Systematic evaluations of skin damage irradiated by an erbium:YAG laser: histopathologic analysis, proteomic profiles, and cellular response.
BACKGROUND
The erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser is used for surgical resurfacing. It has ablative properties with water as its main chromophore.


OBJECTIVE
This study attempted to establish the cutaneous effect and cellular response to Er:YAG laser irradiation using different fluences (7.5 and 15 J/cm(2)).


METHODS
Female nude mouse was used as the animal model in the study. Physiological parameters were examined and histology was evaluated at 4, 24 and 96 h after laser exposure. A proteomic analysis and immunoblotting were also used to determine the mechanisms of the laser's effect on the skin.


RESULTS
Both fluences were associated with a significant increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema (a*), and the skin pH at 4 and 24h. In contrast, at 96 h, the levels of these parameters had generally decreased to the baseline. The histology examined by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed vacuolization, hydropic degeneration and epidermal necrosis of laser-irradiated skin. The higher fluence (15 J/cm(2)) exhibited more-severe disruption of the skin. Bulous and scarring were observed in skin treated with the higher fluence during the recovery period. p53 and p21 proteins were significantly activated in skin following exposure to the laser. However, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cytokeratin expressions were downregulated by the low fluence (7.5 J/cm(2)).


CONCLUSIONS
Both proliferation and apoptosis occurred when the laser-irradiated the skin.
Pan
Tai-Long
TL
School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Wang
Pei-Wen
PW
Lee
Wan-Ruoh
WR
Fang
Chia-Lang
CL
Chen
Chih-Chieh
CC
Huang
Chun-Ming
CM
Fang
Jia-You
JY
D000818:Animals; D034961:Antigens, Nuclear / Q000378:metabolism; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000528:radiation effects; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000528:radiation effects; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology; D050759:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 / Q000378:metabolism; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D007633:Keratins / Q000378:metabolism; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects*; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D023421:Models, Animal; D009336:Necrosis / Q000209:etiology; D040901:Proteomics; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000378:metabolism
D034961:Antigens, Nuclear; D050759:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; D007633:Keratins