Xellen Cunha Muniz1, Ana Carolina Correa de Assis2, Bruna Stefane Alves de Oliveira2, Luiz Fernando Romanholo Ferreira3,4, Muhammad Bilal5, Hafiz M N Iqbal6, Renato Nery Soriano7. 1. Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, 35032-620, Governador Valadares-MG, Brazil. 2. Department of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, 35032-620, Governador Valadares-MG, Brazil. 3. Graduate Program in Process Engineering, Tiradentes University (UNIT), Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, Farolândia, Aracaju-Sergipe, 49032-490, Brazil. 4. Institute of Technology and Research (ITP), Tiradentes University (UNIT), Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, Farolândia, Aracaju-Sergipe, 49032-490, Brazil. 5. School of Life Science and Food Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, 223003, China. bilaluaf@hotmail.com. 6. Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Campus Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, CP 64849, Monterrey, N.L., Mexico. 7. Division of Physiology and Biophysics, Department of Basic Life Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, 35010-177, Governador Valadares-MG, Brazil. renato.soriano@ufjf.edu.br.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Traumatic nerve injuries may result in severe motor dysfunctions. Although the microenvironment of peripheral axons favors their regeneration, regenerative process is not always successful. PURPOSE: We reviewed and discussed the main findings obtained with low-level laser therapy (LLLT), a therapeutic intervention that has been employed in order to achieve an optimized regeneration process in peripheral axons. SCOPE: Disseminating the best available evidence for the effectiveness of this therapeutic strategy can potentially improve the statistics of success in the clinical treatment of nerve injuries. We found evidence that LLLT optimizes the regeneration of peripheral axons, improving motor function, especially in animal models. Nonetheless, further clinical evidence is still needed before LLLT can be strongly recommended. Although the results are promising, the elucidation of the mechanisms of action and safety assessment are necessary to support highquality clinical studies. CONCLUSION: The present careful compilation of findings with consistent pro-regenerative evidence and published in respected scientific journals can be valuable for health professionals and researchers in the field, possibly contributing to achieve more promising results in future randomized controlled trials and interventions, providing better prognosis for clinical practice.
BACKGROUND: Traumatic nerve injuries may result in severe motor dysfunctions. Although the microenvironment of peripheral axons favors their regeneration, regenerative process is not always successful. PURPOSE: We reviewed and discussed the main findings obtained with low-level laser therapy (LLLT), a therapeutic intervention that has been employed in order to achieve an optimized regeneration process in peripheral axons. SCOPE: Disseminating the best available evidence for the effectiveness of this therapeutic strategy can potentially improve the statistics of success in the clinical treatment of nerve injuries. We found evidence that LLLT optimizes the regeneration of peripheral axons, improving motor function, especially in animal models. Nonetheless, further clinical evidence is still needed before LLLT can be strongly recommended. Although the results are promising, the elucidation of the mechanisms of action and safety assessment are necessary to support highquality clinical studies. CONCLUSION: The present careful compilation of findings with consistent pro-regenerative evidence and published in respected scientific journals can be valuable for health professionals and researchers in the field, possibly contributing to achieve more promising results in future randomized controlled trials and interventions, providing better prognosis for clinical practice.
Authors: Sylvain Nadeau; Mohammed Filali; Ji Zhang; Bradley J Kerr; Serge Rivest; Denis Soulet; Yoichiro Iwakura; Juan Pablo de Rivero Vaccari; Robert W Keane; Steve Lacroix Journal: J Neurosci Date: 2011-08-31 Impact factor: 6.167
Authors: Annie C Lee; Vivian M Yu; James B Lowe; Michael J Brenner; Daniel A Hunter; Susan E Mackinnon; Shelly E Sakiyama-Elbert Journal: Exp Neurol Date: 2003-11 Impact factor: 5.330