Effect of endovascular coronary low-level laser therapy during angioplasty on the release of endothelin-1 and nitric oxide

Abstract

Background. Nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 are potentially significant factors contributing to the pathogenesis of post-angioplasty restenosis. It may be postulated that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can favorably influence the process of restenosis by affecting those factors. Objectives. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of LLLT applied during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the factors participating in the homeostasis of vascular tone-NO and endothelin-1. Material and methods. In a randomized, prospective study of 52 subjects undergoing PCI, an additional 808 nm intravascular LLLT was applied at a dose of 9 J/cm2 in the lesion part. The control group was 49 subjects with PCI only. We assessed the concentration of nitrites/nitrates reflecting NO metabolism as well as endothelin-1 in both groups before PCI, and at 6 h, 12 h and 1 month after the procedure. In addition, half a year after PCI, a follow-up angiography was performed. Results. Statistically higher nitrite/nitrate concentrations were observed in the laser group as compared to the control group in all tests except the pre-PCI assays. Endothelin-1 levels were significantly higher in the laser group 6 h after PCI with a significant decrease in subsequent tests, which was not observed in the control group. The restenosis rate was 15.0% in the laser group and 32.4% in the control group (however the difference was not statistically significant). Conclusions. LLLT applied during the PCI procedure can influence the process of restenosis by modifying NO and endothelin-1 concentrations.