Abstract

Introduction: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been reported to improve cell proliferation and differentiation. The stem cells derived from dental apical papilla (SCAPs) are a promising therapy because they are easily obtained from immature human teeth. The effect of LLLT over SCAPs is still unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the proliferation and osteogenic potential of the SCAPs stimulated with LLLT. Methods: SCAPs were isolated from the third molars of a healthy donor and characterized according to the minimum established criteria. SCAPs were cultured for 24 hours before being exposed to LLLT. Cells were exposed to different doses, energy, and wavelengths for selecting the irradiation parameters. SCAPs proliferation was evaluated with the MTT assay at 24 hours and 7-day post-laser exposure. VEGF and TGF beta 2 expression were assessed with a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The osteogenic differentiation potential was analyzed with alizarin red staining, and the nodule quantification was performed by the relative optical density (ROD) analysis using ImageJ software. Results: The cells isolated from the apical papilla showed phenotype and stem cell properties. SCAPs irradiated with one dose at 6 J/m(2) and 650 nm exhibited significantly higher proliferation (P > 0.05) than the controls nonirradiated. LLLT stimulated SCAPs' expression of factors VEGF and TGF beta 2. Also, SCAPs irradiated showed higher osteogenic activity (P 0.05). Conclusion: LLLT promotes proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and VEGF and TGF beta 2 expression on SCAPs. LLLT is a practical approach for the preconditioning of SCAPs in vitro for future regenerative therapies. More studies are needed to determine the underlying molecular processes that determine the mechanism of the LLLT.