title: Role of low-level laser therapy on the cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction: A systematic review of experimental studies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We systematically reviewed the role of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literatures were systematically searched in several electronic databases. We included only studies with a well-standardized coronary occlusion model in vivo LLLT application.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After screening, 14 studies were eligible for review. The study heterogeneity was described in terms of rationality, gender, irradiation parameters, treatment numbers and moment of LLLT application. Three studies showed a null role of LLLT on infarct size, and only one study found positive LLLT effects on the cardiac performance. The cardioprotective role of LLLT was mediated by anti-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic and anti-oxidant actions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The reduction in infarct size is a major finding. The LLLT cardioprotection may be mediated by several molecular and cellular mechanisms. Although these results are exciting, there are many limitations that must be resolved before LLLT clinical trials.
authors.affiliation: Biophotonics Program, Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fernando Pereira
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Carlos
authors.affiliation: Biophotonics Program, Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gradinetti
authors.affiliation: Biophotonics Program, Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Martha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Manchini
authors.affiliation: Biophotonics Program, Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Paulo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: de Tarso Camillo de Carvalho
authors.affiliation: Medicine Program, Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: José Antonio
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Heart Institute (InCor), Universidade de São Paulo, USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Adriana Castello Costa
authors.initials: ACC
authors.lastname: Girardi
authors.affiliation: Biophotonics Program, Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ernesto Cesar Pinto
authors.initials: ECP
authors.lastname: Leal-Junior
authors.affiliation: Translational Physiology Laboratory, São Judas Tadeu University (USJT), São Paulo, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Physical Education and Aging Science, São Judas Tadeu University (USJT), São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Danilo Sales
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Bocalini
authors.affiliation: Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Stella
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vieira
authors.affiliation: Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ednei Luiz
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Antonio
authors.affiliation: Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Paulo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tucci
authors.affiliation: Biophotonics Program, Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: andreyserra@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Andrey Jorge
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Serra
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D020257:Ventricular Remodeling
keywords: Cardiac remodeling; Laser therapy; Myocardial infarction