Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences

Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe condition often leading to lasting neurological impairment and associated reproductive health issues in males. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) during the inflammatory phase of SCI to prevent oxidative damage, reduce inflammation, and mitigate potential damage to testicular function.
Methods: Eighteen male rats were randomly divided into three groups: Group A (laminectomy only), group B (contusion), and group C (contusion + PBMT). Thirty minutes post-injury, group C received PBMT for two weeks. Histological and stereological analysis was evaluated using the hematoxylin and eosin test (H&E). ELISA and real-time PCR were performed for eight weeks
post-SCI to assess testosterone and inflammatory and apoptotic changes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS with one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test, and statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: The SCI group exhibited significant reductions in sperm count (mean ± SD: 14.2 ± 86.1), motility (34.8 ± 72.8), and viability (26.12 ± 43.9), with increased levels of inflammatory markers (IL-1 β: 4.4 ± 71.6, TNF-α: 3.14 ± 66) and damage to testicular structure. In contrast, animals treated with PBMT showed significant improvements in sperm parameters (sperm count: 48 ± 34, motility: 57.2 ± 18.5, viability: 52 .3 ± 88.2) and a marked reduction in inflammation (IL-1 β: 3.09 ± 14.2, TNF-α: 2.67 ± 74.1) compared to untreated SCI animals (P < 0.001). Additionally,PBMT-treated animals demonstrated significant improvements in testosterone levels (1.57 ± 44.8) and a reversal of testicular cell loss (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: These findings suggest that PBMT mitigates the negative effects of SCI on testicular tissue by reducing inflammation and preserving cellular integrity, thus supporting its use as a dual therapeutic approach to aid neurological recovery and maintain reproductive health.

Introduction: All three degrees of inflammation (cellular, tissue, and systemic) are normal reactions that our bodies have to foreign substances. Cellular damage from bacteria, viruses, and even cancer can be warded off with the aid of these reactions. An efficient non-pharmaceutical method of treating inflammation is frequently seen as physiotherapy. In this study, the effects of ultrasonic treatment (US) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in rats with inflamed testicles are investigated.
Methods: Three groups, each including eighteen male rats, were established: the control group (C), the US group (which received ultrasonic treatment), and the LLLT group (which received low-level laser therapy).
Results: The blood CRP levels in the US group were significantly lower than those in the control and LLLT groups.
Conclusion: Findings suggest that ultrasound might be more effective than LLLT in treating testicular inflammation, as shown by the decrease in blood CRP levels.

Introduction: Significantly impairs the quality of life through lower urinary tract symptoms. Ejaculation-sparing Thulium laser enucleation, a minimally invasive technique, offers symptom relief while aiming to preserve sexual function. This study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes, safety, and efficacy of thulium laser enucleation of the prostate in Jordan.

Methods: A longitudinal, quantitative study was conducted in three private clinics and three private hospitals in Amman, Jordan. This study included 29 male patients suffering from moderate to severe benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Postoperatively, at intervals of 2, 4, 6, and 8 months following ejaculation-sparing thulium laser enucleation, several instruments were utilized to measure the maximum urinary flow rate, post-void residual (PVR) volume, average flow rate, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5).

Results: After undergoing ejaculation-sparing thulium laser enucleation, the mean maximum urinary flow rate saw a significant increase from 6.3 ± 2.8 mL/s at baseline to 19.8 ± 3.2 mL/s at 2 months. It then increased to 20.6 ± 3.0 mL/s at 4 months and to 19.0 ± 1.7 mL/s at 8 months (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the average urinary flow rate improved, rising from 4.31 ± 1.8 mL/s to 9.5 ± 4.1 mL/s, then to 16.2 ± 2.8 mL/s, and finally to 12.7 ± 2.9 mL/s at the same intervals (P < 0.001). Symptom severity, as indicated by the IPSS, underwent a significant improvement from 21.33 ± 3.1 to 5.1 ± 3.4 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Ejaculation-sparing thulium laser enucleation is an effective and safe treatment for BPH. It offers notable improvements in urinary function and symptom relief, and it also helps to preserve sexual function.

Introduction: The fusion of curcumin gel and laser technology offers a promising solution for periodontal pocket reduction. Harnessing the anti-inflammatory prowess of curcumin and the precision of laser, this approach enhances periodontal therapy efficacy, fostering improved oral health outcomes.

Methods: This split-mouth study was conducted on nine patients. After scaling and root planing (SRP), curcumin gel with a diode laser and a diode laser alone were used in the test and control groups, respectively. The plaque index (PI), modified sulcus bleeding index (SBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded at baseline and three months.

Results: The results revealed that both the diode laser and curcumin gel reduced periodontal pocket depths, but a greater reduction was observed in the test group than in the control group.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that both control and experimental gel can be used as an adjunct to SRP, but curcumin gel was more effective when used with Diode laser therapy (970nm) in the treatment of periodontal pockets with a significant reduction in the scores of the indices when compared to the baseline values.

Introduction: Sometimes, dentinal tubules are exposed to the oral cavity during the preparation of vital teeth for crowns, and patients show various signs of tooth hypersensitivity. Some treatments have been suggested for dental hypersensitivity after tooth preparation, such as low-level diode laser (980 nm) and GLUMA desensitizer. The pretreatment of dentin with desensitizers may affect retention. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of the 980nm Diode laser and GLUMA Desensitizer on the retention of the metal frames cemented by self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200).
Methods: Thirty intact permanent maxillary first premolars were used in this study. After preparing teeth with 0.5 to 0.7 finishing line above CEJ, casting full metal crowns with a 5-diameter ring on the occlusal surface was done. Then the samples were divided into 3 groups: (1) Control Group (n=10), (2) 980 nm diode laser (n=10), and (3) GLUMA desensitizer (n=10). Frames were cemented with self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200) and the bond strength was measured by a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests in SPSS version 25 (P<0.05).
Results: Frame retention in the 980 nm diode laser group (40.90±27.07N) was significantly lower than the control group (138.17±40.81 N) and the GLUMA desensitizer group (318.59±56.31N) (P<0.05), and frame retention in the GLUMA Desensitizer group was significantly higher than the other groups (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The GLUMA desensitizer has a positive effect and the 980 nm diode laser has a negative effect on the retention of frames cemented by self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200).

Introduction: The high prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and the side effects of drug treatments, highlight the importance of less invasive and less complicated methods. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of an 810 nm diode laser and transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) in the treatment of patients with TMD.
Methods: The study was a randomized controlled trial in which 34 patients with TMD were included and randomly treated with 810 nm diode laser or TDCS. In the laser group, 9 sessions of laser therapy were performed during 3 weeks. In the TDCS group, treatment was accomplished in 5 sessions within 5 consecutive days after sample selection. Before the first and after the last treatment session in both groups, the outcomes including the TMJ spontaneous pain score, facial muscle tenderness, maximum range of pain-free opening of the mouth and presence of jaw sounds were evaluated. The patient’s satisfaction score was evaluated immediately after treatment, as well as one month later. The data were entered into SPSS statistical software version 17 and statistically analyzed by independent and paired t-tests. A significance level of less than 5% was considered.
Results: The average TMJ spontaneous pain score and muscle tenderness score in temporal, TMJ, and gonial regions decreased significantly in both groups (P < 0.001), also the mean maximum mouth opening increased significantly in both groups (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups. The average score of patient satisfaction with the treatment immediately and one month after the treatment in the laser group was significantly higher than that of TDCS.
Conclusion: 810 nm diode laser and TDCS were effective in reducing the symptoms of TMD patients. The level of satisfaction with the treatment in the laser group was significantly higher than that in the TDCS method.

Introduction: Nail psoriasis poses a notable challenge due to its significant impact on patient’s quality of life and its resistance to traditional treatments. Recent interest has focused on laser therapies, which offer targeted treatment by addressing the underlying inflammatory processes of the disease. This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of pulsed dye laser (PDL), fractional CO2 laser, and Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) laser for nail psoriasis.
Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 40 patients with mild to moderate bilateral nail psoriasis were enrolled at Razi hospital. The participants were divided into four groups: Nd:YAG laser, PDL, fractional CO2 laser, and a control group treated with calcipotriol/betamethasone ointment. Each received four treatment sessions over four months. The Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) was used to evaluate effectiveness, while pain and satisfaction were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). Statistical significance was determined, with P<0.05 as the threshold.
Results: The study found that PDL achieved the highest reduction in NAPSI scores, with a significant 62.4% decrease, followed by a 54.6% decrease with the fractional CO2 laser. In contrast, the Nd:YAG laser achieved a less notable 32.4% improvement, while the ointment control group showed a 15.9% decrease. Pain was least reported in the PDL group, and satisfaction scores were highest among these patients. The PDL and fractional CO2 lasers outperformed both the Nd:YAG laser and the topical therapy in effectiveness and patient comfort.
Conclusion: PDL and fractional CO2 laser treatments are superior interventions for managing nail psoriasis, providing a significant improvement in NAPSI scores and better patient experiences compared to the Nd:YAG laser and topical ointment. These findings endorse the inclusion of laser therapy in management plans for nail psoriasis, suggesting further research into optimizing their use and potential combination with other therapies.
Trial Registration: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/; identifier: IRCT20220723055530N4.

Introduction: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with a 660 nm laser along with methylene blue (MB) and cold atmospheric plasma therapy (CAP) on Streptococcus sanguinis. Since S. sanguinis plays a pivotal role in biofilm formation, alongside its ability to survive in the bloodstream, it significantly heightens the risk of infective endocarditis.
Methods: In this in-vitro study, the S. sanguinis strain was cultured on a blood agar medium, and the samples were evenly distributed among eight experimental groups using equalization methods with nine repetitions. The experimental groups were 8 groups. Following the interventions, the samples were cultured using the pour plate method. After 48 hours, the samples were retrieved, and the number of bacterial colonies was counted. The changes in colony numbers, after normal
transformation, were analyzed using the repeated measures ANOVA model, with the between-subject factor considered in the analysis.
Results: The highest colony count was observed in the control group. Particularly, in both the PLASMA group and the group treated with PLASMA + PDT using the 660 nm laser alone, there was no significant difference from the control group (PLASMA: P > 0.05; PLASMA + PDT: P > 0.05). However, the combination of CAP, PDT with the 660 nm laser, and MB demonstrated
a significant reduction in colony counts compared to the control group (PLASMA + PDT + MB: P = 0.000), making it the most effective intervention in this study.
Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the combination of CAP and PDT using a 660 nm laser with MB achieved the most significant reduction in S. sanguinis colonies.

Introduction: Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury is among the most common complications associated with orthognathic surgery. Managing these injuries poses significant challenges due to the lack of a standardized treatment protocol. This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the efficacy of blood products and photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy for
neurosensory recovery in patients with IAN injuries after orthognathic surgery.
Methods: This systematic review involved a comprehensive search of Scopus, Embase, and PubMed databases, as well as the initial 100 search results from Google Scholar, to identify relevant articles published between 2015 and 2024. The articles were selected using defined eligibility criteria.
Results: The research paper reviewed 170 articles, ultimately including 14 studies that focused on IAN injury related to surgical procedures such as genioplasty, sagittal split mandibular ramus osteotomy (SSRO), and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). Among these studies, five assessed the effectiveness of various blood products—specifically platelet-rich fibrin (PRF),
leukocyte-rich PRF (L-PRF), advanced PRF (A-PRF), and concentrated growth factor (CGF)—all of which were found to alleviate hypoesthesia. Nine studies evaluated the efficacy of PBM, primarily utilizing wavelengths of 810 and 808 nm over 5 to 10 sessions. PBM also successfully enhanced the recovery of IAN. Moreover, one article highlighted the synergistic effect of using L-PRF in conjunction with PBM.
Conclusion: It appears that neurosensory recovery following IAN injury due to orthognathic surgery may be enhanced by blood-derived products such as PRF, CGF, A-PRF, and L-PRF, which release growth factors that facilitate tissue repair. Additionally, PBM further supports recovery by reducing inflammation in the initial weeks and stimulating cellular metabolism to promote regeneration in the subsequent weeks.

Introduction: Candida biofilm on resin base dentures is a common problem among denture wearers, leading to denture stomatitis and associated complications. Cold plasma treatment has been proposed as a novel and promising approach to eradicate Candida biofilm. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of cold plasma treatment for Candida biofilm on resin base dentures.

Methods: This systematic review study was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The main objective was to investigate whether cold plasma treatment could reduce the number of Candida cells in dentures compared to other disinfection methods or controls. In September 2024, an electronic search was performed without any limitation on the publication start date in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Embase, and Scopus databases. English in vitro studies, focusing on acrylic denture bases using cold plasma treatment as the intervention, were included. The selected articles were assessed using the QUIN risk-of-bias tool for in vitro studies conducted in dentistry.

Results: Initially, 259 papers were identified, and 164 remained after removing duplicates. Following the screening of titles and abstracts, 21 papers remained. Ten articles were not related to dentures, and 11 studies were included. All of these articles demonstrated a medium risk of bias and were case-control in vitro studies. The evidence currently available suggests that cold plasma exhibits antimicrobial efficacy against denture candidiasis; however, its application is not without limitations.

Conclusion: Based on the findings of in vitro studies, cold plasma shows promise as an effective tool for disinfecting dentures. Notably, significant reductions in the Candida cell count can be achieved within a reasonable treatment duration, although the existing data present variable results. 

Introduction: Kindler syndrome (KS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by skin fragility, acral blister formation, diffuse cutaneous atrophy, photosensitivity, palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, pseudosyndactyly, and alopecia. Oral manifestations include limited mouth opening, which adversely affects oral hygiene, chewing, and swallowing, significantly impacting the quality of life of affected individuals.
Methods: A 26-year-old male with KS was referred for the management of reduced mouth opening, presenting with an interincisal distance of 19 mm. This was a critical concern for facilitating prosthetic rehabilitation. The patient underwent Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy as a non-invasive treatment modality aimed at improving trismus.
Results: Following PBM therapy, the patient’s mouth opening improved significantly from 19 mm to 23 mm. This enhancement allowed for the initiation of prosthetic rehabilitation.
Conclusion: PBM therapy is a promising treatment for managing trismus in KS by breaking down abnormal collagen deposits and reducing collagen synthesis, effectively addressing the underlying pathology. It offers significant improvements in mouth opening, which can enhance oral hygiene, nutritional intake, and overall quality of life. This non-invasive approach provides a viable option for patients with KS who require prosthetic rehabilitation.