Effects of low-level laser therapy on the serum TGF-β1 concentrations in individuals with autoimmune thyroiditis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the serum concentration of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) after low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients with hypothyroidism resulting from chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT).

BACKGROUND DATA:

Certain data indicate that LLLT is effective in patients with hypothyroidism caused by CAT; however, the mechanisms of action of LLLT in thyroid tissue are unknown. Cytokines could play a role in the response to LLLT.

METHODS:

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial included 43 patients with a history of levothyroxine therapy for CAT-induced hypothyroidism. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either 10 sessions of LLLT (830 nm, 50 mW output power, and 707 J/cm(2) fluence; L group, n=23) or 10 sessions of a placebo treatment (P group, n=20) twice a week. Levothyroxine was maintained at the same dose during the entire study period. TGF-β1 was measured both pre-intervention and 30 days post-intervention in both groups. The differences were calculated between the TGF-β1 values observed 30 days post-intervention and the pre-intervention TGF-β1 values for each group (intragroup).

RESULTS:

Comparing the differences in TGF-β1 levels between the L group (874.9±541.7 pg/mL) and the P group (-128.4±832.8 pg/mL) revealed that there was a statistically significant increase in TGF-β1 levels 30 days post-intervention in group L compared with the placebo group (p=0.0379).

CONCLUSIONS:

This finding suggested that the significant increase in serum TGF-β1 levels in patients with CAT-induced hypothyroidism was associated with the thyroid LLLT procedure. Future studies of the effect of LLLT on TGF-β1 gene expression in thyroid tissue are necessary to confirm these findings.

• Authors: Danilo B Höfling, Maria Cristina Chavantes, Milena M P Acencio, Giovanni G Cerri, Suemi Marui, Elisabeth M Yoshimura, Maria Cristina Chammas
• Journal: Photomedicine and laser surgery (Photomed Laser Surg) Vol. 32 Issue 8 Pg. 444-9 (Aug 2014) ISSN: 1557-8550 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25101534 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Transforming Growth Factor beta1

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Humans
• Low-Level Light Therapy
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Thyroiditis, Autoimmune (radiotherapy)
• Transforming Growth Factor beta1 (blood)
• Young Adult