another study, performed in the anterior tibial muscle of rats after cryoinjury, using the same type of laser, with wavelength (780 nm) and energy density of 10 J/cm², it was observed that LILT had a significant influence on the organization of collagen in the area of the injury, minimizing the formation of fibrosis1111 Alves AN, Fernandes KP, Melo CA, Yamaguchi RY, França CM, Teixeira DF, et al. Modulating effect of low level-laser therapy on fibrosis in the repair process of the tibialis anterior muscle in rats. Lasers Med Sci. 2014;29(2):813-21..

Other studies using a Gallium Arsenide (AsGa) laser, wavelength (904 nm), energy density of 5 J/cm², and final energy of 1.6 joules, with an experimental model of cryoinjury in the anterior tibial muscle of Wistar rats found that LILT is capable of stimulating collagen synthesis and avoiding excessive production of collagen1212 Fillipin LI, Mauriz JL, Vedovelli K, Moreira AJ, Zettler CG, Lech O, et al. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) prevents oxidative stress and reduces fibrosis in rat traumatized Achilles tendon. Lasers Surg Med. 2005;37(4):293-300.), (1313 Rizzi CF, Mauriz JL, Corrêa DSF, Moreira AJ, Zettler CG, Filippin LI, et al. Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on the Nuclear Fatos (NF)-Kappa B Signaling Pathway in Traumatized Muscle. Lasers Surg Med. 2006;38(7):704-13.), (1414 Souza TOF, Mesquita DA, Ferrari RAM, Pinto Jr DS, Correa L, Bussadori SK, et al. Phototherapy with low-level laser affects the remodeling of types I and III collagen in skeletal muscle repair. Lasers Med Sci.2011;26(6):803-14..

LILT has also been used in the treatment of other alterations, such as: treatment of pressure ulcers1515 Carvalho PTC, Mazzer N, Reis FA, Belchior ACG, Silva IS. Analysis of the influence of low-power HeNe laser on the healing of skin wounds in diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Acta Cir Bras. 2006;21(3):177-83.), (1616 Prado RP, Liebano RE, Hochman B, Pinfildi CE, Ferreira LM. Experimental model for low level laser therapy on ischemic random skin flap in rats. Acta Cir Bras. 2006;21(4):258-62.), (1717 Houreld N, Abrahamse H. Irradiation with a 632.8 nm helium-neon laser with 5 J/cm² stimulates proliferation and expression of interleukin-6 in diabetic wounded fibroblast cells. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2007;9(5):451-9., treatment of glaucoma1616 Prado RP, Liebano RE, Hochman B, Pinfildi CE, Ferreira LM. Experimental model for low level laser therapy on ischemic random skin flap in rats. Acta Cir Bras. 2006;21(4):258-62., in the area of dermatology in the treatment of keloids, and in odontology for the treatment of orofacial pain1818 Lizarelli RZ, Lizarelli RFZ. RELIZA: Técnica empregando a laserterapia de baixa intensidade para tratamento básico periodontal. JBC J Bras Clin Odontol Integr. 2003;7(41):369-72.), (1919 Hopkins JT, McLoda TA, Seegmiller JG, Baxter GD. Low-level laser therapy facilitates superficial wound healing in humans: a triple-blind, sham-controlled study. J Athl Train. 2004;39(3):223-9.. The possible mechanisms suggest that LILT promotes an increase in mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and tissue oxygenation, inhibits pain as a consequence of the anti-inflammatory effect2020 Fikácková H, Dostálová T, Navrátil L, Klaschka J. Effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in temporomandibular joint disorders: a placebo-controlled study. Photomed Laser Surg. 2007;25(4):297-303.), (2121 Shen X, Zhao L, Ding G, Tan M, Gao J, Wang L, et al. Effect of combined laser acupuncture on knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study. Lasers Med Sci. 2009;24(2):129-36., and reduces the release of inflammatory cytokines (prostaglandin, histamine, serotonin, and bradykinin)2222 Brosseau L, Wells G, Marchand S, Gaboury I, Stokes B, Morin M, et al. Randomized controlled trial on low level laser therapy (LLLT)in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hand. Lasers Surg Med. 2005;36(3):210-9.. LILT also induces the release of beta-endorphin (endogenous analgesic), which favors the sensation of well-being.

Although LILT is an excellent therapeutic option in the treatment of different tissues, its effects seem to be related to the appropriate choice of irradiation parameters33 Silva JP, Silva MA, Almeida APF, Lombardi Jr I, Matos AP. Laser Therapy in the Tissue Repair Process: A Literature Review. Photomed Laser Surg. 2010;28(1):17-21.. A study with laser equipment from different manufacturers showed that energy density is not the most appropriate parameter to use when choosing the ideal dose, as depending on the area of the beam and power of the equipment, the final radiated energy presents great variations and this appears to be the most relevant parameter2323 Fukuda TY, Malfatti CA. Analysis of low-level laser therapy doses in Brazilian equipment. Rev Bras Fisioter. 2008;12(1):70-4.. The energy radiated is one of the most important parameters and is dependent on the power of the equipment and the radiation time2424 Enwemeka CS. Intricacies of dose in laser phototherapy for tissue repair and pain relief. Photomed Laser Surg. 2009;27(3):387-93..

According to the World Association of Laser Therapy, the final energy recommended in the treatment of different tissues ranges from 2 to 4 joules2525 Bjordal JM. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) and World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT) dosage recommendations. Photomed Laser Surg. 2012;30(2):61-2.. The majority of studies that evaluated the effects of LILT used mean energy of 1.6 joules and observed that the laser was able to modulate collagen synthesis1414 Souza TOF, Mesquita DA, Ferrari RAM, Pinto Jr DS, Correa L, Bussadori SK, et al. Phototherapy with low-level laser affects the remodeling of types I and III collagen in skeletal muscle repair. Lasers Med Sci.2011;26(6):803-14..

In several investigations using experimental models of rats, with a Gallium Arsenide (AsGa) laser, wavelength 904 nm, the final energy presented variations between 0.04 and 3.0 joules. In this context we chose to evaluate the effects of a Gallium Arsenide (AsGa) laser, 904 nm, 50 mW, and beam area of 0.035 cm² in the area of fibrosis, after cryoinjury, using a high final energy (4.8 joules).

In this way, the present study is highlighted as it presents the use of higher final energy than that observed in other studies found in the literature, which could enrich the knowledge on this subject and contribute to clarification of the therapeutic benefits of LILT.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a Gallium Arsenide (AsGa) laser on the formation of fibrous tissue, using final energy of 4.8 joules in the injury area of rats submitted to injury in the tibialis anterior muscle.

Methods

Aspects of an ethical nature

This study was developed after approval from the ethics committee on animal use (CEUA). The procedures related to the selection of the sample, protocol of experimentation, euthanasia, and preparation of histological slides were already carried out at the Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) - Campus Botucatu, and approved under protocol 713. In the present study, techniques of histomorphometric analysis of the results were performed.

Sample selection

The experiment was performed with 30 rats (Rattus norvegicus), lineage (Wistar), males, weighing between 210 and 340 grams, aged approximately 3 months, from the bioterium of the Universidade do Oeste Paulista. The sample number was based on a previous study with a similar experimental design 2626 Freitas CEA, Bertaglia RS, Vechetti Jr IJ, Mareco EA, Salomão RAS, Paula TG, et al. High Final Energy of Low-Level Gallium Arsenide Laser Therapy Enhances Skeletal Muscle Recovery without a Positive Effect on Collagen Remodeling. Photochem Photobiol. 2015;91(4):957-65.. During the study period the rats were kept in individual cages, given access to feed and water ad labitum, with controlled ambient temperature between 22 to 24°C and light reversed light/dark 12 hours. The rats were randomly subdivided into three groups containing 10 animals each:

Control Group (C): the animals were not subjected to injury or treatment.

Injured/Untreated Group (L): the animals were injured, but not treated with LILT.

Treated Group (LT): the animals were injured and treated with LILT.

Induction of muscle injury (Cryolesion)

After separation of the groups, the animals were submitted to intraperitoneal (IP) anesthesia with 1 ml/kg of 1% ketamine HCI (dopalen; Vetbrands; São Paulo, Brazil) and 2% xylazine (Anasedan; Vetbrands; São Paulo, Brazil). After anesthesia, the tricotomy of the left hind limb was carried out; a 1 cm longitudinal cut along the anterior tibial muscle was performed, thus exposing the anterior tibialis muscle (TA). Muscle injury was induced using a rectangular iron bar (0.64 mm²) previously frozen in liquid nitrogen for 30 seconds, placed in direct contact, transversely, in the central region of the TA muscle and maintained for 10 seconds, this process was repeated two times consecutively with an interval of 30 seconds1010 Assis L, Moretti AIS, Abrahão TB, Souza HP, Hamblin MR, Parizotto NA. Low-level laser therapy (808 nm) contributes to muscle regeneration and prevents fibrosis in rat tibialis anterior muscle after cryolesion. Lasers Med Sci. 2013;28(3):947-55.. The skin was then sutured and the animals individually housed in plastic cages under controlled temperature conditions.

Experimental design

A Gallium Arsenide (AsGa) semiconductor diode laser was used (KLD Biossistemas®, Amparo, Brazil), pulsed emission, wavelength 904 nanometers, output power (mean) 50 mW (miliwatts), beam emission area 0.035cm².

Treatment started 24 hours after the cryosurgery, and five consecutive applications were performed for five days, with a 24-hour interval between applications. The animals were manually restrained with the injured member in extension. The laser was applied through direct contact with the skin in the area of the lesion directly in the belly of the TA muscle, at a 90° angle on the radiated surface. The energy density used was 69 J/cm², applied at two points over the area of the injury, at a distance of 1 cm per point, to reach the entire area of the injury2727 Morrone G, Guzzardella GA, Orienti L, Giavaresi G, Fini M, Rocca M, et al. Muscular trauma treated with a Ga-Al-As diode laser: in vivo experimental study. Lasers Med Sci. 1998;13(4):293-8.. The radiation time was 48 seconds at each point, and the final energy radiated per point was 2.4 joules, totalizing 4.8 joules of final energy in the area of the injury2828 Silva LH, Silva MT, Gutierrez RM, Conte TC, Toledo CA, Aoki MS, et al. GaAs 904-nm laser irradiation improves myofiber mass recovery during regeneration of skeletal muscle previously damaged by crotoxina. Lasers Med Sci. 2012;27(5):993-1000..

After seven days the animals were weighed and then euthanized intraperitoneally by anesthetic overdose (Ketamine). The TA muscle was removed, and fragments of the medial third of the muscle removed and frozen using isopentane at -156°C, previously cooled in liquid nitrogen. The frozen material was stored in a freezer at -80°C.

After freezing, the TA muscle fragments were cut into 8 μm thick strips using a cryostat microtome (JUNG CM1800, Leica Germany) at -20°C and then stained with Picro-sirius Red2929 Calvi ENC, Nahas FX, Barbosa MV, Calil JA, Ihara SSM, Silva MS, et al. An experimental model for the study of collagen fibers in skeletal muscle. Acta Cir Bras. 2012;27(10):681-6. to perform the measurements of the area of fibrosis.

Analysis of the area of fibrosis

The picro-sirius stained slides were submitted to microscopy, and the images captured using an optical microscope coupled to a camera connected to a desktop computer containing the Leica application suite LAS 4.2.0 (Leica Microsystems, Switzerland). One image of the lesion area was captured per animal (one slide per animal), and then the entire cut was captured and the ratio of the diameter of the fibrosis area to the cut area was analyzed (the areas of fibrosis found in the TA muscle were corrected for the total area of the histological cut). After this phase, the images obtained were analyzed by Image pro plus software, version 6.0. The values are expressed in μm²2929 Calvi ENC, Nahas FX, Barbosa MV, Calil JA, Ihara SSM, Silva MS, et al. An experimental model for the study of collagen fibers in skeletal muscle. Acta Cir Bras. 2012;27(10):681-6..

Statistical analysis

For data analysis, the statistical software GraphPad Prism was used and to analyze the normality of the data, the Shapiro Wilk’s test. In the comparison of independent samples, the Mann Whitney test was used, due to the nonparametric distribution of the data. Data are expressed as median and interquartile range 25%-75%. The level of significance was 5% and test power 80%.

Results

There were no sample losses. In the injured (untreated and treated) groups, there was an increase in collagen synthesis, arranged in bundles in a disorganized and compact manner. In addition, the percentage of collagen in the injury area increased 57.3% and 63.6% in the injured and untreated group and the injured group treated with LILT, respectively (Data already published)2626 Freitas CEA, Bertaglia RS, Vechetti Jr IJ, Mareco EA, Salomão RAS, Paula TG, et al. High Final Energy of Low-Level Gallium Arsenide Laser Therapy Enhances Skeletal Muscle Recovery without a Positive Effect on Collagen Remodeling. Photochem Photobiol. 2015;91(4):957-65.. The smallest lesion area (fibrosis) in the group treated with the laser corresponded to the highest percentage of collagen (63.6%).

Histological analysis of the injured muscle showed that there was no significant difference in relation to the fibrosis area of the LT group and L group (Table 1 and Figure 1).

Table 1
Histological parameters (morphometric) of both groups. Data expressed as median and interquartile range 25-75%

Figure 1
Box plot, median and interquartile range values (25%-75%) of the injured treated group (LT) and injured untreated group (L).

Discussion

The present study demonstrated that treatment with the Gallium Arsenide (AsGa) laser, 904 nanometers (nm), 50mW, and a final energy of 4.8 joules, applied for 5 consecutive days on the tibialis anterior muscle after cryoinjury, presented no influence on the decrease in the area of fibrous tissue.

The present study is highlighted for demonstrating the use of high energy with an AsGa laser, and although no statistical difference was detected in the results, clinical relevance can be observed in these findings.

The World Association of Laser Therapy recommends the use of final energy between 2 and 4 joules for the treatment of various tissues, including skeletal muscle tissue2525 Bjordal JM. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) and World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT) dosage recommendations. Photomed Laser Surg. 2012;30(2):61-2.. Laser is an excellent therapeutic option in the treatment of injuries in skeletal muscle tissue1111 Alves AN, Fernandes KP, Melo CA, Yamaguchi RY, França CM, Teixeira DF, et al. Modulating effect of low level-laser therapy on fibrosis in the repair process of the tibialis anterior muscle in rats. Lasers Med Sci. 2014;29(2):813-21..

However, there is no consensus regarding the parameters of the laser, principally regarding the dose (energy density) and radiated energy. One study evaluated the parameters in equipment from different manufacturers and demonstrated variations in the final radiated energy, indicating that the energy density alone does not seem to be the best parameter for choosing the appropriate dose to be used in treatment, it is also important to observe the final energy radiated to obtain the best therapeutic result2323 Fukuda TY, Malfatti CA. Analysis of low-level laser therapy doses in Brazilian equipment. Rev Bras Fisioter. 2008;12(1):70-4..

Experimental studies in animals have shown that low intensity laser therapy is able to reduce the inflammatory process, increase cellular mitotic activity, stimulate angiogenesis and collagen synthesis, and promote muscle regeneration1111 Alves AN, Fernandes KP, Melo CA, Yamaguchi RY, França CM, Teixeira DF, et al. Modulating effect of low level-laser therapy on fibrosis in the repair process of the tibialis anterior muscle in rats. Lasers Med Sci. 2014;29(2):813-21.), (77 Sussai DA, Carvalho PTC, Dourado DM, Belchior ACG, Reis FA, Pereira DM. Low-level laser therapy attenuates creatine kinase levels and apoptosis during forced swimming in rats. Lasers Med Sci. 2010;25(1):115-20.. The possible mechanisms suggest that laser therapy can reduce oxidative stress and the production of reactive oxygen species3030 Avni D, Levkovitz S, Maltz L, Oron U. Protection of skeletal muscle from ischemia/reperfusion injury by low energy laser irradiation. Photomed Laser Surg. 2005;23(3):273-7.), (1313 Rizzi CF, Mauriz JL, Corrêa DSF, Moreira AJ, Zettler CG, Filippin LI, et al. Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on the Nuclear Fatos (NF)-Kappa B Signaling Pathway in Traumatized Muscle. Lasers Surg Med. 2006;38(7):704-13.), (1010 Assis L, Moretti AIS, Abrahão TB, Souza HP, Hamblin MR, Parizotto NA. Low-level laser therapy (808 nm) contributes to muscle regeneration and prevents fibrosis in rat tibialis anterior muscle after cryolesion. Lasers Med Sci. 2013;28(3):947-55., improve mitochondrial function3131 Silveira PC, Silva LA, Fraga DB, Freitas TP, Streck EL, Pinho R. Evaluation of mitochondrial respiratory chain activity in muscle healing by low-level laser therapy. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2009;95(2):89-92., and activate microcirculation3232 Bibikova A, Oron U. Promotion of muscle regeneration in the toad (Bufo viridis) gastrocnemius muscle by low energy laser irradiation. Anat Rec. 1993;235(3):374-80..

Recent studies with different types of lasers and radiation parameters have shown beneficial effects, specifically in the process of muscle regeneration modulating the inflammatory process3333 Brunelli RM, Rodrigues NC, Ribeiro DA, Fernandes K, Magri A, Assis L, et al. The effects of 780-nm low-level laser therapy on muscle healing process after cryolesion. Lasers Med Sci. 2014;29(1):91-6.), (3434 Fernandes KP, Alves AN, Nunes FD, Souza NH, Silva Jr JA, Bussadori SK, et al. Effect of photobiomodulation on expression of IL-1ß in skeletal muscle following acute injury. Lasers Med Sci. 2013;28(3):1043-6.; remodeling the extracellular matrix1111 Alves AN, Fernandes KP, Melo CA, Yamaguchi RY, França CM, Teixeira DF, et al. Modulating effect of low level-laser therapy on fibrosis in the repair process of the tibialis anterior muscle in rats. Lasers Med Sci. 2014;29(2):813-21.; and stimulating the proliferation and differentiation of satellite cells3535 Assis L, Moretti AI, Abrahão TB, Souza HP, Hamblim MR, Parizzoto NA. Low-level laser therapy (808 nm) contributes to muscle regeneration and prevents fibrosis in rat tibialis anterior muscle after cryolesion. Lasers Med Sci. 2013;28(3):947-55..

Studies using LILT with different parameters (emphasizing that there is no consensus regarding the parameters used) of irradiation such as: wavelength, peak power, energy density, and radiated final energy in the injury area were shown to be beneficial in the synthesis and organization of collagen fibers; in the majority of these studies the final radiated energy varied between 1.4 and 3.2 joules1212 Fillipin LI, Mauriz JL, Vedovelli K, Moreira AJ, Zettler CG, Lech O, et al. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) prevents oxidative stress and reduces fibrosis in rat traumatized Achilles tendon. Lasers Surg Med. 2005;37(4):293-300.), (1313 Rizzi CF, Mauriz JL, Corrêa DSF, Moreira AJ, Zettler CG, Filippin LI, et al. Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on the Nuclear Fatos (NF)-Kappa B Signaling Pathway in Traumatized Muscle. Lasers Surg Med. 2006;38(7):704-13.), (1414 Souza TOF, Mesquita DA, Ferrari RAM, Pinto Jr DS, Correa L, Bussadori SK, et al. Phototherapy with low-level laser affects the remodeling of types I and III collagen in skeletal muscle repair. Lasers Med Sci.2011;26(6):803-14..

According to Alves et al.3636 Alves AN, Fernandes KP, Deana AM, Bussadori SK, Mesquita-Ferrari RA. Effects of low-level laser therapy on skeletal muscle repair: a systematic review. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2014;93(12):1073-85, the synthesis of collagen in muscle tissue may be related to the type of laser and radiation parameters. Studies using the same type of laser (904 nm), energy density of 5 J/cm², observed that in the group injured and treated with the laser there was a significant reduction in collagen synthesis3737 Silveira PCL, Silva LA, Pinho CA, Souza PS, Ronsani MM, Scheffer D, et al. Effects of low-level laser therapy (GaAs) in an animal model of muscular damage induced by trauma. Lasers Med Sci. 2013;28(2):431-6.), (1313 Rizzi CF, Mauriz JL, Corrêa DSF, Moreira AJ, Zettler CG, Filippin LI, et al. Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on the Nuclear Fatos (NF)-Kappa B Signaling Pathway in Traumatized Muscle. Lasers Surg Med. 2006;38(7):704-13.. Another study, also with the same type of laser and same energy density, in a muscle injury induced by anesthetics, demonstrated a reduction in the percentage of collagen and fibrosis3838 Pissulin CNA, Fernandes AAH, Orellana MAS, Rossi e Silva RC, Matheus SMM. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) accelerates the sternomastoid muscle regeneration process after myonecrosis due to bupivacaine. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2017;168:30-9.. In the present study, we chose to use a Gallium Arsenide laser (AsGa), 904 nm, 50 mW, 0.035 cm² (beam area), and final energy of 4.8 joules in the injury area and it was observed that LILT presented no influence on the area of fibrous tissue at the site of the injury, however with alterations that may be considered of clinical relevance as we observed that the injury area of the LILT group was smaller after the intervention.

The process of muscle regeneration is complex, organized, and coordinated. This can principally be divided into three interrelated phases which are: degeneration, inflammation, and regeneration, involving the repair or formation of new muscle fibers and collagen synthesis and remodeling, which lead to structural and functional recovery of the injured muscle3939 Tidball JG. Inflammatory processes in muscle injury and repair. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2005;288(2):R345-53.. The recovery of contractile capacity of skeletal muscle after injury depends on the balance between regeneration of muscle fibers and collagen synthesis4040 Filippin LI, Cuevas MJ, Lima E, Marroni NP, Gonzalez-Gallego J, Xavier RM. The role of nitric oxide during healing of trauma to the skeletal muscle. Inflamm Res. 2011;60(4):347-56..

Increased collagen synthesis induces the formation of fibrous tissue in skeletal muscle tissue after injury, impairing muscle contraction and predisposing to the appearance of pathological muscle contractures and, as a consequence, of chronic muscular pain, compromising normal muscle function4141 Fukushima K, Badlani N, Usas A, Riano F, Fu FH, Huard J. The use of an antifibrosis agent to improve muscle recovery after laceration. Am J Sports Med. 2011;29(4):394-402..

LILT has been shown to be an effective resource in the modulation and formation of fibrous tissue during the tissue repair process after injury, by inhibiting the expression of TGF-β. This effect does not have a relation with the parameters of irradiation1010 Assis L, Moretti AIS, Abrahão TB, Souza HP, Hamblin MR, Parizotto NA. Low-level laser therapy (808 nm) contributes to muscle regeneration and prevents fibrosis in rat tibialis anterior muscle after cryolesion. Lasers Med Sci. 2013;28(3):947-55.), (1111 Alves AN, Fernandes KP, Melo CA, Yamaguchi RY, França CM, Teixeira DF, et al. Modulating effect of low level-laser therapy on fibrosis in the repair process of the tibialis anterior muscle in rats. Lasers Med Sci. 2014;29(2):813-21.), (1414 Souza TOF, Mesquita DA, Ferrari RAM, Pinto Jr DS, Correa L, Bussadori SK, et al. Phototherapy with low-level laser affects the remodeling of types I and III collagen in skeletal muscle repair. Lasers Med Sci.2011;26(6):803-14.. TGF-β expression reduction was observed after cryolesion in the anterior tibial muscle of rats using different radiation parameters; in the studies the radiated energy at the injury site was 1.4 and 1.6 joules, respectively. However, the synthesis of collagen seems to be related to the radiation parameters 1111 Alves AN, Fernandes KP, Melo CA, Yamaguchi RY, França CM, Teixeira DF, et al. Modulating effect of low level-laser therapy on fibrosis in the repair process of the tibialis anterior muscle in rats. Lasers Med Sci. 2014;29(2):813-21.. Other studies using a laser, with a 660 nanometer wavelength, red radiation, and radiated energy at the lesion site of 1.6 Joules, showed an increase in collagen deposition in the injury area1414 Souza TOF, Mesquita DA, Ferrari RAM, Pinto Jr DS, Correa L, Bussadori SK, et al. Phototherapy with low-level laser affects the remodeling of types I and III collagen in skeletal muscle repair. Lasers Med Sci.2011;26(6):803-14.), (4242 Baptista J, Martins MD, Pavesi VCS, Bussadori SK, Fernandes KPS, Pinto Jr DS, et al. Influence of laser photobiomodulation on collagen IV during skeletal muscle tissue remodeling after injury in rats. Photomed Laser Surg. 2011;29(1):11-7..

In contrast, Assis et al. and Alves et al.1010 Assis L, Moretti AIS, Abrahão TB, Souza HP, Hamblin MR, Parizotto NA. Low-level laser therapy (808 nm) contributes to muscle regeneration and prevents fibrosis in rat tibialis anterior muscle after cryolesion. Lasers Med Sci. 2013;28(3):947-55.), (1111 Alves AN, Fernandes KP, Melo CA, Yamaguchi RY, França CM, Teixeira DF, et al. Modulating effect of low level-laser therapy on fibrosis in the repair process of the tibialis anterior muscle in rats. Lasers Med Sci. 2014;29(2):813-21., using a laser with wavelengths of 708 and 808, infrared radiation, radiated energy in the injury area of 1.4 and 3.2 joules, observed reduction and better organization of the collagen fibers at the injury site in rats. The results of Tidball et al.3939 Tidball JG. Inflammatory processes in muscle injury and repair. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2005;288(2):R345-53. show that using methodology similar to the present study (Gallium Arsenide laser, 904 nanometers, and final energy of 4.8 joules in the injury area), there was no significant difference in TGF-β expression between the injured and treated and injured and untreated groups or in the organization of the collagen fibers.

Although there was no statistically significant difference between the groups analyzed in the present study, which may be related to the sample size (study limitation), a smaller injured area could be observed in the treated group, concomitant with an increase in collagen synthesis, which may be considered clinically relevant. In this way, it is suggested that future studies are performed including an experimental design with a larger sample number and with placebo application in the injured control group (application with disconnected equipment), which could refine the experiment. In addition, other tools could be used such as determination of types of collagen with an immunohistochemical technique. In this way, it is believed that we can expand the knowledge and further expose the mechanisms indicated in the present study.

Conclusion

It is concluded that laser therapy using a Gallium Arsenide laser, final energy 4.8 joules, did not facilitate alterations in the collagen area of the skeletal muscle extracellular matrix.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    2017

History

  • Received
    13 June 2016
  • Accepted
    18 Sept 2017
Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná Rua Imaculada Conceição, 1155 - Prado-Velho -, Curitiba - PR - CEP 80215-901, Telefone: (41) 3271-1608 - Curitiba - PR - Brazil
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