Evaluation of low-level laser therapy of osteoblastic cells

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of biomodulation on osteoblastic cells using a gallium-aluminium-arsenide diode laser. Background Data: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-pharmacological therapeutic resource to which biological tissues respond well, producing such effects as the acceleration of bone formation and bone repair. Materials and Methods: Osteoblastic cell cultures (OFCOL II) were irradiated with a gallium-aluminium-arsenide diode laser (GaAlAs lambda = 830 nm; 50 mW; 3 J/cm(2); 600-mu m-diameter optical fiber) and divided into two groups: group 1 - irradiated cells, and group 2 - non-irradiated cells. Irradiation occurred at 24-h intervals for a total of 3 d. After each interval, the cells were marked with Mito Tracker Orange dye to assess the biostimulatory effect on mitochondrial activity and cell proliferation using an MTT assay. Results: Intense grouping of mitochondria in the perinuclear region was observed at 24 h and 48 h following irradiation. Changes from a filamentous to a granular appearance in mitochondrial morphology and mitochondria distributed throughout the cytoplasm were observed 72 h following proliferation. Such changes led to an in vitro proliferation process, as confirmed by the MTT assay. Conclusion: LLLT has shown itself capable of altering mitochondrial activity and the population of OFCOL II cells.