Low-level laser effects on simulated orthodontic tension side periodontal ligament cells

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze proliferation, inflammation, and osteogenic effects on periodontal ligament (PDL) cells after low-level laser therapy (LLLT) under simulated orthodontic tension conditions. Background data: Low-level lasers affect fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis and reduce inflammation. Few studies have focused on the LLLT changes in the PDL caused by moving teeth. Materials and methods: A human PDL cell line was cultured in a -100 kPa tension incubator. The PDL cells were treated with a 670 nm low-level diode laser, output power of 500 mW (continuous wave modus) for 2.5 or 5 sec, spot area 0.25 cm2, corresponding to 1.25 and 2.5 J at an energy density of 5 or 10 J/cm2, respectively. PDL cell viability was assayed by detecting the ability of the cells to cleave tetrazolium salt to formazan dye. Inflammation and osteogenic markers were analyzed by Western blot analysis. Results: PDL cell viablity increased in the experimental group, based on the ability of the cells to cleave tetrazolium salt at day 7 (p<0.05). The experimental group showed no difference in PDL cellular morphology compared with the control group. The inflammation markers inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and interleukin (IL)-1 showed stronger expression in 5 and 10 J/cm2 therapy at days 1 and 5, but decreased in expression at day 7. The osteogenic marker osteocalcin (OC) expression level was significantly higher at day 7 (p<0.05) than in the control cells. Conclusions: LLLT significantly increased PDL cell proliferation, decreased PDL cell inflammation, and increased PDL OC activity under the tension conditions used in this study.