Histological and molecular analysis of the long-pulse 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser irradiation on the ultraviolet-damaged skin of hairless mice: In association with pulse duration change

BACKGROUND: Nonablative lasers have been widely used to improve photodamaged skin, although the mechanism underlying dermal collagen remodeling remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects and the molecular mechanisms of long-pulse neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser irradiation on dermal collagen remodeling in association with different pulse durations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five hairless mice were pretreated with ultraviolet B irradiation for 8 weeks. The dorsal quadrant of each mouse was then irradiated twice at 1-week intervals at a pulse duration of 1 ms, 12 ms, or 50 ms, and a constant fluence of 20 J/cm(2). The levels of dermal collagen, mRNAs of procollagens, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and various growth factors were analyzed after 4 weeks. RESULTS: Long-pulse Nd:YAG treatment increased the dermal collagen level. A substantial increase in the level of procollagens, MMPs, TIMPs, and various growth factors was also observed irrespective of pulse duration, with a trend toward maximal increase at a pulse duration of 12 ms. CONCLUSION: Long-pulse 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser irradiation promotes wound-healing process, which is characterized by the induction of growth factor expression and subsequent increase in MMPs and TIMPs, followed by matrix remodeling as confirmed by new procollagen production.