Search Results (1,748)

Background: Triptolide (TPL) is an epoxytriptolide diterpenoid lactone isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Tripterygium wilfordii and exhibits broad pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antitumor effects. Its water-soluble prodrug, minnelide, is currently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate cellular fate by inducing oxidative damage and activating autophagy, which can promote cell survival under moderate stress but contribute to cell death when excessively or persistently activated. Although TPL has been reported to induce ROS accumulation, its mechanistic role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to systematically investigate the role of ROS-mediated autophagy in TPL-induced cytotoxicity and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of combining TPL with autophagy inhibition in NSCLC. Methods: A series of in vitro experiments was performed to characterize TPL-mediated changes in NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and ROS production. Autophagy- and apoptosis-related molecular alterations were analyzed using Western blotting and fluorescence microscopy with fluorescent reporter constructs. An H1299 xenograft mouse model was established to assess the antitumor efficacy of TPL in vivo and its combination effects with an autophagy inhibitor. Results: In this study, we demonstrated that TPL induces NSCLC cell death primarily through increased ROS levels. Mechanistic analyses further revealed that ROS accumulation simultaneously activates a protective autophagic response. Notably, in vivo experiments showed that co-administration of TPL with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine resulted in significantly stronger tumor growth suppression than either treatment alone. Conclusions: Autophagy acts as a resistance mechanism against TPL-induced cytotoxicity in NSCLC, and pharmacological autophagy inhibition potentiates the antitumor activity of TPL. These findings clarify the ROS–autophagy interplay underlying TPL-mediated cell death and provide a preclinical rationale for combining TPL with autophagy inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy for NSCLC. Full article

Platform screen door (PSD) systems can reduce particulate matter (PM) levels at subway platforms, but transient particle migration between tunnels and platforms still occurs during door operation. Existing control measures, such as tunnel cleaning, ventilation optimization, onboard dust removal devices, and air curtain systems, mainly target background PM concentrations and generally function as passive mitigation strategies. However, the transient dynamics of tunnel-to-platform PM migration during PSD operation remain insufficiently understood. In this study, field measurements and numerical simulations were used to investigate PM migration under realistic subway operating conditions. Field observations were conducted to characterize the spatial distribution of PM and its relationship with tunnel piston wind. A numerical model based on the Discrete Phase Model (DPM) was then developed to simulate particle transport under different PSD operating sequences. The effects of PSD opening delay and opening duration on particle migration were examined to evaluate their influence on migration rates. The results show that adjusting the timing of PSD operation can significantly reduce tunnel-to-platform PM migration, whereas conventional air curtain configurations may enhance interzonal particle exchange under certain conditions. These findings improve the understanding of PSD-related PM transport and provide potential operational strategies for improving air quality in underground rail transit systems. Full article

Background and aim: Hemoglobinopathies have become an important public health problem due to global migration. The aim of this project was to address the problem of hemoglobinopathy among immigrants living in Türkiye, Spain, and Italy, in addition to training health managers and Syrian family physicians at immigrant health centers in the southeastern provinces of Türkiye. Material and methods: A three-year international project, named EQUALITY PLUS, was supported by the European Union Erasmus Project. We planned transnational meetings (TPM), vocational education meetings (VET), and Practical Implementation Meetings (PIEM) for the education program. Results: Four TPMs were held in Türkiye, Spain, and Italy, involving a total of 49 professionals. Two VETs were held in Spain and Italy. A total of 23 professionals attended both VETs. Six PIEMs were held in the southern and southeastern Turkish provinces, such as Adana Mersin, Hatay, Gaziantep, Kilis, and Sanliurfa. A total of 442 people, including 373 Syrian family physicians and 69 provincial health managers, were educated in six provinces in Türkiye. Discussion: While the immigrants to Italy and Spain come mainly from Central and North West African maritime routes, immigrants to Türkiye predominantly come from Syria. Among a total of 4 million Syrian immigrants to Türkiye, 200.000 were found to be carriers of thalassemia. In the refugee camps where Syrian immigrants live, the fertility rate is high and the number of sick newborns is increasing, and birth control, genetic counseling, and prenatal diagnosis methods are not sufficient. This project was intended to serve as a guide to prevent hemoglobinopathy in Syrian immigrants. Further projects are needed to address the fertility rate and increased number of sick newborns in these refugee camps. Family physicians at migrant health centers received training on the prevention of hemoglobinopathies. This training included providing detailed genetic counseling to families and providing prenatal diagnosis and preimplantation genetic diagnosis opportunities. Because of the major earthquake that occurred in this region after the project, the work could not continue and preliminary data could not be obtained. Public health services will follow the results of project and the registered number of sick newborns with hemoglobinopathies. Full article

Background: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) trigger apoptosis in cancer cells, while albumin nanoparticles enable effective drug delivery. This study compares the antitumor and cytotoxic effects of albumin-coated AgNPs (AgNPs-Alb) versus AgNPs on human prostate cancer cell lines. Method: AgNPs-Alb were synthesized and tested against PC3 and LNCaP prostate cancer cell lines. Characterization via Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy confirmed their properties. IC50 values were determined using MTT assay, with apoptosis assessed by Annexin-V/PI staining. DNA cell cycle was analyzed by PI staining. Migration, proliferation, and nuclear morphology were evaluated through scratch-wound, colony-forming, and Hoechst staining assays. Gene expression of Snail, E-cadherin, VEGF-C, VEGF-A, Bcl2, Bax, and P53 was analyzed using real-time PCR. Results: The IC50 values for AgNPs and AgNPs-Alb were 48 μM and 32 μM in PC3 cells, and 110 μM and 95 μM in LNCaP cells, respectively. AgNPs-Alb significantly inhibited PC3 cell migration compared to AgNPs (p < 0.001) and Bicalutamide (p < 0.0001). In both cell lines, AgNPs-Alb significantly reduced colony formation compared to AgNPs and Bicalutamide (p < 0.05). Flow cytometry revealed a higher percentage of apoptotic cells in PC3 with AgNPs-Alb treatment compared to AgNPs and Bicalutamide. In LNCaP cells, AgNPs-Alb induced a significantly higher percentage of Sub-G1 cells. AgNPs-Alb treatment caused greater mRNA suppression of VEGF-A and a higher Bax/Bcl2 ratio in PC3 and LNCaP cells (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant increase in P53 and E-cadherin, alongside a decrease in VEGF-C expression in LnCAP cells, was observed (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study suggests that AgNPs-Alb have stronger anticancer and cytotoxic effects compared to AgNPs alone against PCa cell lines and higher effects were observed on PC3 cells compared to LnCAP cells. Full article

Background: Abnormal activation of the NRF2-cGAS-STING-NF-κB pathway can trigger an inflammatory cascade in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Curcumin (CUR), a polyphenolic compound extracted from turmeric, possesses anti-inflammatory activity, but whether it can modulate this pathway to ameliorate RA remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate whether CUR inhibits the inflammatory response in synovial fibroblasts (MH7A) by suppressing the NRF2-cGAS-STING-NF-κB signaling cascade. Methods: An RA inflammatory model was constructed by stimulating MH7A cells with 20 ng/mL tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Groups included a control group, a model group, a methotrexate positive control group [MTX(methotrexate), 10 μmol/L], and curcumin treatment groups at varying concentrations (10–100 μmol/L). Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8(Cell Counting Kit-8) assay. Cell migration and invasion capabilities were evaluated via scratch wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. mRNA and protein expression levels of NRF2(Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2), cGAS(cyclic GMP-AMP synthase), STING(stimulator of interferon genes), and NF-κB(nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) were measured using qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Protein localization was determined by immunofluorescence. Results: Compared to the model group (TNF-induced), the cell migration rate in the curcumin (CUR) groups was significantly decreased (p < 0.001), with a particularly marked reduction observed at a concentration of 50 μmol/L. Furthermore, as the concentration of curcumin increased, cell invasion capacity showed a significant dose-dependent decline. The apoptosis rate also significantly decreased with increasing curcumin concentrations, demonstrating a clear concentration-dependent effect. Mechanistically, curcumin treatment significantly upregulated the expression of NRF2 and inhibited the activation of its downstream cGAS-STING-NF-κB signaling pathway. Specifically, both mRNA and protein expression levels of NRF2 were markedly elevated (p < 0.001), while the mRNA and protein levels of cGAS, STING, and NF-κB were all significantly reduced (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Curcumin (CUR) can effectively inhibit the inflammatory response of synovial fibroblasts by activating the expression of NRF2 and subsequently suppressing the cGAS-STING-NF-κB signaling pathway. This study provides a new molecular mechanism target for curcumin in the treatment of RA and offers a theoretical basis for the intervention of autoimmune diseases with natural products. Full article

(1) Background: The safety of antioxidants (AOs) in disposable biodegradable tableware products remains insufficiently understood. (2) Methods: The migration of 20 AOs from 39 disposable biodegradable tableware under multiple usage conditions was investigated by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Their potential exposure risks were evaluated using three risk assessment frameworks (EU, FDA, and Monte Carlo simulation). (3) Results: Ten AOs were detected in 95% ethanol, with Irganox 1010 showing the highest migration (0.29 ± 0.62 mg/kg). Starch-based products exhibited a greater variety and higher migration of AOs compared to PLA-based and fiber-based products. Food simulant type, temperature, and time exerted a more significant effect on AO migration than microwave and ultraviolet treatments. An analysis method for six typical AOs in soybean oil using freezing degreasing was established, which demonstrated good recoveries (77.6–110.3%) and relative standard deviations (1.7–14.7%). Four AOs were detected in soybean oil, with Irganox 1010 showing the highest migration (603.7 × 10⁻³ mg/kg). Utilizing high-percentile conservative exposure scenarios derived from Monte Carlo simulation, Irganox 1010 may pose a health risk to humans under high-dose exposure in soybean oil. (4) Conclusions: This study provides a basis for the safety evaluation of AOs in disposable biodegradable tableware. Full article

Background: Obesity is a recognized risk factor for developing breast cancer (BC), but factors involved remain unclear. We investigated if breast adipose tissue from healthy women, BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and BC patients, can stimulate BC cell line migration and activation. Methods: adipose tissue conditioned medium (ATCM), was prepared from breast adipose tissue from healthy subjects (naïve; group 1 (n = 20)), BRCA1/2 mutation carriers (group 2 (n = 22)) and BC patients (group 3 (n = 38)). ATCM effect on migration of BC cell lines MCF-7, SK-BR-3 and MDA-MB-231 was measured with xCELLigence (ACEA Biosciences, San Diego, CA, USA) cell migration assay. Activation of migration was determined by measuring filopodia activation. Migration and filopodia activation were related to body mass index (BMI) and BC subtypes. Luminex multiplex assay was performed to examine the secretory profile of adipose tissue. Results: ATCM from group 1 induced migration and filopodia activation in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, but not in SK-BR-3. ATCM from group 2 induced filopodia activation but no migration. ATCM from group 3 induced less migration in MCF-7 than ATCM from group 1. Higher BMI was associated with increased ATCM-induced activation in MCF-7 (group 1) and MDA-MB-231 (group 2). ATCM from group 1 and 2 showed a metabolic secretory profile, whereas group 3 showed higher pro-angiogenic and inflammatory cytokines. Conclusions: This study shows that breast adipose tissue from healthy women, BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and BC patients, can stimulate BC cell line migration and activation. This effect is related to BC subtype and BMI. These data improve insight in adipose tissue as factor in BC development. Full article

Melamine polyphosphate (MPP) is a widely employed additive-type flame retardant for polyamide 6. Generally, a higher loading of MPP leads to improved flame retardancy of polyamide 6 composites. Nevertheless, excessive addition tends to cause problems such as flame-retardant migration, leakage, and exudation. Against this background, this work focuses on covalently grafting melamine polyphosphate onto the surface of carbon nanotubes via a facile chemical reaction, with the aim of alleviating the migration and leakage of the flame retardant in the polyamide 6 matrix. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were surface modified with a silane coupling agent (KH560) to obtain CNTs bearing epoxy groups (CNT-KH560). Subsequently, a ring-opening addition reaction was conducted between the CNT-KH560 and melamine polyphosphate (MPP) yielding carbon nanotubes with surface-bonded flame-retardant MPP (CNTM). Polyamide 6 composite slices (PA6/CNTM) were prepared via twin-screw extrusion blending and compounding and then by hot-press molding into test specimens. The modified carbon nanotubes were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results confirmed the successful grafting of MPP onto the carbon nanotube surface, with a grafting degree of 9.1 g/100 g measured. The flame retardancy of the PA6/CNTM composites were evaluated through UL 94 vertical burning and limiting oxygen index (LOI) tests and cone calorimeter. These flame retardancy results indicated that when the content of flame-retardant-modified carbon nanotubes was 10 wt%, the PA6/CNTM10 composites achieved UL 94 V-2 and the limiting oxygen index increased from 24.5% of pure PA6 to 29.1%. The PHRR value of pure PA6 decreased from 750 kW/m² to 614 kW/m². This design of surface-grafted flame retardant provides a new strategy for the preparation and application of high-performance polyamide 6 flame-retardant composites. Full article

Background: Lung cancer remains a leading cause of mortality, mainly due to aggressive metastasis and therapeutic resistance. Snake venom metalloproteinases (svMPs), particularly the P-I class, are promising sources for novel antitumor agents. Objectives: This study investigated the impacts of BthMP, a P-I svMPs from Bothrops moojeni venom, on human lung carcinoma (A549) cells in comparison to non-cancerous human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). Methods and Results: BthMP demonstrated potent and selective anti-cancer activity. It significantly inhibited key metastatic processes in A549 cells, including adhesion, migration, and invasion, while suppressing long-term proliferation, as shown by reduced colony formation and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Mechanistically, BthMP induced a massive increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by over 2000% and elevated nitric oxide (NO) by 35% in A549 cells, driving a state of lethal oxidative stress. Crucially, these cytotoxic and anti-metastatic effects were minimal in BEAS-2B cells; BthMP even suppressed basal ROS and NO levels in this non-cancerous line. The anti-migratory effects of BthMP were completely dependent on its zinc-based catalytic activity, as they were abolished by pretreatment with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. By simultaneously disrupting cell–matrix interactions and inducing selective, catastrophic oxidative stress in cancer cells, BthMP presents a dual-pronged anti-metastatic mechanism. Conclusions: These findings establish BthMP as a promising therapeutic scaffold for developing novel treatments against lung cancer progression. Full article

Background: Artemisia annua L. is a medicinal plant with documented antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Although widely studied for internal therapeutic applications, its topical use—especially in hydrogel-based systems—has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to develop sodium alginate hydrogels containing Artemisia annua extract, supplemented with hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol, and to evaluate their physicochemical characteristics as well as their biological activities in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Select bioactive constituents of the Artemisia annua extract were quantified using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). Hydrogels were prepared by cross-linking sodium alginate with a calcium carbonate–glucono-delta-lactone system and were formulated with or without hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol. Physicochemical evaluations included measurements of moisture content, water-retention capacity, gelation time, and pH. The hydrogel microstructure was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antioxidant activity was assessed using three methods: the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, and the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay. Biocompatibility and regenerative effects were analyzed using cell viability assays and an in vitro scratch wound model on human keratinocyte cells. In vivo wound-healing efficacy was examined in rats with full-thickness skin excisions. Results: The extract contained high levels of methylated flavonoids and sesquiterpenes characteristic of Artemisia annua. Hydrogels supplemented with hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol exhibited improved hydration stability and higher porosity. All formulations demonstrated measurable antioxidant activity, and those containing hyaluronic acid showed the strongest effects. The preparations were biocompatible and enhanced keratinocyte migration in vitro, with the combined hyaluronic acid–dexpanthenol formulation promoting the fastest wound closure. In vivo, Artemisia annua hydrogels accelerated wound healing by two to three days compared with untreated wounds. Conclusions: These results confirm the promise of Artemisia annua hydrogels for topical wound care and highlight the beneficial contributions of hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol to their structural and therapeutic performance. Full article

This paper describes the development of several software-based games using a high-level programming language (C in our case), designed so that they can be ported to a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). It also outlines the mathematical foundations underlying these games. Making executables portable in this way can simplify running applications on FPGA platforms. Porting a game to an FPGA serves as evidence that arbitrary executables can be migrated to such hardware. The complete workflow for creating the game, along with the final game outcomes, is detailed in this paper. In addition, statistical analyses of these games were conducted. The proposed approach relies on graphics and character-handling libraries typically available in advanced programming languages. The background of this work is that a microcontroller architecture which can easily be run on a Spartan-6 FPGA was needed. The innovative point of this paper is that it created the cross-compilation toolchain on an uncommon microcontroller architecture, like the OpenRISC. Full article

Background and Aims: Neurovascular abnormalities, such as aberrant nerve migration in Hirschsprung’s disease and reduced vascular density in necrotizing enterocolitis, are frequently observed in intestinal diseases. Traditional 2-dimensional (2D) staining methods are complicated, time-consuming and fail to comprehensively visualize the intricate neurovascular structures and morphology of the intestine. This study focuses on evaluating a novel 3D staining technique that promises simpler, faster, and more effective visualization of intact neurovascular structures in the colon. Additionally, it aims to compare the strengths and limitations of this 3D method against traditional 2D techniques for analyzing neuronal and vascular changes in two prevalent pathological conditions. Methods: A novel tissue-clearing approach was used to render mouse and patient distal colon tissues transparent. Neural structures and blood vessels were stained. 2D and 3D imaging were performed with laser confocal or tiling light sheet microscopy. Parameters include total imaging time, imaging range, image quality, operational complexity, and post-processing were compared between 2D and 3D methods. Results: Compared to 2D imaging, 3D imaging reveals the complete morphology and trajectory of neurovascular structures. Confocal 3D imaging offers superior clarity, higher transparency, and faster workflow efficiency, whereas light-sheet microscopy provides broader coverage at the expense of lower image quality. Post-processing facilitated spatial modeling and quantitative analyses. Applications included Hirschsprung’s disease, where 3D imaging revealed abnormal nerve distribution, and congenital heart disease, where hypoperfusion impacted vascular development in the colon. Conclusions: Confocal 3D staining and imaging offered a more streamlined workflow and enabled comprehensive visualization of neurovascular architecture, supporting efficient assessment of intestinal neurovascular phenotypic features. Full article

Background: Limb-salvage surgery using extendable distal femoral endoprostheses has become the standard reconstruction following tumor resection in skeletally immature patients, allowing continued growth and improved function. However, mechanical complications, particularly tibial pain, remain challenging and poorly understood. This study aimed to identify radiographic predictors of tibial pain and evaluate their potential utility in early risk detection. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 29 skeletally immature patients (mean age 10.4 years) who underwent expandable distal femoral endoprosthetic replacement between 2008 and 2018 at a tertiary orthopedic oncology center. Standardized radiographs were analyzed at 6 months and final follow-up (mean 75 months) to assess cortical thickness, stem-to-cortex distances, stem migration, stress shielding, pedestal formation, and periosteal reaction. Associations between radiographic parameters and tibial pain were assessed using multivariable logistic regression, t-tests, and chi-square analyses. Results: Seventeen patients (58.6%) developed activity-limiting tibial pain requiring analgesics, as documented during follow-up. Mean medial and lateral cortical thickness increased from 3.0 mm and 3.4 mm to 4.1 mm and 5.1 mm, respectively. The logistic regression model demonstrated strong explanatory power (Pseudo R² = 0.57, p = 0.004). Medial cortical thickness at last follow-up was the only significant independent predictor of tibial pain (p = 0.042), and was significantly associated with tibial pain. Patients with tibial pain exhibited greater medial cortical thickening (p < 0.001). Stem migration (φ = 0.421, p = 0.065), stress shielding (φ = 0.476, p = 0.044), pedestal formation (φ = 0.608, p = 0.004), and periosteal reaction (φ = 0.569, p = 0.008) were also associated with pain. Conclusions: Medial cortical hypertrophy emerged as a potential radiographic biomarker for tibial pain. after expandable distal femoral endoprosthesis in growing patients. The findings suggest that cortical remodeling, stress shielding, and pedestal formation collectively reflect stem micromotion and bone adaptation. Early radiographic surveillance of these parameters warrants further investigation in prospective studies to determine their clinical utility. Larger multicenter studies are warranted to validate these predictors and refine postoperative monitoring protocols. Full article

The article is based on On the Move a holistic, playful movement intervention with children in Red Cross asylum centers in Denmark. Children in asylum centers in Denmark have diverse backgrounds, challenges, and resources. Common challenges due to their life situations can include potential trauma stemming from flight, migration, and/or war experienced by the children and their parents. Furthermore, they live with uncertainty regarding future relocation. These conditions may induce a state of alert, as the children’s foundations feel insecure. These circumstances can also affect the children’s emotional, cognitive, motor, and relational developmental processes. On the Move is a practice-based research project focused on examining how participation in a long-term holistic, playful movement intervention can support children in asylum centers regarding connectedness. The research project is inspired by a phenomenological understanding of body and movement, hermeneutic–phenomenological research, practitioner research, and Arts-Based Research. The data presented here is derived from scenic descriptions and interviews collected during the research project. The theoretical framework is based on the concepts of ontological security, movement philosophy and movement psychology. The article illuminates one of the main practice-based thematic findings from the research project: “Children sway—movement processes”. The article highlights challenges faced by the children due to their life situations and shows how teachers can support the children’s participation in the intervention. The article focuses both on the children’s life situations viewed by professionals and on the children’s movement processes during the intervention. In the movement processes, the children can enter a state in which they are described as being in harmony with the movements, with themselves, and with others. In this way, participating in a holistic, playful movement intervention can support the connectedness of children in asylum centers. Full article

Background: Low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) can promote wound healing. However, the biological effects of the erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser on gingival wound healing remain unclear. Objectives: To assess the effects of low-level Er:YAG laser irradiation on endothelial cell activity in vitro and on early phase gingival wound healing in vivo. Methods: In vitro, human umbilical vein endothelial cells were irradiated with a low-level Er:YAG laser (30 mJ/pulse, 10 Hz, 20 and 30 s, defocused, no water spray) and assessed for viability, cytotoxicity, and migration. Standardized bilateral wounds (4 × 1 mm) were created in the palatal gingiva of 14 male mice using a scalpel and curette. The wounds were irradiated for 20 s under the same irradiation settings, using a contact tip (diameter 800 μm) to induce superficial blood surface coagulation, while contralateral sites were assigned to controls in a split-mouth design. Postoperative wound area and mRNA expression of IL-6, TNF-α, VEGF, FGF-2, and TGF-β1 were analyzed after 48 h. Results: In vitro, LLLI significantly enhanced cell proliferation with/without increasing cytotoxicity. In the wound healing assay, the LLLI significantly promoted cell migration compared with the control. In vivo, the reduction in residual wound area in the laser group was comparable to that in the control group. IL-6 and TNF-α expressions were significantly downregulated, whereas VEGF was significantly upregulated in the laser group. Conclusions: Low-level Er:YAG laser irradiation enhances anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic effects, suggesting its potential in promoting gingival wound healing. Full article