Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used in several in vitro experiments in order to stimulate cell proliferation. Cells such as fibroblasts, keratinocytes, lymphocytes, and osteoblasts have shown increased proliferation when submitted to laser irradiation, although little is known about the effects of LLLT on stem cells. This study aims to assess, through a systematic literature review, the effects of LLLT on the in vitro proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells. Using six different terms, we conducted an electronic search in PubMed/Medline database for articles published in the last twelve years. From 463 references obtained, only 19 papers met the search criteria and were included in this review. The analysis of the papers showed a concentration of experiments using LLLT on stem cells derived from bone marrow, dental pulp, periodontal ligament, and adipose tissue. Several protocols were used to irradiate the cells, with variations on wavelength, power density, radiation time, and state of light polarization. Most studies demonstrated an increase in the proliferation rate of the irradiated cells. It can be concluded that the laser therapy positively influences the in vitro proliferation of stem cells studied, being necessary to carry out further experiments on other cell types and to uniform the methodological designs.

SUMMARY:Bone remodeling is a process regulated by the interaction between cells and various molecules such as parathyroid hormone (PTH). The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of PTH on osteoclast activity in a culture model of bone organs. Six-day-old male C57BL/6 mice (n=14) were euthanized and the calvariae were dissected and sectioned in the middle, keeping the periosteal and endosteal. The bone fragments were divided into three groups: Group I (control -without adding PTH), Group II (addition of 3 nM PTH) and Group III (30 nM PTH), all cultured in aMEM for up to 72 h osteoclast activity was evaluated by biochemical quantification of calcium released in the culture medium at intervals of 24, 48, and 72 h and by histomorphometric analysis of bone resorption lacunae at 72 h our results show that group II exhibited significantly higher values of calcium levels in the medium compared to group I (p<0.05) in all intervals, also being higher for group III at 24 hours (p<0.05). Group II promoted a greater demineralization area (22068 ± 2193 mm 2 ) than those found in group I (2084 ± 38 mm 2 ) and group III (8952 ± 246 mm 2 ), with statistically significant difference (p<0.001) among all groups. We concluded that in culture model of bone organs PTH promotes higher bone resorption when administered in lower doses.