Effect of low intensity helium-neon (He-Ne) laser irradiation on diabetic wound healing dynamics.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of low-energy He-Ne laser treatment on wound healing dynamics (histological and biochemical) in diabetic rats.


BACKGROUND
Low-energy laser photostimulation at certain wavelengths can enhance tissue repair by releasing growth factors from fibroblasts and can facilitate the healing process of diabetic wounds.


METHODS
A circular 4 cm2 excisional wound was created on the dorsum of the experimentally (Alloxan)-induced diabetic rats. In the study group (N = 24) the wound was treated with He-Ne laser (632.8 nm wavelength) at a dose of 4.8 J/cm2 for 5 days a week until the wound healed completely. The control group (N = 24) was sham-irradiated. The results were statistically analyzed by an independent t test for biochemical analysis and the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test for histopathological parameters.


RESULTS
The analysis of the biochemical parameters and histopathological parameters of the wounds showed that the laser-treated group healed faster and better as compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). The laser-treated group healed on average by the 18th day whereas, the control group healed on average by the 59th day.


CONCLUSIONS
Laser photostimulation promotes the tissue repair process of diabetic wounds.
Maiya
G Arun
GA
Department of Physiotherapy, MAHE University, Manipal, India. ajmaiya@yahoo.com
Kumar
Pramod
P
Rao
Laxmi
L
D000818:Animals; D002196:Capillaries / Q000528:radiation effects; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000528:radiation effects; D003094:Collagen / Q000032:analysis; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000098:blood supply / Q000528:radiation effects; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000528:radiation effects; D006097:Granulation Tissue / Q000528:radiation effects; D006909:Hydroxyproline / Q000032:analysis; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*
D003094:Collagen; D006909:Hydroxyproline