Defocused high-power diode laser accelerates skin repair in a murine model through REDOX state modulation and reepithelization and collagen deposition stimulation

Skin wounds represent a burden in healthcare. Our aim was to investigate for the first time the effects of defocused high-power diode laser (DHPL) on skin healing in an animal experimental model and compare it with gold standard low-level laser therapy. Male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: Negative control; Sham; 0.1 W laser (L0.1 W); DHPL Dual 1 W (DHPLD1 W); and DHPL Dual 2 W (DHPLD2 W). Rats were euthanized on days 3, 5, 10, 14 and 21. Clinical, morphological, PicroSirus, oxidative stress (MDA, SOD and GSH) and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-10 and TNF-α) analyses were performed. A faster clinical repair was observed in all laser groups at D10 and D14. DHPLD1 W exhibited lower inflammation and better reepithelization compared to other groups at D10. DHPL protocols modulated oxidative stress by decreasing MDA and increasing SOD and GSH. Collagen maturation was triggered by all protocols tested and L0.1 W modulated cytokines release (IL-1β and TNF-α) at D3. In conclusion, DHPL, especially DHPL1 W protocol, accelerated skin healing by triggering reepithelization and collagen maturation and modulating inflammation and oxidative stress. •Defocused high-power diode laser (DHPL) is a promising therapy for wound healing•DHPL effect on skin repair had never been evaluated an animal model study•DHPL was as effective as low-level laser therapy in accelerating skin repair•DHPL triggered reepithelization and collagen maturation during skin repair•DHPL modulated inflammation and oxidative stress during skin repair