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Effects of the invasive and non-invasive systemic photobiomodulation using low-level laser in experimental models: A systematic review

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Abstract

Systemic photobiomodulation (PBM) of the blood or over blood vessels has been associated with bio-stimulating, vasodilating, and anti-inflammatory properties. This treatment modality has been used for modulating inflammatory processes, tissue repair, atherosclerosis, and systemic arterial hypertension, and is described more often in clinical studies than experimental models. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to conduct a literature review regarding the effect of systemic PBM involving the intravascular laser irradiation of blood (ILIB) or non-invasive vascular photobiomodulation (VPBM) using low-level laser (LLL) in experimental (animal) models. The PubMed/MEDLINE®, Scopus, SPIE Digital Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles on the use of VPBM with LLL in animal models. Nine original articles met the inclusion criteria and were critically evaluated. The variables of interest were the dosimetric laser parameters, different methods for delivering energy, and the main results. The use laser in the red spectrum was more prevalent and VPBM (non-invasive) predominated over ILIB (invasive). No standardization was found in the dosimetric parameters. However, the studies showed the positive effects of VPBM on arterial pressure and blood circulation, the positive effects of ILIB on blood composition and hematological markers, as well as positive effects of both forms of systemic PBM (ILIB and VPBM) on the tissue repair process. In conclusion, the studies evaluated in the present review showed that the use of systemic PBM with ILIB or non-invasive VPBM induced positive effects, modulating metabolic conditions and tissue repair. However, there is a need for standardization in the dosimetric parameters for the different conditions and processes evaluated using experimental models.

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Funding

This work was funded by São Paulo Research Foundation ‐ FAPESP (2020/13976–0), Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior—CAPES (88887.481244/2020–00), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico—CNPq (310491/2021–5) and UNINOVE.

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All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Investigation, Writing-Original draft preparation, Visualization, Data curation, Formal analysis were performed by [Tainá Caroline dos Santos Malavazzi], [Kristianne Porta Santos Fernandes] and [Talita Christine Camilo Lopez]. Validation, Visualization, Formal analysis, Writing- Original draft preparation were performed by [Maria Fernanda Setubal Destro Rodrigues], [Anna Carolina Ratto Tempestini Horliana]. Project administration, Validation, Writing-Reviewing and Editing, Resources and Supervision were performed by [Sandra Kalil Bussadori] and [Raquel Agnelli Mesquita-Ferrari] and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Raquel Agnelli Mesquita-Ferrari.

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dos Santos Malavazzi, T.C., Fernandes, K.P.S., Lopez, T.C.C. et al. Effects of the invasive and non-invasive systemic photobiomodulation using low-level laser in experimental models: A systematic review. Lasers Med Sci 38, 137 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-023-03799-x

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