Effect of endovascular coronary low-level laser therapy during angioplasty on the release of endothelin-1 and nitric oxide.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 are potentially significant factors contributing to the pathogenesis of post-angioplasty restenosis. It may be postulated that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can favorably influence the process of restenosis by affecting those factors.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of LLLT applied during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the factors participating in the homeostasis of vascular tone - NO and endothelin-1.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a randomized, prospective study of 52 subjects undergoing PCI, an additional 808 nm intravascular LLLT was applied at a dose of 9 J/cm2 in the lesion part. The control group was 49 subjects with PCI only. We assessed the concentration of nitrites/nitrates reflecting NO metabolism as well as endothelin-1 in both groups before PCI, and at 6 h, 12 h and 1 month after the procedure. In addition, half a year after PCI, a follow-up angiography was performed.

RESULTS: Statistically higher nitrite/nitrate concentrations were observed in the laser group as compared to the control group in all tests except the pre-PCI assays. Endothelin-1 levels were significantly higher in the laser group 6 h after PCI with a significant decrease in subsequent tests, which was not observed in the control group. The restenosis rate was 15.0% in the laser group and 32.4% in the control group (however the difference was not statistically significant).

CONCLUSIONS: LLLT applied during the PCI procedure can influence the process of restenosis by modifying NO and endothelin-1 concentrations.