Lasers Surg Med. 2026 Feb 3. doi: 10.1002/lsm.70102. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Diabetes is one of the most significant chronic metabolic disorders, and diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are recognized as one of the most serious complications of this disease due to delayed healing, increased risk of infection, and potential limb amputation. In recent years, noninvasive physical therapies such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and polarized light therapy (PLT) or Bioptron have emerged as novel approaches to stimulate wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of these two therapeutic modalities on the healing process of skin wounds in a diabetic animal model.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five male Wistar rats were rendered diabetic using streptozotocin (STZ) and subsequently divided into three groups: control, LLL-treated, and PL-treated. A standardized circular wound was created on the dorsal region of each animal, and treatments were administered daily for seven consecutive days. Wound healing was assessed on Days 0, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 using macroscopic analysis and microscopic evaluation on Days 7, 14, and 21 using H&E and Masson's trichrome staining.
RESULTS: LLLT significantly enhanced tissue architecture by stimulating fibroblast activity, promoting angiogenesis, and increasing cellular proliferation. On the other hand, PLT was more effective in reducing wound dimensions and improving the macroscopic healing index. The control group indicated slower and incomplete healing.
CONCLUSION: Both therapeutic approaches have shown potential to accelerate diabetic wound healing, albeit through distinct mechanisms. The treatment of choice is LLLT for deep wounds and PLT for superficial wounds.
PMID:41630637 | DOI:10.1002/lsm.70102