Does Low-Level Laser Therapy Affect Bcl-2 Gene Expression In Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma, which is known as the most common cancer of the oral cavity, is associated with high morbidity and mortality rate. To date, many efforts have been made to find effective methods to stop the growth of cancer cells. One of the emerging methods in this field is the application of low-level lasers.

Human head and neck carcinoma cell lines were prepared and irradiated with four different wavelengths of low-level laser with a density of 1 j/cm2 and a power of 100 mW. The expression of the Bcl-2 and Bax genes and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were investigated by real-time PCR.

The highest percentage of Bcl-2 gene expression was related to 660nm wavelength and the highest percentage of Bax gene expression was related to 810 nm infrared wavelength. The lowest level of expression of the Bcl-2 gene related to the 810nm infrared wavelength and the Bax gene related to the 532nm wavelength was obtained. The lowest Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was obtained at the wavelength of 660nm and the highest ratio was obtained at the wavelength of 810nm.

Despite the extensive studies conducted in the field of low-level laser application in oncology, more studies are needed to investigate the effect of this technology on cancer cells.