Clinical effects of combined red and infrared wavelengths in the treatment of local injuries caused by Bothrops leucurus snake venom.

AIM: to evaluate the effects of visible and invisible wavelengths, individually and combined, on local edematogenic activity, serum and muscle enzymes, and clinical response in mice inoculated with B. leucurus snake venom.

METHODS: 112 male mice were inoculated with diluted B. leucurus snake venom in the right gastrocnemius muscle, the same volume of saline solution was applied in the contralateral muscle. The animals were divided into four groups, one control and three treated with: 1) red laser (λ = 660 nm), 2) infrared laser (λ = 808 nm) and 3) red laser (λ = 660 nm) + infrared (λ = 808 nm). Each group was subdivided into four subgroups, according to the duration of treatment application (applications every 24 h over evaluation times of up to 144 h). A diode laser was used (0.1 W, CW, 1J/point, DE: 10 J/cm2 ).

RESULTS: the treatments prevented the loss of the proprioception reflex, accelerated the reestablishment of the damaged area, and reduced claudication, local hemorrhage, and edematogenic activity caused by bothropic venom. Both wavelengths reduced serum concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and increased muscle concentration of CK. The combined wavelengths caused a significant reduction in serum enzyme concentrations and a better clinical response when compared to the isolated treatments.

CONCLUSION: Laser photobiomodulation proved to be effective in the treatment of the disorders evaluated and the interaction between red and infrared wavelengths potentiated the therapy effects.