Wound healing treatment by high frequency ultrasound, microcurrent, and combined therapy modifies the immune response in rats

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic high-frequency ultrasound, microcurrent, and a combination of the two have been used as potential interventions in the soft tissue healing process, but little is known about their effect on the immune system. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of therapeutic high frequency ultrasound, microcurrent, and the combined therapy of the two on the size of the wound area, peritoneal macrophage function, CD4+ and CD8+, T lymphocyte populations, and plasma concentration of interleukins (ILs). METHOD: Sixty-five Wistar rats were randomized into five groups, as follows: uninjured control (C, group 1), lesion and no treatment (L, group 2), lesion treated with ultrasound (LU, group 3), lesion treated with microcurrent (LM, group 4), and lesion treated with combined therapy (LUM, group 5). For groups 3, 4 and 5, treatment was initiated 24 hours after surgery under anesthesia and each group was allocated into three different subgroups (n=5) to allow for the use of the different therapy resources at on days 3, 7 and 14 Photoplanimetry was performed daily. After euthanasia, blood was collected for immune analysis. RESULTS: Ultrasound increased the phagocytic capacity and the production of nitric oxide by macrophages and induced the reduction of CD4+ cells, the CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and the plasma concentration of IL-1β. Microcurrent and combined therapy decreased the production of superoxide anion, nitric oxide, CD4+-positive cells, the CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and IL-1β concentration. CONCLUSIONS:Therapeutic high-frequency ultrasound, microcurrent, and combined therapy changed the activity of the innate and adaptive immune system during healing process but did not accelerate the closure of the wound.

Combined Ultrasound and Electric Field Stimulation Aids the Healing of Chronic Pressure Ulcers

“…Our results compare favorably with those reported by Korelo et al [9], and with the results utilized for the implementation of therapies for the treatment of pressure ulcers by the EPUAP [21,22].…”

“…Both ultrasound and electric field stimulation are known to have positive effects on cellular metabolic rates [9]. This is true when the general health and metabolic function of the patients are within normal limits.…”

“…Ultrasound therapy has likewise been reported in the literature as an adjunct therapy in wound care for approximately 50 years [7,8]. The combination of the two modalities as a therapy for wound care has only been reported once in the literature [9]. The effects of these modalities on the skin and underlying tissues, and their effect on wound healing are many and diverse.…”

Prozessmodulierte Mikrostromtherapie (ZYTOENERGESE®) im Rahmen der stationären Frührehabilitation nach Knie- bzw. Hüftoperationen

“…Alle diese Effekte könnten auch mit den piezoelektrischen Eigenschaften von Kollagenfasern im Zusammenhang stehen, die synergistisch mit dem "Transforming growth factor -beta" wirken [25,26]. Der Einfluss elektrischer Felder wird auch auf die Vorgänge des Immunsystems (unter anderem Reduktion der Superoxid-Anionenproduktion und Interleukin-1β Konzentration) beschrieben, wobei auch hier eine Kombination mit Ultraschall einen positiven Effekt zeigt, was wiederum auf einen möglichen Zusammenhang mit piezoelektrischen Phänomenen hinweisen könnte [27]. Auch bei der Wundheilung zeigen sich unterschiedliche Wirkungen in der Behandlung mit Elektrotherapie im Mikroampere Bereich im Gegensatz zu Dosierungen im Milliampere Bereich [28].…”

Effects of Aloe vera Cream On Skin Wound Healing In Sprague Dawley Rats: The Role of CD4+ And CD8+ Lymphocytes

“…T lymphocytes, especially CD4 + plays the important role in wound healing by secreted lymphokines to activate fibroblast, as wound antiinflammatory agent and activate factor in major histocompatibility complex(MHC) class II. On the other hand, CD8 + lymphocytes plays as pro-inflammatory and activate factor in MHC class I [10].…”