ABSTRACT
Mitochondrial stimulation by low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in-
creases cytochrome c oxidase (Cox) activity, protein and DNA
synthesis, and the production of ATP and reactive oxygen species
(ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical,
and superoxide dismutase. Chromophores such as Cox, cytochrome
c, cytochrome b, flavins, porphyrins, hemoglobin, and NADPH
oxidases act as photosensitizers and absorb a specific wavelength
of light, producing ROS. Increased ROS in cell, in turn, causes
oxidative stress, resulting in the activation of various transcription
factors such as NF-κB, AP-1, HSP, and JNK, which increases signaling
pathway and gene expression leading to increased protein synthesis.
This increases cell proliferation, neovascularization, and collagen
synthesis, leading to hastened wound healing and decrease in pain,
swelling, and inflammation.
