The effect of low-level diode laser therapy on early differentiation of osteoblast via BMP-2/TGF-β1 and its receptors

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of LLDL therapy on the gene expression of osteoblast markers of growth and differentiation. Materials and methods: The MG-63 cell line was exposed to diode laser (ezLase) of 940 nm at 1-1.5 W and 3-4 J, and gene expressions (Runx-2, alkaline phosphatase [ALP], type I collagen [Col-I], osterix [OSX], osteocalcin [OSC], osteoprotegerin [OPG], bone morphogenetic protein [BMP]-2 and -7, transforming growth factor-beta 1 [TGF-beta 1], and TGF-beta receptors [TGF-beta R1, TGF-beta R2; TGF-beta R3]) were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR. Results: LLDL treatment stimulated the expression of osteoblast differentiation markers ALP, Col-I, Runx-2, and OSX in relation to the doses applied (P < 0.05), but no changes were detected in OSC, OPG, or BMP-7 at any study dose. This effect may be mediated by TGF-beta 1 and BMP-2, given that the treatment increased their expression and that of TGF-beta receptors R1, R2, and R3 (P < 0.001). Conclusion: These results suggest that the biostimulatory effect of laser therapy on osteoblasts may be attributable to the release of autocrine factors in response to the irradiation. A clinical trial is warranted to test its therapeutic usefulness in bone tissue regeneration and to define a treatment protocol. (C) 2015 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.