Modulations of VEGF and iNOS in the rat heart by low level laser therapy are associated with cardioprotection and enhanced angiogenesis

✍ Scribed by Hana Tuby; Lidya Maltz; Uri Oron

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2006
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 168 KB
• Volume: 38
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0196-8092
• DOI: 10.1002/lsm.20377

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Background and Objectives

It has been shown previously that low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) significantly reduces infarct size following induction of myocardial infarction in rats and dogs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of LLLT on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).

Study Design and Material and Methods

Myocardial infarction was induced by occlusion of the left descending artery in 87 rats. LLLT was applied to intact and post‐infarction. VEGF, iNOS, and angiogenesis were determined.

Results

Both the laser‐irradiated rat hearts post‐infarction and intact hearts demonstrated a significant increase in VEGF and iNOS expression compared to non‐laser‐irradiated hearts. LLLT also caused a significant elevation in angiogenesis.

Conclusions

It is concluded that VEGF and iNOS expression in the infarcted rat heart is markedly upregulated by LLLT and is associated with enhanced angiogenesis and cardioprotection. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.