METHODS: Databases (MEDLINE via PubMed; EMBASE; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register databases) were searched from 1980 up to and including July 2016. The addressed PICO question was: "What effect does aPDT and/or LT as an adjunct to SRP have on the GCF inflammatory proteins in periodontal disease patients?"
RESULTS: Eight studies used aPDT while 10 studies used laser alone. Eight cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were eligible for qualitative analysis for aPDT and LT studies. Four aPDT studies showed significant reduction in IL-1β while one study showed significant reduction in TNF-α levels after aPDT application at follow-up. One study showed significant reduction of IFN-γ, IL-8 and GM-CSF levels after aPDT at follow-up. IL-1β significantly reduced in 4 LT studies, while one study showed significant decrease for IL-6 and TIMP-1 levels. MMP-8 and TNF-α showed significant reduction in three and one study respectively.
CONCLUSION: It remains debatable whether adjunctive aPDT or LT is effective in the reduction of GCF inflammatory proteins in periodontal disease due to non-standard laser parameters and short follow up period. These findings should be considered preliminary and further studies with long-term follow up and standardized laser parameters are recommended.