Conclusions
Low-level Er: YAG laser irradiation induces OCCM-30 cell migration, proliferation and differentiation, and activates the MAPK signaling pathway.
Methods
OCCM-30 cells were exposed to 2940 nm Er: YAG laser irradiation for 15 s at 0.34 W (pulse duration of 100 or 1000 μs, 17 mJ/pulse) at energy densities of 1 or 2 J/cm2. Irradiated and non-irradiated OCCM-30 cells were tested for migration (Scratch assay), proliferation (MTS assay) and functional differentiation (Alizarin Red S assay). Lumican (Lum) and Fibromodulin (Fmod) gene expression, and activation of MAPKs, were assessed by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively.
Results
Low-level Er: YAG laser irradiation at 2 J/cm2 and pulse duration of 1000 μs resulted in the highest migration rate and proliferation. Moreover, the pulse duration irradiation of 100 μs increased Lum expression. Fmod expression was increased after 1000 μs pulse duration laser stimulation. Low-level Er: YAG laser irradiation increased the mineralization of OCCM-30 cells after 7 days and activated ERK1/2, P38 and JNK signaling. Conclusions: Low-level Er: YAG laser irradiation induces OCCM-30 cell migration, proliferation and differentiation, and activates the MAPK signaling pathway.