Effect of laser on TNF-alpha in inflamed human gingival tissue

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of low-level laser treatment combined with scaling and root planing (SRP) on tissue levels of TNF-alpha in subjects with periodontal disease

Material and Methods: Eighty gingival papilla biopsy samples were obtained from 80 subjects. Twenty subjects did not present clinical signs of periodontal disease (negative control - Group A). Sixty patients diagnosed with chronic advanced periodontitis were randomly assigned to three treatment groups (n=20) after collection of biopsies. Group B received SRP on a single quadrant/day for 4 consecutive days. On day 5 all quadrants were rescaled. Following the same time schedule, Group C received same treatment of Group B plus laser application. Group D received same procedures of Groups C but the laser treatment was administered for 10 days.

The laser tip (low-energy level diode laser 630-670nm, Skorpion D-4057A, Optika Laser, Bulgaria) was applied vertically to the long axes of the tooth in all interdental spaces for 15sec in continuous mode on facial and lingual surfaces with a light contact on the tissue. Treatment was performed on all sites at each visit, for total 16min per mouth. Papilla biopsies were obtained from subjects at the end of treatment protocols. Samples were stored at -80°C and evaluated by ELISA for levels of TNF-alpha. Data were presented as concentration of TNF-alpha (pg/mg) per biopsy.

Results: A significantly decreased level of TNF-alpha for Groups C and D was found after treatment. In group B reduction of TNF-alpha was 31.34%.

Baseline

5.2±3.21(A) 46.01±16.69(B) 46.01±16.69(C) 46.01±16.69(D)

After treatment

NA(A) 31.59±17.94(B) 21.27±3.46(C) 12.08±4.43(D)

Conclusions: The results of this study show suppression of TNF-alpha in gingival tissue after low-level laser treatment as adjunct to SRP. Data may suggest beneficial anti-inflammatory effects of the laser treatment when used as adjunctive periodontal treatment.