The Effect of Low-level Laser Therapy on VEGF, IL-6 Expression and Viability of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells

Photochem Photobiol. 2022 Sep;98(5):1190-1194. doi: 10.1111/php.13598. Epub 2022 Feb 8.

Abstract

Low-level laser therapy has shown successful results in the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis. One of the concerns about low-level lasers is their effects on remaining malignant cells in the area. Interleukin-6 is a multifunctional cytokine that plays an important role in a wide range of biological activities in increasing tumor functions, decreasing survival and resistance to chemo-radiotherapy. Vascular-endothelial growth factor increases tumor vascularization. It has been shown in the previous studies that LLLT can cause an increase of IL-6 and VEGF in some cells. The present thesis aims to study the effects of LLLT on IL-6 and VEGF expression, as well as cell viability on OSCC cells. Tumorigenic cells of an oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line were irradiated with 3 different diode lasers, and were compared to the control group (660 nm-200 mW-4 J cm-2 , 810 nm-200 mW-4 J cm-2 , 940 nm-200 mW-4 J cm-2 ). MTT assay, ELISA and RT-PCR were used to measure cell viability, IL-6 and VEGF expression. Cell viability of all laser-irradiated groups was significantly lower than the control group. VEGF expression increased in laser-irradiated groups. This was only significant in the 810 nm group. IL-6 protein secretion was significantly higher in all laser-irradiated groups compared to the control group.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6 / genetics
  • Interleukin-6 / metabolism
  • Lasers, Semiconductor / therapeutic use
  • Low-Level Light Therapy* / methods
  • Mouth Neoplasms* / radiotherapy
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck* / radiotherapy
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / genetics
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism

Substances

  • Interleukin-6
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A