Effect of low-level laser therapy on malondialdehyde concentration in random cutaneous flap viability.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the effects of 830 and 670 nm laser on malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in random skin-flap survival.


BACKGROUND
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been reported to be successful in stimulating the formation of new blood vessels and activating superoxide-dismutase delivery, thus helping the inhibition of free-radical action and consequently reducing necrosis.


METHODS
Thirty Wistar rats were used and divided into three groups, with 10 rats in each one. A random skin flap was raised on the dorsum of each animal. Group 1 was the control group; group 2 received 830 nm laser radiation; and group 3 was submitted to 670 nm laser radiation. The animals underwent laser therapy with 36 J/cm(2) energy density immediately after surgery and on the 4 days subsequent to surgery. The application site of the laser radiation was 1 point, 2.5 cm from the flap's cranial base. The percentage of the skin-flap necrosis area was calculated 7 days postoperative using the paper-template method, and a skin sample was collected immediately after as a way of determining the MDA concentration.


RESULTS
Statistically significant differences were found between the necrosis percentages, with higher values seen in group 1 compared with groups 2 and 3. Groups 2 and 3 did not present statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Group 3 had a lower concentration of MDA values compared to the control group (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
LLLT was effective in increasing the random skin-flap viability in rats, and the 670 nm laser was efficient in reducing the MDA concentration.
Prado
Rodrigo
R
Department of Surgery and Anatomy, University of São Paulo-FMRP-USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. paschoalrp@hotmail.com
Neves
Lais
L
Marcolino
Alexandre
A
Ribeiro
Tiago
T
Pinfildi
Carlos
C
Ferreira
Lydia
L
Thomazini
José
J
Piccinato
Carlos
C
D000818:Animals; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008297:Male; D008315:Malondialdehyde / Q000097:blood*; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000528:radiation effects; D009336:Necrosis; D051381:Rats; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology
D008315:Malondialdehyde