Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Improves the Repair Process of Peripheral Nerve Injuries: A Mini Review

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been investigated because of its intimate relationship with tissue recovery processes, such as on peripheral nerve damage. Based on the wide range of benefits that the PBMT has shown and its clinical relevance, the aim of this research was to carry out a systematic review of the last 10 years, ascertaining the influence of the PBMT in the regeneration of injured peripheral nerves. The search was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE database with the combination of the keywords: low-level laser therapy AND nerve regeneration. Initially, 54 articles were obtained, 26 articles of which were chosen for the study according to the inclusion criteria. In the qualitative aspect, it was observed that PBMT was able to accelerate the process of nerve regeneration, presenting an increase in the number of myelinated fibers and a better lamellar organization of myelin sheath, besides improvement of electrophysiological function, immunoreactivity, high functionality rate, decrease of inflammation, pain, and the facilitation of neural regeneration, release of growth factors, increase of vascular network and collagen. It was concluded that PBMT has beneficial effects on the recovery of nerve lesions, especially when related to a faster regeneration and functional improvement, despite the variety of parameters.

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“…Its beneficial effects are independent of the repair technique, neurorrhaphy techniques, and the use of fibrin sealants [3,6,7,21]. …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: A Systematic Review

et al. 2018

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Effect of low-level laser therapy on neurorehabilitation: A narrative review

Soluki

Abdolmaleki

Mahmoudi

et al. 2021

Journal of Laser Applications

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Low-power laser therapy (LLLT) has become a common practice in medicine, particularly in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The purpose of this review study was to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy on neurological disorders such as peripheral nerve regeneration, spinal cord injury, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases. Laser therapy increases ATP synthesis and reduces oxidative stress by improving the efficiency of the electron transport chain in the mitochondria. It also activates transcription factors, suppresses inflammatory factors, and influences neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor. This review study affirms the beneficial effect of LLLT on neurorehabilitation since LLLT produced a significant amount of structural and cellular change. The results of this review suggest that laser therapy may be a viable approaches for treatment the neurological disorders.

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