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ResumoEm um contexto de aumento da prevalência de queixas de dores na coluna, a síndrome facetária se destaca como um importante causador. Alternativas como a ablação por radiofrequência (RF) podem ser uma opção de terapia para alívio da dor crônica que essa patologia pode causar. É necessário analisar a eficácia do tratamento da síndrome facetária pela técnica de ablação por radiofrequência tradicional e o alívio gerado nas dores lombares crônicas (DLC). O presente estudo trata-se de uma revisão sistemática cujo os critérios de inclusão para análise foram: título; estudos observacionais; ensaios clínicos; ensaio clínico controlado; estudos clínicos e publicação nos últimos dezessete anos (2005–2022). Já os critérios de exclusão foram: artigos que abordavam outras temáticas e artigos de revisão. As bases utilizadas para coleta de dados incluíram Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System online (Medline), Pubmed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Lilacs, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. Os termos utilizados para a pesquisa foram: facet; pain; lumbar; radiofrequency. Aplicando-se os filtros foram encontrados 142 estudos, 12 foram incluídos. Os estudos em sua maioria apontaram ser benéfica a técnica de ablação por radiofrequência tradicional no alívio das dores lombares crônicas refratárias ao tratamento conservador.

The aim of this study was to evaluate photobiomodulation effects on mRNA relative levels from genes of base excision repair and genomic stabilization in heart tissue from an experimental model of acute lung injury by sepsis. For experimental procedure, animals were randomly assigned to six main groups: (1) control group was animals treated with intraperitoneal saline solution; (2) LASER-10 was animals treated with intraperitoneal saline solution and exposed to an infrared laser at 10 J cm

Radiations emitted by low power radiation sources have been applied for therapeutic proposals due to their capacity of inactivating bacteria and cancer cells in photodynamic therapy and stimulating tissue cells in photobiomodulation. Exposure to these radiations could increase cell proliferation in bacterial cultures under stressful conditions. Cells in infected or not infected tissue injuries are also under stressful conditions and photobiomodulation-induced regenerative effect on tissue injuries could be related to effects on stressed cells. The understanding of the effects on cells under stressful conditions could render therapies based on photobiomodulation more efficient as well as expand them. Thus, the objective of this review was to update the studies reporting photobiomodulation on prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells under stress conditions. Exposure to radiations emitted by low power radiation sources could induce adaptive responses enabling cells to survive in stressful conditions, such as those experienced by bacteria in their host and by eukaryotic cells in injured tissues. Adaptive responses could be the basis for clinical photobiomodulation applications, either considering their contraindication for treatment of infected injuries or indication for treatment of injuries, inflammatory process resolution, or tissue regeneration.

O Brasil chamou a atenção do mundo recentemente devido ao surto de pessoas infectadas por Zika Virus (ZIKV) e por mulheres cujos recém-nascidos apresentavam microcefalia após infecção durante a gestação. Recentemente as pesquisa avançaram na área da prevenção da contaminação e nos casos de microcefalia. Entretanto, os pais ou cuidadores primários (cuidadores familiares) dessas crianças, que hoje têm aproximadamente 4 anos de idade, permanecem sem a merecida atenção. Os cuidadores familiares dessas crianças com microcefalia induzida por ZIKV podem apresentar os mesmos problemas de outros cuidadores. A maioria dos cuidadores familiares apresentam sintomas de estresse, depressão e ansiedade, onde quanto maior o grau de dependência da criança, menor é a qualidade de vida deles, tornando-os indicados a programas suporte psicológico. O objetivo desse estudo foi realizar uma revisão sobre o apoio psicológico para cuidadores familiares de crianças com microcefalia induzida por ZIKV. Após esta revisão de literatura ficou claro que os desafios dos cuidados de crianças vítimas de microcefalia induzida por ZIKV permanece ofuscada pela preocupação mundial de conter a epidemia. O que prolonga identificação precoce principalmente de estresse e depressão nos cuidadores familiares atrasando a inserção deles em programas de apoio psicológico para melhora de sua qualidade de vida.

Knowledge of a persistent median artery, defined as an anatomical vascular variation, is of clinical importance because it can be an unusual etiology of carpal tunnel syndrome. This report describes the case of a 42-year-old female patient with acute pain and paresthesia involving the volar aspect of the first, second, and third fingers of the left hand. The clinical manifestations pointed to compressive neuropathy of the median nerve, and diagnostic imaging showed anatomical vascular variation. Details were collected through interviews with the patient, and photographic records of imaging exams were thoroughly analyzed. This case study shows the importance of the identification and knowledge about anatomical variations considering that under specific pathological conditions, they can be a cause of clinical syndromes. Such knowledge is also important in the field of surgery for the prevention of iatrogenic injuries. El conocimiento de una arteria mediana persistente, definida como una variación vascular anatómica, es de importancia clínica porque puede ser una etiología poco común del síndrome del túnel carpiano. Este informe describe el caso de una paciente de 42 años con dolor agudo y parestesia que afectaba la cara volar del primer, segundo y tercer dedo de la mano izquierda. Las manifestaciones clínicas apuntaban a neuropatía compresiva del nervio mediano y el diagnóstico por imágenes mostró variación anatómica vascular. Los detalles se recogieron a través de una entrevista con el paciente y se analizaron cuidadosamente los registros fotográficos de los exámenes de imagen. Este caso de estudio muestra la importancia de identificar y conocer las variaciones anatómicas, ya que, en determinadas condiciones patológicas, pueden ser causa de síndromes clínicos. Este conocimiento también es importante en el campo de la cirugía para la prevención de lesiones iatrogénicas. O conhecimento de uma artéria mediana persistente, definida como uma variação vascular anatômica, é de importância clínica porque pode ser uma etiologia incomum para a síndrome do túnel do carpo. Este relato descreve o caso de uma paciente de 42 anos com dor aguda e parestesia envolvendo a face volar do primeiro, segundo e terceiro dedos da mão esquerda. As manifestações clínicas apontaram para neuropatia compressiva do nervo mediano e o diagnóstico por imagem mostrou variação vascular anatômica. Os detalhes foram coletados por meio de entrevista com a paciente e os registros fotográficos dos exames de imagem foram minuciosamente analisados. Este estudo de caso mostra a importância da identificação e do conhecimento das variações anatômicas, visto que, em condições patológicas específicas, podem ser causa de síndromes clínicas. Esse conhecimento também é importante na área de cirurgia para a prevenção de lesões iatrogênicas.

Psicotrópicos são medicações que, ao atuarem principalmente no sistema nervoso central, alteram temporariamente o humor, comportamento e consciência, sendo fatores que corroboram para seu uso não médico, principalmente nas universidades. O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar sobre a prevalência do consumo abusivo de psicotrópicos por estudantes e discutir os possíveis motivos e consequências negativas. O levantamento bibliográfico foi realizado por meio das plataformas PubMed e SciELO, de onde foram selecionados 25 artigos após o uso dos descritores “psychotropic drugs AND students”, “anxiolytics AND students” e “anxiety AND depression AND students” e aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, no período de março a abril de 2021. Através da análise dos artigos, foi visto que a alta prevalência do consumo não médico entre universitários é marcada principalmente pelo uso de depressores do sistema nervoso central, sendo o uso recreativo, automedicação e melhora do desempenho acadêmico os objetivos listados. Foi demonstrada a relevância do estudo ao expor as possíveis consequências à saúde decorrente ao uso abusivo, além de identificar o predomínio do consumo pelo sexo feminino e a influência da carga de estudo como principal motivo para início do uso não médico. Em conclusão, é importante a conscientização dos estudantes quanto ao consumo impróprio de medicações prescritas, deixando claro possíveis impactos à saúde que podem causar, e a importância de lidar com o estresse de forma saudável. Psychotropic drugs are medications that by acting mainly on the central nervous system, temporarily alter mood, behavior and consciousness, which are factors that corroborate to their non-medical use, especially within universities. The aim of this review was to analyze the prevalence of abusive consumption by students, besides discussing possible reasons and negative consequences. The bibliographic survey was carried out using the platforms PubMed and SciELO, from which 25 articles were selected for the review after using the descriptors “psychotropic drugs AND students”, “anxiolytics AND students” and “anxiety AND depression AND students” and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, from march to april of 2021. Through the analysis of the articles, it was seen that the high prevalence of non-medical consumption among university students is mainly marked by the use of central nervous system depressants, with recreational use, self-medication and improvement in academic performance being the aims listed. The relevance of the study was demonstrated by exposing possible health consequences of abusive use, in addition to identifying the predominance of consumption by females and the influence of the study load as the main reason for starting the non-medical use. In conclusion, it is important to raise awareness among students about the inappropriate consumption of prescribed medications, making clear the possible health impacts they may cause and the importance of dealing with stress in a healthy way. Las psicofármacos son medicamentos que, al actuar principalmente en el sistema nervioso central, alteran temporalmente el estado de ánimo, el comportamiento y la conciencia, siendo factores que corroboran su uso no médico, especialmente en las universidades. El objetivo de este estudio fue revisar la prevalencia del abuso psicotrópico por parte de los estudiantes y discutir posibles razones y consecuencias negativas. La encuesta bibliográfica se realizó a través de las plataformas PubMed y SciELO, de las cuales se seleccionaron 25 artículos tras el uso de los descriptores “psychotropic drugs AND students”, “anxiolytics AND students” e “anxiety AND depression AND students” y aplicación de criterios de inclusión y exclusión, de marzo a abril de 2021. A través del análisis de los artículos, se observó que la alta prevalencia de consumo no médico entre los estudiantes universitarios está marcada principalmente por el uso de depresores del sistema nervioso central, y el uso recreativo, la automedicación y la mejora del rendimiento académico son los objetivos enumerados. La relevancia del estudio se demostró al exponer las posibles consecuencias para la salud resultantes del uso abusivo, además de identificar el predominio del consumo por parte de las mujeres y la influencia de la carga del estudio como la razón principal para el inicio del uso no médico. En conclusión, es importante concienciar a los estudiantes sobre el consumo inadecuado de medicamentos recetados, dejando en claro los posibles impactos en la salud que pueden causar, y la importancia de lidiar con el estrés de una manera saludable.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) by dual-wavelength low-power lasers on the healing and bacterial bioburden of pressure ulcer (PU) models. Twenty-five male Swiss mice were divided into five equal groups. Ischemia reperfusion cycles were employed to cause PU formation by the external application of magnetic plates. Immediately after wounding, a suspension of Pantoea agglomerans was applied at the base of all the wounds of the infected groups, using a calibrated pipette. PBM (simultaneous emission at 660 and 808 nm, 142.8 J/cm2, in continuous wave emission mode) was applied to the PUs for 14 sessions. The animals were euthanized 14 days after PU induction, and their tissues were analyzed for wound contraction and reepithelialization, epidermis thickness, bacterial survival, and IL-1β and IL-10 mRNA level evaluations. The PU areas appeared larger in the mice from the infected groups than in those in the laser group 4 days after PU induction and presented incomplete reepithelialization 14 days after PU induction. However, the PBM accelerated the wound healing in the infected + laser group compared with the infected group 11 and 14 days following the PU induction. The infected and irradiated PUs exhibited a thinner neo-epidermis than those in the infected group, and the bacterial survival decreased in the laser group; the relative expression IL-1β mRNA levels demonstrated an increasing tendency while the relative expression IL-10 mRNA levels demonstrated a decreasing tendency in the infected + laser and laser groups. These results suggest that PBM improves healing by killing or inhibiting bacteria in PUs as well as by accelerating the wound healing, resulting in tissue repair.

Os tumores de tronco cerebral não são apenas um único tipo de tumor, na verdade, trata-se de uma variedade de neoplasias de origem glial (gliomas). Geralmente são diagnosticados em crianças numa faixa etária de 5 a 9 anos. Podem se apresentar com aspecto focal (menor de 2 cm) ou aspecto difuso (um padrão infiltrativo). A sobrevida de portadores de gliomas focais é maior que a dos pacientes com gliomas difusos e ainda que seja uma glioma de baixo grau, a expectativa de vida é de no máximo 15 anos. O objetivo do presente relato é apresentar o caso de uma paciente de seis anos com tumor no tronco cerebral, com localização focal no bulbo que teve uma expectativa de vida além das reportadas anteriormente na literatura. Não é comum encontrar pacientes cuja sobrevida supera as expectativas como o caso relatado. Aos seis anos esta paciente diagnosticada com um glioma de tronco cerebral de localização focal no bulbo, foi submetida ao tratamento com quimioradioterapia e sobrevive. Atualmente está com 25 anos, sem alterações neurocognitivas e apenas com algumas alterações motoras no dimídio direito.

This study aimed to assess the levels of anxiety, depression, and quality of life in hospitalized men and women using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Short Form-36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). 60 patients of both sexes were recruited from at the outpatient department of the Hospital Universitário de Vassouras (HUV). The HADS-Anxiety (HADS-A) and BAI questionnaires were used to assess anxiety; the HADS-Depression (HADS-D) questionnaire to assess levels of depression, and the SF-36 to assess the quality of life. The results indicated that hospitalized women had higher levels of anxiety when compared to men. No difference was observed in the levels of depression between men and women. Regarding quality of life, women showed more deterioration in general and mental health compared to men. Thus, the findings suggest that hospitalized women have higher levels of anxiety when compared to men and that this increase can lead to worse general and mental health. Professionals should be aware of possible psychological changes in hospitalized women as they can affect the overall quality of life.

Acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome can occur as a result of sepsis. Cardiac dysfunction is a serious component of multi-organ failure caused by severe sepsis. Telomere shortening is related to several heart diseases. Telomeres are associated with the shelterin protein complex, which contributes to the maintenance of telomere length. Low-power infrared lasers modulate mRNA levels of shelterin complex genes. This study aimed to evaluate effects of a low-power infrared laser on mRNA relative levels of genes involved in telomere stabilization and telomere length in heart tissue of an experimental model of acute lung injury caused by sepsis. Animals were divided into six groups, treated with intraperitoneal saline solution, saline solution and exposed to a low-power infrared laser at 10 J cm-2 and 20 J cm-2, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and LPS and, after 4 h, exposed to a low-power infrared laser at 10 J cm-2 and 20 J cm-2. The laser exposure was performed only once. Analysis of mRNA relative levels and telomere length by RT-qPCR was performed. Telomere shortening and reduction in mRNA relative levels of TRF1 mRNA in heart tissues of LPS-induced ALI animals were observed. In addition, laser exposure increased the telomere length at 10 J cm-2 and modulated the TRF1 mRNA relative levels of at 20 J cm-2 in healthy animals. Although the telomeres were shortened and mRNA levels of TRF1 gene were increased in nontreated controls, the low-power infrared laser irradiation increased the telomere length at 10 J cm-2 in cardiac tissue of animals affected by LPS-induced acute lung injury, which suggests that telomere maintenance is a part of the photobiomodulation effect induced by infrared radiation.

Muscle injuries are common, especially in sports and cumulative trauma disorder, and their repair is influenced by free radical formation, which causes damages in lipids, proteins and DNA. Oxidative DNA damages are repaired by base excision repair and nucleotide excision repair, ensuring telomeric and genomic stability. There are few studies on this topic in skeletal muscle cells. This review focuses on base excision repair and nucleotide excision repair, telomere regulation and how telomeric stabilization influences healthy muscle, injured muscle, exercise, and its relationship with aging. In skeletal muscle, genomic stabilization and telomere regulation seem to play an important role in tissue health, influencing muscle injury repair. Thus, therapies targeting mechanisms of DNA repair and telomeric regulation could be new approaches for improving repair and prevention of skeletal muscle injuries in young and old people.

Avaliar o FH, a TEWL e elasticidade cutânea em crianças e adolescentes por meio de variáveis como umidade e oleosidade da pele. Trata-se de um estudo piloto observacional, transversal e de natureza quantitativa realizado em escola privada de Vassouras em março de 2020, com 27 alunos de 11 a 15 anos. Os resultados demonstraram equilíbrio FH razoável na face, ruim na nuca e variação de razoável a ruim nos membros superiores e de bom a ruim nos inferiores. A elasticidade se mostrou não favorável na face, nuca e na maior parte dos membros superiores e inferiores. Os valores de TEWL variaram de acordo com a região e decorrem de mudanças na umidade e oleosidade, enquanto a elasticidade alterou devido à umidade.

Psicose é um termo amplo que caracteriza uma série de distúrbios que têm em comum a produção dos chamados sintomas psicóticos, principalmente delírios e alucinações. Os transtornos psicóticos podem ser divididos em primários e secundários, incluindo-se nesta última categoria os transtornos psicóticos induzidos por substâncias, dentre as quais se destacam as drogas recreativas. O objetivo desta revisão foi analisar as principais características fisiopatológicas, sintomáticas, diagnósticas e terapêuticas dos transtornos psicóticos relacionados ao uso de drogas recreativas. Foi realizada uma busca por trabalhos prévios nas plataformas SciELO, Lilacs e PubMed e um total de 27 artigos científicos foram incluídos após a aplicação de critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Através dos estudos analisados foi observado que as drogas mais frequentemente associadas com transtornos psicóticos foram cannabis, anfetaminas, o álcool e a cocaína, sendo que os delírios, especialmente persecutórios, e as alucinações auditivas foram os principais sintomas relatados. Embora a fisiopatologia destes distúrbios não esteja completamente esclarecida, há evidências de que o uso de drogas ilícitas sejam um fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de eventos psicóticos, desta forma, o conhecimento dos fatores envolvidos nessa relação é importante na prática clínica. Em conclusão, é importante que os profissionais de saúde saibam que o uso de drogas recreativas pode levar ao desenvolvimento de psicose e que saibam avaliar a melhor forma de abordar esses pacientes para que possam oferecer o melhor suporte possível.

O mundo virtual é uma realidade dos adolescentes em todo o mundo. Consequência disso, é um meio em que pode ser um facilitador de sintomas de transtornos alimentares. Os distúrbios da alimentação ocorrem por alterações psíquicas e comportamentais e afetam a saúde, principalmente em indivíduos jovens. O objetivo da revisão sistemática é compreender quanto as mídias de massa interferem nos distúrbios alimentares. Foram encontrados 27 artigos nas bases de dados PubMed, LILACS e SciELo nos últimos 10 anos após critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Os resultados obtidos foram a prevalência dos transtornos alimentares em adolescentes do sexo feminino, em segundo lugar, a persuasão e subversão das mídias de massa sobre um público sem um poder de criticidade. E também, reflexos desses distúrbios na insatisfação corporal e baixa autoestima advindos dos corpos utópicos sustentados pela sociedade e veiculados pela internet. A dinâmica encontrada é a socialização dos jovens no contexto de criação de corpos perfeitos e modelos ideais, sobretudo em mulheres adolescentes, que sofrem a pressão do patriarcado. Com isso, os sofrimentos psíquicos se expandem para a insatisfação corporal e por fim, as estratégias de comunicação e marketing atuam ativamente sobre essa vulnerabilidade desse grupo social. Assim, analisou-se que as redes sociais ampliam a propagação de transtornos alimentares com isso, é necessária uma regulamentação do uso das redes sociais e educação midiática para que a criticidade seja estimulada nos jovens juntamente com apoio psicológico.

Low-level infrared laser is considered safe and effective for treatment of muscle injuries. However, the mechanism involved on beneficial effects of laser therapy are not understood. The aim was to evaluate cell viability, reactive oxygen species, apoptosis, and necrosis in myoblast cultures exposed to low-level infrared laser at therapeutic fluences. C2C12 myoblast cultures at different (2 and 10 %) fetal bovine serum (FBS) concentrations were exposed to low-level infrared laser (808 nm, 100 mW) at different fluences (10, 35, and 70 J/cm(2)) and evaluated after 24, 48, and 72 h. Cell viability was evaluated by WST-1 assay; reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, and necrosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. Cell viability was decreased atthe lowest FBS concentration. Laser exposure increased the cell viability in myoblast cultures at 2 % FBS after 48 and 72 h, but no significant increase in ROS was observed. Apoptosis was decreased at the higher fluence and necrosis was increased at lower fluence in myoblast cultures after 24 h of laser exposure at 2 % FBS. No laser-induced alterations were obtained at 10 % FBS. Results show that level of reactive oxygen species is not altered, at least to those evaluated in this study, but low-level infrared laser exposure affects cell viability, apoptosis, and necrosis in myoblast cultures depending on laser fluence and physiologic conditions of cells.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury (ALI) are defined as pulmonary inflammation that could occur from sepsis and lead to pulmonary permeability and alveolar edema making them life-threatening diseases. Photobiomodulation (PBM) properties have been widely described in the literature in several inflammatory diseases; although the mechanisms of action are not always clear, this could be a possible treatment for ARDS/ALI. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the mRNA levels from caspase-3 and BCL-2 genes and DNA fragmentation in lung tissue from Wistar rats affected by ALI and subjected to photobiomodulation by exposure to a low power infrared laser (808 nm; 100 mW; 3.571 W cm−2; four points per lung). Adult male Wistar rats were randomized into 6 groups (n = 5, for each group): control, PBM10 (10 J cm−2, 2 J and 2 seconds), PBM20 (20 J cm−2, 5 J and 5 seconds), ALI, ALI + PBM10 and ALI + PBM20. ALI was induced by intraperitoneal Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide injection. Lung samples were collected and divided for mRNA expression of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 and DNA fragmentation quantifications. Data show that caspase-3 mRNA levels are reduced and Bcl-2 mRNA levels increased in ALI after low power infrared laser exposure when compared to the non-exposed ALI group. DNA fragmentation increased in inflammatory infiltrate cells and reduced in alveolar cells. Our research shows that photobiomodulation can alter relative mRNA levels in genes involved in the apoptotic process and DNA fragmentation in inflammatory and alveolar cells after lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury. Also, inflammatory cell apoptosis is part of the photobiomodulation effects induced by exposure to a low power infrared laser.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is defined as respiratory failure syndrome, in which the pathogenesis could occur from sepsis making it a life-threatening disease by uncontrolled hyperinflammatory responses. A possible treatment for ALI is the use of low-power infrared lasers (LPIL), whose therapeutical effects depend on wavelength, power, fluence, and emission mode. The evaluation mRNA levels of repair gene related to oxidative damage after exposure to LPIL could provide important information about the modulation of genes as treatment for ALI. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the mRNA levels from OGG1, APEX1, ERCC2, and ERCC1 genes in lung tissue from Wistar rats affected by ALI and after exposure to LPIL (808 nm; 100 mW). Adult male Wistar rats (n = 30) were randomized into six groups (n = 5, for each group): control, 10 J/cm2 (2 J), 20 J/cm2 (5 J), ALI, ALI + LPIL 10 J/cm2 and ALI + LPIL 20 J/cm2. ALI was induced by intraperitoneal E. coli lipopolysaccharide injection (10 mg/kg). Lungs were removed, and samples were withdrawn for total RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and mRNA levels were evaluated by RT-qPCR. Data normality was verified by Kolmogorov-Smirnov, comparisons among groups were by Student’s t test, Mann-Whitney test, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis followed by post-tests. Data showed that OGG1 (0.39 ± 0.10), ERCC2 (0.67 ± 0.24), and ERCC1 (0.60 ± 0.19) mRNA levels are reduced in ALI group when compared with the control group (1.00 ± 0.07, 1.03 ± 0.25, 1.01 ± 0.16, respectively) and, after LPIL, mRNA relative levels from DNA repair genes are altered when compared to non-exposed ALI group. Our research shows that ALI alter mRNA levels from genes related to base and nucleotide excision repair genes, suggesting that DNA repair is part of cell response to sepsis, and that photobiomodulation could modulate the mRNA levels from these genes in lung tissue.

Exposure of cells to genotoxic agents causes modifications in DNA, resulting to alterations in the genome. To reduce genomic instability, cells have DNA damage responses in which DNA repair proteins remove these lesions. Excessive free radicals cause DNA damages, repaired by base excision repair and nucleotide excision repair pathways. When non-oxidative lesions occur, genomic stability is maintained through checkpoints in which the cell cycle stops and DNA repair occurs. Telomere shortening is related to the development of various diseases, such as cancer. Low power lasers are used for treatment of a number of diseases, but they are also suggested to cause DNA damages at sub-lethal levels and alter transcript levels from DNA repair genes. This review focuses on genomic and telomere stabilization modulation as possible targets to improve therapeutic protocols based on low power lasers. Several studies have been carried out to evaluate the laser-induced effects on genome and telomere stabilization suggesting that exposure to these lasers modulates DNA repair mechanisms, telomere maintenance and genomic stabilization. Although the mechanisms are not well understood yet, low power lasers could be effective against DNA harmful agents by induction of DNA repair mechanisms and modulation of telomere maintenance and genomic stability.

Muscle injuries are the most prevalent type of injury in sports. A great number of athletes have relapsed in muscle injuries not being treated properly. Photobiomodulation therapy is an inexpensive and safe technique with many benefits in muscle injury treatment. However, little has been explored about the infrared laser effects on DNA and telomeres in muscle injuries. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate photobiomodulation effects on mRNA relative levels from genes related to telomere and genomic stabilization in injured muscle. Wistar male rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, laser 25 mW, laser 75 mW, injury, injury laser 25 mW, and injury laser 75 mW. Photobiomodulation was performed with 904 nm, 3 J/cm2 at 25 or 75 mW. Cryoinjury was induced by two applications of a metal probe cooled in liquid nitrogen directly on the tibialis anterior muscle. After euthanasia, skeletal muscle samples were withdrawn and total RNA extracted for evaluation of mRNA levels from genomic (ATM and p53) and chromosome stabilization (TRF1 and TRF2) genes by real-time quantitative polymerization chain reaction. Data show that photobiomodulation reduces the mRNA levels from ATM and p53, as well reduces mRNA levels from TRF1 and TRF2 at 25 and 75 mW in injured skeletal muscle. In conclusion, photobiomodulation alters mRNA relative levels from genes related to genomic and telomere stabilization in injured skeletal muscle.

The author name Maria Maria Cortes Thome Lima was incorrectly captured in the original article. The correct author name should be Andrezza Maria Cortes Thome Lima. The original article has been corrected.

Infrared laser therapy is used for skeletal muscle repair based on its biostimulative effect on satellite cells. However, shortening of telomere length limits regenerative potential in satellite cells, which occurs after each cell division cycle. Also, laser therapy could be more effective on non-physiologic tissues. This study evaluated low-level infrared laser exposure effects on mRNA expression from muscle injury repair and telomere stabilization genes in myoblasts in normal and stressful conditions. Laser fluences were those used in clinical protocols. C2C12 myoblast cultures were exposed to low-level infrared laser (10, 35, and 70 J/cm(2)) in standard or normal (10 %) and reduced (2 %) fetal bovine serum concentrations; total RNA was extracted for mRNA expression evaluation from muscle injury repair (MyoD and Pax7) and chromosome stabilization (TRF1 and TRF2) genes by real time quantitative polymerization chain reaction. Data show that low-level infrared laser increases the expression of MyoD and Pax7 in 10 J/cm(2) fluence, TRF1 expression in all fluences, and TRF2 expression in 70 J/cm(2) fluence in both 10 and 2 % fetal bovine serum. Low-level infrared laser increases mRNA expression from genes related to muscle repair and telomere stabilization in myoblasts in standard or normal and stressful conditions.

Muscle injury healing is a complex and dynamic process characterized by different phases with the purpose of restoring muscular function. Inflammation occurs within the first 5 d after injury and during this process the release of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, IL-4 and IL-10 occurs. It has recently been shown that these cytokines play an important role in muscle injury repair. Thus, this study evaluated the mRNA levels from pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine genes in injured tibial anterior muscle from Wistar rats exposed to low power infrared laser. Cryoinjury was used as model of muscle injury. Low power infrared laser was used in pulsed emission mode according to the manufacturer's recommendations (25 mW or 75 mW, 0.5 J, 904 nm, 3 J cm−2). Animals were divided into three groups: injured group (n = 5), injured and irradiated group at 25 mW (n = 5) and injured and irradiated group at 75 mW (n = 5). Laser irradiations were for five consecutive days after injury and euthanasia occurred on the fifth day after injury for morphological analysis and mRNA level evaluation by RT-qPCR. Our results showed that laser modulates the mRNA levels from pro-inflammatory (IL-6 and IL-1β) as well as the anti-inflammatory (IL-4) cytokine gene. IL-10 mRNA was not observed in any of the analyzed groups. In conclusion, laser exposure modulates the mRNA levels from pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine genes during the muscle repair process and this can be one of the beneficial effects of low power lasers that favor muscle repair process.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is characterized by excessive accumulation of collagen in the lungs. Emphysema is characterized by loss of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and alveolar enlargement. We studied the co-participation of elastase-induced mild emphysema in bleomycin-induced PF in mice by analyzing oxidative stress, inflammation and lung histology. C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: control; bleomycin (0.1U/mouse); elastase (using porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE)+bleomycin (3U/mouse 14 days before 0.1U/mouse of bleomycin; PPE+B); elastase (3U/mouse). Mice were humanely sacrificed 7, 14 and 21 days after treatment with bleomycin or vehicle. PF was observed 14 days and 21 days after bleomycin treatment but was observed after 14 days only in the PPE+B group. In the PPE+B group at 21 days, we observed many alveoli and alveolar septa with few PF areas. We also observed marked and progressive increases of collagens 7, 14 and 21 days after bleomycin treatment whereas, in the PPE+B group, collagen deposition was observed only at 14 days. There was a reduction in activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (p

Low-level lasers are used for the treatment of diseases in soft and bone tissues, but few data are available regarding their effects on genomic stability. In this study, we investigated mRNA expression from genes involved in DNA repair and genomic stabilization in myoblasts exposed to low-level infrared laser. C2C12 myoblast cultures in different fetal bovine serum concentrations were exposed to low-level infrared laser (10, 35 and 70 J cm−2), and collected for the evaluation of DNA repair gene expression. Laser exposure increased gene expression related to base excision repair (8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase and apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1), nucleotide excision repair (excision repair cross-complementation group 1 and xeroderma pigmentosum C protein) and genomic stabilization (ATM serine/threonine kinase and tumor protein p53) in normal and low fetal bovine serum concentrations. Results suggest that genomic stability could be part of a biostimulation effect of low-level laser therapy in injured muscles.