Acute effects of low-level laser therapy (660 nm) on oxidative stress levels in diabetic rats with skin wounds.

BACKGROUND

Laser therapy influences oxidative stress parameters such as the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the production of reactive oxygen species.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effects of low-level laser therapy on oxidative stress in diabetics rats with skin wounds.

METHODS

Thirty-six animals were divided into 4 groups: NDNI: non-diabetic rats with cutaneous wounds that not received laser therapy; NDI: non-diabetic rats with cutaneous wounds that received laser therapy; DNI: diabetic rats with skin wounds who did not undergo laser therapy; DI: rats with diabetes insipidus and cutaneous wounds and received laser therapy. The animals were treated with LLLT (660 nm, 100 mW, 6 J/cm, spot size 0.028 cm). On the day of killing the animals, tissue-wrapped cutaneous wounds were collected and immediately frozen, centrifuged, and stored to analyze malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.

RESULTS

Significant difference was observed within the groups of MDA levels (ANOVA, p = 0.0001). Tukey's post-hoc test showed significantly lower values of MDA in irradiated tissues, both in diabetic and non-diabetic rats. ANOVA of the diabetic group revealed a significant difference (p < 0.01) when all groups, except NDI and DI, were compared.

CONCLUSIONS

LLLT was effective in decreasing MDA levels in acute surgical wounds in diabetic rats.