Nd: YAG laser radiation (1.064 nm) accelerates differentiation of osteoblasts to osteocytes on smooth and rough titanium surfaces in vitro.

Background A number of studies revealed beneficial effects of low-level laser therapy ( LLLT) regarding cell proliferation and differentiation. Aim To investigate the effect of Nd: YAG (1.064 nm) laser radiation in the proliferation and differentiation potential of MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. Additionally, the effects of the surface configurations were to be evaluated. Material and methods MG-63 osteoblast cells were cultured on different surfaces: plastic tissue culture, smooth (polished) titanium- PT and rough titanium- SLA. The effects of both titanium surfaces and low-level laser therapy ( LLLT) on cell adhesion were evaluated by the gene expression of molecules involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. In addition, scanning electron microscopy ( SEM) and MTT proliferation assays were used to examine cell morphology and proliferation, respectively. Results Compared to smooth ( PT) surfaces, SLA surfaces favoured MG-63 cell differentiation. Following the application of Nd: YAG laser irradiation, cells yielded statistically significantly improved differentiation on both smooth and SLA surfaces compared with non-irradiated surfaces. Conclusions The findings of this present study suggest that both surface morphology and Nd: YAG laser irradiation influence the proliferation and differentiation potential of MG-63 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]