O sucesso do tratamento com implantes osseointegráveis dependente do processo de reparo da ferida e do potencial osteogênico das células. Com o objetivo de aumentar a formação óssea na superfície dos implantes, vários tratamentos têm sido propostos, entre eles, a terapia com laser de baixa intensidade. Neste contexto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o efeito do laser diodo de Arseneto-Gálio-Alumínio (AsGaAl) em culturas osteogênicas humanas crescidas sobre titânio. Após exposição das culturas, aos 3 e 7 dias, a uma dose de 3 J/cm2, foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: 1) proliferação celular aos 10 e 14 dias; 2) atividade de fosfatase alcalina (ALP) em 10, 14 e 17 dias; 3) formação de matriz mineralizada em 17 dias; 4) imunolocalização de proteínas não-colágenas e do antígeno nuclear Ki-67 por fluorescência indireta em 8, 10, 14 e 17 dias; 5) expressão de genes relacionados ao desenvolvimento do fenótipo osteoblástico aos 14 dias. Os resultados dos ensaios de proliferação celular mostraram que a radiação laser aumentou a proliferação de 10 para 14 dias, mas tanto a atividade de ALP como a formação de matriz mineralizada aparentemente não foram afetadas. A análise das culturas por epifluorescência mostrou que as culturas controle e irradiadas apresentaram comportamento distintos. Aos 14 dias, foi demonstrado que a exposição à radiação laser, na dose utilizada, promoveu aumento na expressão relativa dos genes ALP, OC, BSP, BMP-7 e OPG e redução dos níveis de expressão de Runx2 e osteopontina, mas não afetou a expressão gênica de COL I, RANK-L e ICAM. As culturas irradiadas apresentaram áreas sem células após 24 h da última irradiação, que posteriormente foram repovoadas por células mais proliferativas e menos diferenciadas. Em conclusão, os resultados indicam que a radiação do laser diodo de AsGaAl estimula a expressão do fenótipo osteoblástico de culturas osteogênicas humanas crescidas sobre titânio. / The success of treatment with osseointegrated implants depends on wound healing and the osteogenic potential of cells. Aimed at increasing bone formation onto implant surfaces, several treatments have been proposed and low-intensity laser therapy is one of them. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the Gallium-Aluminum-Arsenic (GaAlAr) diode laser on human osteogenic cultures grown on titanium. After irradiation of osteogenic cultures with 3 J/cm2 of GaAlAr laser at the days 3 and 7, the following parameters were evaluated: 1) cell proliferation at 10 and 14 days; 2) alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) at 10 days; 3) mineralized matrix formation at day 17, 4) non-collagenous bone proteins and nuclear antigen Ki-67 immunolocalization by indirect fluorescence at 8, 10, 14 and 17 days; and 5) Expressions of a panel of genes related to osteoblastic phenotype at day 14. Apparently cell proliferation, ALP activity and mineralized matrix formation were not significantly different between irradiated and control cultures in any period. Epifluorescence revealed that control and irradiated cultures had presented different behaviors. At 24 h after irradiation procedures, irradiated cultures displayed areas with no cells, which were repopulated later on by proliferative and apparently less-differentiated cells. Laser radiation increased relative gene expression of ALP, OC, BSP, BMP-7, and OPG; reduced the gene expression of Runx2 and OPN; and did not affect the expression of COL-1, RANK-L and ICAM. Altogether these results indicated that the GaAlAr laser stimulates the expression of osteoblastic phenotype of human osteogenic culture cells grown on titanium.

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable point within a tight band of voluntary skeletal muscle. The condition causes levels of mild discomfort to intense pain to patients that usually results in loss of man hours and compulsory pain medication. Dry needling is the treatment of choice and other techniques are seldom considered. Dry needling therapy (DNT) is an effective tool in the chiropractic profession but comes with significant drawbacks, such as patients whom have needling phobias and patients who often experience post needling soreness are challenging to treat with DNT. Further and more serious risks include pneumothorax when needling the muscles over the lung fields, which also limits the treatment scope of DNT. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is non-invasive and non-threatening to patients and could serve as an alternative to DNT. This study therefore aimed, to determine if LLLT could be an alternative treatment to DNT by comparing DNT to LLLT on a target group that all have active trapezius trigger point two myofascial trigger points. The group consisted of 40 participants with posterior trapezius myofascial neck pain caused by active myofascial trapezius trigger points. Participants were then randomly divided into two groups. Group A (20 participants) would receive DNT to the active myofascialtrapezius trigger point two (TP2) and group B (20 participants) would receive LLLT also to the active myofascial trapezius TP2. Participants would then be treated according to a set protocol, over a two week period with a total of four treatments. Subjective and objective readings were taken and noted on the first, third and fifth visits. Subjective data was collected from the visual analogue scale and the Vernon-Minor neck pain and disability index questionnaires. Whereas the cervical range of motion (CROM) and algometer readings provided the objective data.

Submitted by Nadir Basilio (nadirsb@uninove.br) on 2015-07-27T13:21:42Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Ana Tereza Barufi Franco.pdf: 4866107 bytes, checksum: ed3e675a1fc6ca76bcd7853ae5fb75d2 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-27T13:21:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ana Tereza Barufi Franco.pdf: 4866107 bytes, checksum: ed3e675a1fc6ca76bcd7853ae5fb75d2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-12-10 / The Bothropoides and Bothrops gender are responsible for the largest number of snakebites in Brazil, presenting serious systemic effects that induce pathophysiological alterations characterized by local reactions such as edema , myonecrosis, pain and hemohrrage. The antivenom is used to neutralize the greatest possible amount of circulating venom, minimizing its systemic effects. But its action does not extend to local manifestations. The low level laser therapy is an alternative treatment in situations of local lesions due to its biological effects, and is considered a biostimulate resource to the tissues . The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of low power laser -red wavelength of 660 nm, and the infrared laser- wavelength 780 nm, in endothelial cells submitted to injury by Bothropoides jararaca venom. The results showed that the snake venom affected the integrity of endothelial, in all concentrations (1, 5, 10, 12,5, 25 and 50 µg/mL); and affected the viability of endothelial cell in 10 µg/ mL at all time periods analyzed . To evaluate the protective effect of the laser, the dose of 4 J/cm2 reduced the detachment of endothelial cells by improving cellular integrity . This effect was observed in a wavelength of 660 nm at 60 and 120 minutes. The same effect was not observed with the wavelength of 780 nm. So, the present study allowed us to better understand the pathophysiological effects of Bothropoides venom, and contributed to a better understanding of the effects of low power laser and eventually facilitate therapeutic measures more efficient and / or complementary. / As serpentes do gênero Bothrops e Bothropoides são as responsáveis pelo maior número de acidentes ofídicos no Brasil, apresentando efeitos sistêmicos graves, além de induzirem um quadro fisiopatológico caracterizado por reações locais como edema, mionecrose, dor e hemorragia. A utilização do soro antibotrópico desempenha a função de neutralizar a maior quantidade possível do veneno circulante, minimizando assim seus efeitos sistêmicos, porém sua ação não se estende as manifestações locais. A laserterapia de baixa potência é uma alternativa de tratamento em situações de lesão local, devido a seus efeitos biológicos, sendo considerado um recurso bioestimulante em tecidos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o efeito do laser de baixa potência vermelho- comprimento de onda de 660 nm; e o laser infravermelho- comprimento de onda 780 nm, em monocamada de células endoteliais submetidos à lesão por veneno de Bothropoides jararaca. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o veneno, afetou a integridade das monocamadas de células endoteliais em todas as concentrações analisada (5, 10, 12,5, 25 e 50L/mL) em todos os períodos de tempo analisados. Para avaliação do efeito protetor do laser, a dose usada de 4 J/cm2 reduziu o descolamento de células endoteliais melhorando assim a integridade celular. Esse efeito foi observado nos comprimentos de onda de 660 nm nos tempos de 60 e 120 min, o mesmo efeito não foi observado com o comprimento de onda 780 nm. Desta forma, este estudo permitiu entender melhor os efeitos fisiopatológicos do envenenamento botrópico, bem como contribuiu para a melhor compreensão dos efeitos do laser de baixa potência e, eventualmente, favorecer medidas terapêuticas mais eficientes e/ou complementares.

Submitted by Nadir Basilio (nadirsb@uninove.br) on 2016-05-25T15:15:47Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Marcelo De Paula A. Silva.pdf: 1359289 bytes, checksum: 66f728710648b9c4449814ffd48d121f (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-25T15:15:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Marcelo De Paula A. Silva.pdf: 1359289 bytes, checksum: 66f728710648b9c4449814ffd48d121f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-12-18 / Monoarthritis (MA) is caused by single-joint inflammation and represents a considerable public health problem worldwide. To evaluate this pathology two protocols were used (P1 and P2). In P1, the effects of low level laser therapy (LLLT) in the influx of inflammatory cells, the release of inflammatory mediators, metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the process of intra-articular repair, were evaluated. In P2 the combination of exercise training (ET) and the LLLT were used to evaluate systemic changes using the heart rate variability (HRV) and local joint changes in experimental model of monoarthritis induced by zymosan. In both protocols male Wistar rats (220-280 g) was used. Rats received intra-articular injection of zymosan (1 mg / 50 mL of sterile saline) into the right knee. P1 rats were irradiated immediately, 1 hour and 2 hr after zymosan administration with LLLT (660 nm, 10 mW, 2,5 J / cm2, 10 s). In the positive control group, rats were injected with Dexamethasone (antiinflammatory agents) 1 hr before zymosan.administration. P2 rats were adapted to the treadmill (10 min / d 0.3 5 km / h) after 48 h the zymosan was administrated and the moderate ET and LLLT (660 nm, 5 mW, 2,5 J/cm2, 20s, 0.04 cm2, 0.1 w/cm2) was applied. The LLLT was applied twice a week, always before TF, during 4 weeks. Our results demonstrated that in P1 LLLT treatment significantly inhibited the influx of leukocytes, release of IL-1 and IL-6 and also metalloproteinase activity 2 to 9. In P2 the measurement of arterial pressure (AP) and heart rate variability (HRV) was measured. Trained rats had lower body weight, increased maximum speed racing and lower heart rate compared to the sedentary groups. Furthermore, ET rats showed an increase in pulse interval (PI) and decrease in the low frequency band (LF) and the systolic arterial pressure variance (VAR SAP) compared to sedentary group MA. ET associated with LLLT also showed a decrease in (LF) and Reason of Band High Frequency / Low Frequency (HF/LF), increase VAR SAP, variance RR (VAR-RR) e HF. compared to the sedentary group with MA. In addition, there was an improvement in functional capacity and a decrease of leukocyte influx in the joint cavity. Histological analysis showed a histoarchitecture preserved the synovial membrane and a reduction in collagen deposit in the groups with ET and ET associated and LLLT compared to the sedentary group with MA. ET and LLLT caused a reduction in the release of IL-1β in synovial fluid and synovial membrane. Furthermore, IL-10 was increased in the group association of ET and LLLT. LLLT was effective in reducing inflammation and inhibits activation of proteases (gelatinase), suggesting less degradation of collagen tissue in an experimental model. In MA occurs an imbalance of the sympathetic system, suggesting an early autonomic involvement. A moderate ET program associated with LLLT may have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular autonomic balance and improved functional capacity. With regard to deleterious effects in the rat knee, ET and LLLT association was effective in protecting the joint in an experimental model of monoarthritis, leading to an improvement in the regulation of inflammatory cytokines and better intra articular histoarchitecture organization. / A monoartrite (MA) é causada por inflamação monoarticular e representa considerável problema de saúde pública em todo o mundo. Para avaliação desta patologia utilizou-se dois protocolos (P1 e P2). Em P1 foi avaliado o efeito da terapia a laser de baixa potência (LBP) no influxo de células inflamatórias, a liberação de mediadores inflamatórios, as metaloproteinases (MMPs) e o processo de reparação intra-articular. Em P2 ocorreu associação do treinamento físico (TF) e o LBP para avaliarmos alterações sistêmicas utilizando a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) e as alterações articulares locais em modelo experimental de monoartrite induzida com zymosan. Em ambos os protocolos utilizou-se Ratos Wistar machos (220-280 g) que receberam injeção intra-articular de zymosan (1 mg / 50 mL de uma solução salina estéril) no joelho direito. Em P1 os ratos foram irradiados imediatamente, 1 h, e 2 h após a administração de zymosan com LBP (660 nm, 10 mW, 2,5 J / cm2, 10 s). No grupo de controlo positivo, os animais foram injetados com a dexametasona (fármacos anti-inflamatórios) 1 h antes da administração de zymosan. Em P2 os ratos foram adaptados à esteira (10 min/d, 5 d e 0,3 km/h), 48 h após ocorreu a administração de zymosan seguindo da continuidade do TF moderado e LBP (660 nm, 5 mW, 2,5 J/cm2, 20s, 0.04 cm2, 0.1 w/cm2) duas vezes por semana, sempre antes do TF, durante 4 semanas.Os resultados demonstraram que em P1 o tratamento com o LBP inibiu significativamente o influxo de leucócitos, a libertação de IL-1 e IL-6 e também a atividade de metaloproteinase 2 e 9. Em P2 ocorreu a mensuração da pressão arterial (PA) e variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC). Ratos treinados apresentaram menor peso corporal, aumento da velocidade máxima de corrida e menor frequência cardíaca em comparação com os grupos sedentários. Além disso, ratos submetidos a TF mostraram um aumento de Intervalo de Pulso (IP) e diminuição na Banda de Baixa Frequência (BF) e Variância da Pressão Arterial Sistólica (VAR PAS) em relação ao grupo sedentário com MA. Os ratos submetidos a TF associado ao LBP também mostraram uma diminuição na (BF) e na Razão da Banda de Alta Frequência / Baixa Frequência (AF / BF), um aumento de VAR PAS, Variância RR (VAR-RR) e AF em relação ao grupo sedentário com MA. Além destes ocorreu melhora na capacidade funcional e uma diminuição de influxo leucocitário na cavidade articular. A análise histológica mostrou uma histoarquitetura preservada da membrana sinovial e uma redução do deposito de colágeno nos grupos com TF e associação TF e LBP em comparação ao grupo sedentário com MA. TF e LBP causaram uma redução na liberação de IL-1β no líquido sinovial e membrana sinovial. Além disso, a IL-10 foi aumentada no grupo com associação de TF e LBP. A terapia com LBP foi eficaz na redução do processo inflamatório e inibe a ativação de proteases (gelatinase), sugerindo menor degradação do tecido de colágeno no modelo experimental. Além disso, na MA ocorre um desequilíbrio do sistema simpático, o que sugere um envolvimento autonômico precoce. Um programa de TF moderado associado ao LBP pode exercer efeitos benéficos no balanço autonômico cardiovascular e melhora da capacidade funcional. Quanto aos efeitos deletérios nos joelhos dos ratos. Associação de TF e LBP foi eficaz na proteção da articulação em modelo experimental de monoartrite, levando a uma melhora na regulação de citocinas inflamatórias e melhor organização histoarquitetura intra articular.

Submitted by Nadir Basilio (nadirsb@uninove.br) on 2018-06-19T18:27:35Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Terezinha Aparecida de Almeida.pdf: 739598 bytes, checksum: 0b0c7aabccbc5f5868d542f6e63d53f0 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-06-19T18:27:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Terezinha Aparecida de Almeida.pdf: 739598 bytes, checksum: 0b0c7aabccbc5f5868d542f6e63d53f0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-12-16 / Interactions between the muscle and macrophages which invade it after an injury occurs are crucial to the evolution of repair in this tissue. On the other hand, low intensity laser (LLLT) has long been used in the treatment of such lesions, both in clinical and experimental settings; however, little is known about its effects on macrophages. The objective of this project was to evaluate the effect of irradiation with red and infrared laser on the activation state of M1 and M2a phenotypes of macrophages. For this purpose, J774 macrophage cultures were treated with polarizing agents (LPS and IFN-y or IL-4) for 24 hours and were then irradiated with 2 wavelengths of LLLT – 780 nm and 660 nm – in the same dosimetric parameters (70mW; 17.5J/cm2; 0.8J). After 24 hours of incubation, the activation state was checked by MTT technique. In each experimental situation, non-irradiated cells served as controls, and three independent experiments were performed. Laser irradiation with 780 nm proved able to decrease the activation of macrophages polarized for M1 phenotype and increase activation of M2a profile macrophages. Laser irradiation with 660 nm slightly intensified the state and activation of M1 macrophages, while significantly increasing the activation state of M2a profile macrophages. Although it is not possible to establish a relationship between the results of in vitro studies and future clinical outcomes, and the effects of laser irradiation on other macrophage phenotypes still need to be assessed, data from this study suggest that red and infrared laser could have different results when used in the different stages of muscle repair. / As interações entre o músculo e os macrófagos que o invadem após a ocorrência da lesão são determinantes para a evolução do reparo deste tecido. Por outro lado, o laser em baixa intensidade (LBI) tem sido muito utilizado no tratamento destas lesões no âmbito clínico e no experimental, mas pouco se conhece a respeito dos seus efeitos sobre os macrófagos. O objetivo deste projeto foi avaliar o efeito da irradiação com laser vermelho e infravermelho sobre o estado de ativação de macrófagos de fenótipo M1 e M2a. Para tanto, culturas de macrófagos J774 foram tratadas com agentes polarizadores (LPS e IFN-y ou IL-4) por 24h e então irradiadas com LBI em 2 comprimentos de onda 780nm e 660nm nos mesmos parâmetros dosimétricos (70mW; 17,5J/cm2; 0,8J). Após 24h de incubação, o estado de ativação foi verificado por meio da técnica MTT. Em cada situação experimental, células não irradiadas serviram como controle, sendo realizados três experimentos independentes. A irradiação com laser de 780 nm mostrou-se capaz de diminuir a ativação de macrófagos polarizados para fenótipo M1 e aumentar a ativação de macrófagos de perfil M2a. Já a irradiação com laser de 660 nm intensificou ligeiramente o estado e ativação dos macrófagos M1 e aumentou de maneira significante o estado de ativação de macrófagos de perfil M2a. Embora não se possa estabelecer uma relação entre resultados de estudos in vitro e desfechos clínicos futuros e ainda exista necessidade de avaliar os efeitos da irradiação laser nos outros fenótipos de macrófagos, os dados do presente estudo sugerem que os lasers vermelho e infravermelho pode trazer resultados diferentes quando utilizados nas diferentes fases do reparo muscular.

A thesis submitted to the College of Dental Medicine of Nova Southeastern University of the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry. Introduction: One of the challenges in orthodontics is obtaining desired tooth movement. A recent development in orthodontics offers patients more comfort by minimizing pain, and shortening the treatment time. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) emerged as a technology that may accelerate the velocity of tooth movement and shorten the orthodontic treatment period. LLLT (630-1000nm) has been shown to modulate various biological processes including wound healing and bone remodeling. Bone remodeling is one of the biological processes that ensue during tooth movement. Bone remodeling is a continuous process characterized by bone deposition at sites of tension and bone resorption on the pressure sites. At cellular level bone remodeling is regulated by receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and Osteoprotegrin (OPG). RANK and RANKL promotes osteoclastic differentiation and promotes bone resorption. OPG is a soluble decoy receptor that competes with RANK for binding to RANKL and inhibits the osteoclastic activity. The goal of the research is to understand the regulatory effects of LLLT on bone metabolism at the cellular level. Furthermore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the critical parameters of low level lasers on the early stage of ostegenic regulation of human osteoblast cells. In this study, CRL-1427 cells derived from human osteosarcoma which have an osteoblast phenotype were used as cell model. Methods: Human osteoblast cells CRL1427(ATCC, Manassas, VA) were cultured in minimum essential medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and 1% antibiotics and incubated in at 37°C with 5% CO2. The monolayer of cells after reaching 70-80% confluency were irradiated with a single dose of Galium Aluminum Arsenide (Ga-Al-As) laser, with a wave length of 830nm and output power of 85mW with 0.6, 1.5, 1.8 Joules/cm2 energy exposure regimes. The mRNA expressions of Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Osteoprotegerin (OPG), RANKL and RANK were compared after seven days by quantitative real time PCR. Results: We observed that treatment of CRL 1427 cells with LLLT (1.5, 1.8 Joules/cm2) irradiation significantly increased the expression of ALP, OPG, RANKL and RANK mRNAs compared to the control group (P≤0.05). There was no significant difference between the control group and mRNA expression of ALP, OPG, RANK, or RANKL at 0.6J/cm2of irradiation. Conclusion: LLLT irradiation can directly influence the expression of genes associated with bone metabolism and potentially represents a mechanism that facilitates rapid bone remodeling.

No description available.

Thesis (MSc (Physiological Sciences)--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Although muscle tissue demonstrates a remarkable capacity for regeneration following injury, this process is slow and often accompanied by the formation of scar tissue and a subsequent decrease in contractile capacity following regeneration. Treatment options are few and mostly supportive in nature. This regeneration process involves muscle stem cells (satellite cells) which ultimately give rise to the regenerated muscle. The contentious field of low level laser therapy (LLLT) has made remarkable claims in facilitating wound healing in soft tissue injuries of various types. Yet, the mechanism(s) invoked in these beneficial effects are poorly understood. We have investigated the effects of LLLT using a 638 nm laser on satellite cells in culture and in-vivo. Using an array of techniques we have measured, amongst other things, metabolic responses to laser irradiation, signaling pathways activated/altered and antioxidant status. In response to laser irradiation satellite cells in culture showed an increase in MTT values (a measure of metabolic activity) and a decrease in antioxidant status (measured using the ORAC assay). In addition laser irradiation also altered the expression and phosphorylation state of several signaling pathways, including Akt and STAT-3. Following on from this the effects of laser irradiation on satellite cells in-vivo was assessed in a rat model of contusion injury. No significant differences in satellite cell number was found following laser irradiation, changes were seen in tissue antioxidant status and blood antioxidant status (measured using the ORAC assay). In the course of this study several standard techniques were used to investigate the effects of laser irradiation on satellite cells both in-vitro and invivo. It has become apparent that several of these techniques have problems associated with them that possibly make them inappropriate for vi further use in studies involving laser irradiation. However the results indicate that laser therapy is induces satellite cell behavior and further study is warranted in this field. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Alhoewel spierweefsel merkwaardige regenerasie kapasiteit vertoon ten opsigte van besering, is hierdie proses stadig en word soms vergesel met die vorming van letselweefsel asook ‘n gevolglike afname in kontaktiele kapasiteit na afloop van regenerasie. Behandelingsmoontlikhede is skaars en meesal ondersteunend van aard. Hierdie proses sluit spierstamselle (satelietselle), wat uiteindelik die ontstaan van die regenerasie van spier tot gevolg het, in. Die kontroversiële veld van lae vlak laserterapie (Engels: Low level laser therapy (LLLT)) het merkwaardige aansprake in die fasilitering met verskeie sagteweefsel wondgenesing. Nietemin, die meganisme(s) wat voordelige effekte induseer, word nog nie goed begryp nie. Ons het die effek van LLLT, deur gebruik te maak van ‘n 638 nm laser op kultuur in vitro satelietselle sowel in-vivo, ondersoek. Deur gebruik te maak van verskeie tegnieke is onder meer die metaboliese, sowel die seinstransduksie weë en antioksidantstatus na laserbestraling, gemeet. In reaksie op die laserbestraling het satelietselle (in kultuur) ‘n toename in MTT waardes getoon (‘n maatstaf van die metaboliese aktiwiteit) en ‘n afname in die antioksidantstatus (gemeet deur van die ORAC toets). Addisioneel het laserbestraling ook uitdrukking en fosforilering van verskeie proteïene betrokke in seintransduksieweë beïnvloed, insluitend Akt, STAT-3). Na afloop van hierdie effekte op satelietselle na laserbestraling, is daar gebruik gemaak van ‘n kneusbeseringsrotmodel om hierdie effekte in vivo te ondersoek. Geen betekenisvolle verskille in die aantal satelietselle na laserbestraling is opgemerk nie, maar veranderings is wel opgemerk in weefsel- en bloed-antioksidantstatus (gemeet deur van die ORAC toets gebruik te maak). Gedurende die verloop van die studie is van verskeie standaardtegnieke gebruik gemaak om die effekte van laserbestraling op beide satelietselle in vitro en in vivo te ondersoek. iv Dit het duidelik na vore gekom dat daar wel gepaardgaande probleme met van hierdie tegnieke voorgekom het, en dat van hierdie tegnieke nie gepas is vir ondersoek in laserbestralingsstudies nie. Nietemin, die resultate toon wel dat laserbehandeling. satelietselgedrag induseer wat verdere studie in hierdie veld noodsaak

INTRODUÇÃO: A Artrite aguda do joelho é o tipo mais comum de artrite, e sua prevalência aumenta em paralelo com o aumento da idade da população. Há muitas evidências de benefícios clínicos do laser para o tratamento da osteoartrite. No entanto, existem poucos estudos abordando os efeitos de 810 nm laser. Aqui nós iremos investigar os efeitos de Laser de Baixa Potencia (infra-vermelho, 810 nm). MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar machos (230 - 250g) foram anestesiados com halotano antes da injeção de pró-inflamatórios compostos. Carragenina e Kaolin, ambos a 3%, em solução diluída em soro Fisiológico, administrado intra-articular. Os grupos tratados receberam irradiação laser no local. Após 6 horas todos os animais foram anestesiados e mortos por deslocamento cervical para coleta de cavidade articular e lavado para celulares e análise bioquímica. O tecido articular foi analisado por PCR em tempo real análise, a fim de avaliar a expressão de COX-1 e COX-2. IL-1, TNF-alfa e IL-6 e a mieloperoxidase (MPO) também foi realizada. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: A terapia com laser de baixa potência foi capaz de inibir o número total de leucócitos, atividade de mieloperoxidase, o extravasamento vascular, IL-1b, TNF-a, IL-6 e Prostaglandina E2. / Introduction. Arthritis of the knee (AK) is the most common type of osteoarthritis, and its prevalence is rising in parallel with the increasing age of the population.. Here we investigate the effects of Low Level Laser Therapy (infra-red, 810 nm) in experimentally induced rat knee osteoarthritis. Methods. Male wistar rats (150 200g) were anaesthetized with halothane 1% prior the injection of pro-inflammatory compounds. Carrageenan and Kaolin (both 3%) administered intra-articular. After 6 hours all animals were killed by decaptation and articular cavity was washed and collected. Articular Tissue was carefully removed for edema and Real-time PCR analysis in order to evaluate COX-1 and COX-2 expression. Total and differential cell account, mieloperoxidase activity, IL-b, TNF-a, IL-6 was also analysed. Results. Low Level laser therapy was able to significantly inhibit the total number of leukocytes as well as the mieloperoxidase activity, polymorphonuclear cells at the inflammatory site, vascular extravasation, IL-1, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and prostaglandin E2. Conclusions. Low Level Laser Therapy operating in 810 nm markedly reduced inflammation in carrageenan, kaolin-induced knee osteoarthritis.

A cicatrização do tendão é um complexo processo que envolve uma variedade de moléculas reguladoras. Como exemplos temos os fatores de crescimento positivamente correlacionados com a expressão de genes responsáveis pela síntese da matriz extracelular, bem como os proteoglicanos que atuam como organizadores dos tecidos capazes de modular o crescimento e a maturação celular de tecidos especializados. No intuito de reparar o tendão com lesão existem várias opções de tratamento, mas nenhuma tem sido relatada como plenamente eficaz. Sendo assim, na busca de tratamentos regenerativos e não apenas reparativos, o objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a influência do plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) no processo de cicatrização do tendão flexor digital superficial de equinos, utilizando-se deste tratamento isoladamente ou associado ao laser terapêutico. Com essa finalidade, 26 membros torácicos de equinos foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos distintos: o grupo 1 (G1) foi composto por oito membros torácicos sadios provenientes de cadáveres frescos; no grupo 2 (G2) em seis membros foi induzida a tendinite, sem a realização de qualquer tipo de tratamento; no grupo 3 (G3) a tendinite também foi induzida em seis membros, os quais receberam o tratamento com o PRP; e no grupo 4 (G4) a tendinite foi induzida em seis membros torácicos que receberam o tratamento com o PRP associado ao laser terapêutico. Os animais foram avaliados clinicamente e ultrassonograficamente. Já as amostras do tecido tendíneo, obtidas por biópsia guiada por ultrassom, foram avaliadas por imunoistoquímica quanto a presença dos proteoglicanos: decorim, biglicam, fibromodulim e agrecam, Nessas amostras também foi realizada a análise da birrefringência do colágeno. Na avaliação clínica verificou-se que o grupo G4 foi o único que não mais apresentou sensibilidade à palpação no local da lesão ao término do experimento. Já na avaliação ultrassonográfica, os tendões dos membros torácicos dos grupos G3 e G4 que receberam os tratamento com PRP demonstraram melhora na ecogenicidade tanto do tendão como da lesão. Além disso, os tendões do grupo G4 apresentaram melhora no paralelismo das fibras de colágeno. Na avaliação imunoistoquímica os resultados demostraram que o biglicam, o fibromodulim e o agrecam tiveram sua expressão aumentada nas amostras do grupo G4 tratados com a associação PRP e laser quando comparados com as amostras do tendão hígido do grupo G1. Já no grupo G2 observou-se apenas o aumento da expressão de agrecam em relação ao G1. Na análise da birrefringência do colágeno o maior valor de retardo óptico (OR) foi apresentado também nas amostras do grupo tratado com a associação do PRP e laser (G4). Durante o processo de regeneração de um tendão lesado há uma tendência para o aumento dos valores de OR, o que representa uma melhora na organização do colágeno. Provavelmente, o laser foi capaz de produzir um aumento na síntese de colágeno e uma melhor agregação e alinhamento das fibras de colágeno. Assim, concluímos que o tratamento com PRP associado ao laser demonstrou melhora clínica, ultrassonográfica, de birrefringência e na expressão de proteoglicanos da matriz extracelular, o que não ocorreu quando utilizado isoladamente. / Tendon healing is a complex process involving a variety of regulatory molecules. Growth factors are a family of such molecules; and their presence is positively correlated with the expression of genes responsible for extracellular matrix synthesis. Proteoglycans more than extracellular matrix components are tissue organizers capable of modulating cell growth and maturation in specialized tissues. In order to repair the tendon injury there are several treatment options, but none has been reported as fully effective. In this scenario, regenerative approaches are currently preferred over reparative therapeutic procedures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the healing of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon, using this treatment, alone or associated with the laser therapy. For this purpose, 26 equine forelimbs were randomly divided into four groups: group 1 (G1) consisted of eight healthy forelimbs from fresh cadavers; in group 2 (G2), tendinitis was induced in six forelimbs, without performing any type of treatment; in group 3 (G3), tendinitis was also induced in six forelimbs which received PRP treatment; and in group 4 (G4), tendinitis was induced in six forelimbs that received treatment with PRP associated with laser therapy. All animals were evaluated clinically and sonographically. Additionally, tendon tissue samples were obtained by ultrasound-guided biopsy, and assessed by immunohistochemistry to determine proteoglycans expression (decorin, biglycan, fibromodulin and aggrecan). These samples were further analyzed for collagen organization through birefringence. In the clinical evaluation, only G4 animals had absent painful response to direct digital palpation at the end of the experiment. During sonographic evaluation, it was observed that tendons from groups G3 and G4, that received the treatment with PRP, demonstrated improvement in both tendon and lesion echogenicity. Furthermore, tendons from the G4 group showed improvement in axial alignment of collagen fibers. The results showed an increase in biglycan, fibromodulin and aggrecan expression at immunohistochemical evaluation of G4 samples, when compared with healthy tendon samples (G1). In tendons from the G2 group only an increased aggrecam expression compared to G1 was observed. Though the analysis of the collagen birefringence, the highest value of optical retardation (OR) was also presented in the samples of the group treated with the combination of PRP and laser (G4). During the regeneration process of an injured tendon, there is a trend to increase OR values, which represents an improvement of the collagen organization. Probably, the laser was able to induce an increased synthesis and a better aggregation and alignment of collagen. So, we conclude that the animals treated with PRP associated with laser therapy improved clinically and sonographically. Moreover, this treatment improved the arrangement of collagen fibril and enhanced the proteoglycans expression in the extracellular matrix, what did not occur when PRP treatment was used alone.