Effects of Er:YAG laser treatment on re-vascularization and follicle survival in frozen/thawed human ovarian cortex transplanted to immunodeficient mice.

PURPOSE: The huge loss of ovarian follicles after transplantation of frozen/thawed ovarian tissue is considered a major drawback on the efficacy of the procedure. Here we investigate whether Er:YAG laser treatment prior to xenotransplantation can improve re-vascularization and subsequently follicle survival in human ovarian tissue. METHODS: A total of 99 frozen/thawed human ovarian cortex pieces were included of which 72 pieces from 12 woman were transplanted to immunodeficient mice. Tissues from each woman were included in both an 8-day and an 8-week duration study and treated with either full-beam laser (L1) or fractionated laser (L2), or served as untreated controls. Vascularization of the ovarian xenografts were evaluated after 8 days by qPCR and murine Cd31 immunohistochemical analysis. Follicle densities were evaluated histologically 8 weeks after xenografting. RESULTS: Gene expression of Vegf/VEGF was upregulated after L1 treatment (p=0.002, p=0.07, respectively), whereas Angpt1, Angpt2, Tnf-α, and Il1-ß were significantly downregulated. No change in gene expression was found in Cd31/CD31, ANGPT1, ANGPT2, ANGTPL4, XBP1, or LRG1 after any of the laser treatments. The fraction of Cd31 positive cells were significantly reduced after L1 and L2 treatment (p<0.0001; p=0.0003, respectively), compared to controls. An overall negative effect of laser treatment was detected on follicle density (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Er:YAG laser treatment did not improve re-vascularization or follicle survival in human ovarian xenografts after 8 days and 8 weeks grafting, respectively. However, further studies are needed to fully explore the potential angiogenic effects of controlled tissue damage using different intensities or lasers.

Facial photo rejuvenation using two different intense pulsed light (IPL) wavelength bands.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Intense pulsed light (IPL) systems are increasingly used for treatment of photo damaged skin. In the present study, we investigated the clinical efficacy and safety of two different wavelength bands generated by the same IPL device. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: An IPL device was equipped with either a 555-950 nm filter (VL), or a 530-750 nm filter (PR). RESULTS: Fair, good or excellent clearance of visible telangiectasias was obtained in 81.8% of the patients (PR) and in 58.8% (VL). In the treatment of diffuse erythema, fair, good or excellent clearance was obtained in 72.7% (PR) and in 35.0% (VL). The PR filter was more efficient (P = 0.025) in reduction of diffuse erythema. The average number of treatments was 1.75 (PR) and 1.82 (VL). For the treatment of irregular pigmentation, fair, good or excellent clearance was obtained in 54.5% (PR) and in 61.9% (VL). Multiple treatments of irregular pigmentation were also evaluated. Using the VL filter more than two treatments did not induce further clinical improvement. The patients also scored their over-all satisfaction. Either fair, good or excellent results were reported by 66.7% (PR) and by 76.2% (VL). No skin atrophy, scarring or pigment disturbances were noted after the treatments. Swelling and erythema were registered by 2/3 (PR) and 1/3 (VL) of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The two IPL wavelength bands were both found to be effective in the treatment of photo damaged facial skin. The clinical efficacy and safety of the two different treatment procedures were comparable to those reported in earlier studies, and finally treatment with these filter combinations required less than half the fluence, no active cooling and fewer treatments.