The modulatory effect of 780nm low-level laser therapy on matrix metaloproteinases levels of partially injured Achilles tendons

• Grant number: 17/09658-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2017
• End date: August 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Histology
• Principal Investigator: Diva Denelle Spadacci Morena
• Grantee: Diva Denelle Spadacci Morena
• Host Institution: Instituto Butantan. Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The 780 nm LLLT shows itself as a promising resource in the treatment of Achilles tendon injuries (slow and difficult repair process) since LLLT demonstrates anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects of these lesions. However, there are still uncertainties of these 780 nm LLLT beneficial effects in MMP presence control - specially MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-13 - with are secondary pro-inflammatory factors, but with deleterious and aggravating effects of injured Achilles tendon repair process. Methods: Sixty-five male Wistar rats were randomly distributed in six groups: LASER 1, 3, and 7 (10 partially injured Achilles tendons in each group, which were treated with LLLT for 1, 3, and 7 days, respectively); Sham 1, 3, and 7 (same injury, with simulated LLLT); Control group containing the five remaining animals and in which no procedures were performed. LLLT was applied once a day for 10 sec, with a mean power of 70 mW and fluency of 17.5 J/cm2. After euthanasia, all the Achilles tendons were surgically removed and the MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-13 levels will be analyzed by immunohistochemistry. (AU)