Effect of blended CO2 and erbium:YAG laser irradiation on normal and keloid fibroblasts: a serum-free study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of combined CO2 and Er:YAG laser irradiation on normal (NF) and keloid (KF) facial dermal fibroblast production of TGF-beta1 and bFGF.

BACKGROUND DATA:

Keloids produce excess collagen. TGF-beta1 is integral to the growth and stimulation of fibroblasts and collagen; bFGF inhibits collagen synthesis. TGF-beta1 and bFGF production influence wound healing and may be manipulated by laser irradiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Human normal fibroblasts (NF) and keloid fibroblasts (KF) (2 x 10(4) cells/mL in serum-free media) were exposed to 1.7 J/pulse Er:YAG laser energy and CO2 delivered at either 3 or 5 W and at a duty cycle of 25%, 50%, or 100%. TGF-beta1 and bFGF were assayed using a quantitative ELISA.

RESULTS:

KF demonstrated a statistically significant mean population doubling time (PDT) when compared with NF (p=0.01). Irradiated KF and NF had longer PDTs than controls. All NF, excluding one irradiated group, and the three KF treated with 3 W secreted more bFGF than controls. Irradiated KF secreted less TGF-beta1 than controls. Significance was reached with the two groups exposed to 3 W at a duty cycle of 25% and 50% (p=0.04 and 0.05, respectively). All irradiated NF secreted less TGF-beta1 than controls.

CONCLUSION:

The combined CO2 and Er:YAG laser increased the release of bFGF, which has been shown to promote tightly organized collagen bundles, and decreased the concentration of TGF-beta1, which has also been shown to promote fibrosis formation. This laser may have a future role in keloid treatment, as well as normal facial scar prevention.

• Authors: Elbert T Cheng, Jeffrey D Pollard, R James Koch
• Journal: Journal of clinical laser medicine & surgery (J Clin Laser Med Surg) Vol. 21 Issue 6 Pg. 337-43 (Dec 2003) ISSN: 1044-5471 [Print] United States
• PMID: 14709217 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Culture Media, Serum-Free

Topics

• Cells, Cultured
• Culture Media, Serum-Free
• Fibroblasts (radiation effects)
• Humans
• Keloid (therapy)
• Laser Therapy