Features of Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Regulation of Reparative Processes in Chronic Wounds Using Photobiomodulation Therapy

Abstract

Introduction: Treatment of chronic wounds is an urgent worldwide problem for medicine. Among the many efforts in wound healing techniques, photobiomodulation therapy has shown promising results. Aim: To study the effect of photobiomodulation therapy on optimisation of the regulation of reparative processes in chronic wounds by cytokines (through the example of interleukin-1β, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-4, interleukin-10, and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor). Materials and methods: The study involved 12 Wistar rats. A trophic wound was modelled in the animals. After the operation, the animals were divided into two groups of 6 animals each. The wound defects of animals in the experimental group were exposed to low-intensity laser radiation. Photobiomodulation therapy was applied once a day for 5 days, starting the day after wound modelling. The device Lika-therapist M (Ukraine) was used in a continuous mode at a wavelength of 660 nm, an output power of 50 mW, and an energy density of 1 J/cm2 and 60 s exposure time. Results: The study showed the following changes in the expression of intercellular mediators in the blood serum of animals with chronic wounds when using photobiomodulation therapy: a decrease in the levels of interleukin-1β (p>0.05) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (p<0.05); increased concentrations of interleukin-4 (p<0.05); the concentrations of interleukin-6, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor, and interleukin-10 were not significantly changed. The histological study showed better organization of collagen fibers in the experimental group. Conclusions: Photobiomodulation therapy can be an instrument for optimizing the reparative process by correcting the regulation by intercellular mediators.