Photobiomodulation Therapy Reduces Inflammation and Improves Skin Flap Survival in Animal Model

Abstract

Photobiomodulation, a noninvasive and efficient technique, has the potential to improve microcirculation and promote neovascularization. Therefore, photobiomodulation has emerged as a promising method for reducing the risk of skin flap necrosis. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation on inflammatory cells and cytokine levels in skin flaps in a murine model. Forty-eight adult male mice (Balb/C, 20-25g) were divided into control (n=24) and experiment (n=24) groups. Skin flap was raised on the dorsum of each animal, with the experiment group receiving irradiation. Photobiomodulation treatment had a wavelength of 660 nm, radiant  exposure of 2 J/cm2 for 20 s in the internal vascular pedicle of the flap. Animals were euthanized on the 4th, 7th, and 10th postoperative day. A skin sample was collected for histological assessment, and a blood sample was immediately taken to determine interleukin levels. Results showed that PBM treatment significantly decreased flap necrosis at all evaluation times, accompanied by a significantly reduced pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL) IL-1\(\beta\), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) while increasing the levels of the anti-inflammatory IL-10. In addition, photobiomodulation treatment led to a significant reduction in inflammatory cells in the skin flaps. These findings demonstrate that photobiomodulation enhances the healing process and promotes tissue reconstruction in skin flaps by modulating inflammatory mediators.