Effect of photobiomodulation treatment on mitochondrial dynamics: analysis of the dorsal root ganglion in a type 1 Diabetes mellitus model

• Grant number: 21/02897-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: January 01, 2023 - December 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Anatomy
• Principal Investigator: Marucia Chacur
• Grantee: Marucia Chacur
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Alice Cristina Rodrigues ; Ariel Mariano Silber ; Willians Fernando Vieira
• Associated scholarship(s): 22/16503-0 - Analysis of the possible involvement of mitochondria and nitric oxide in diabetes-induced nociceptive response: effect of photobiomodulation treatment., BP.TT

Abstract

In clinical practice it has been extensively reported that neuropathic pain is difficult to treat due to inadequate understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the development and maintenance of this type of pain. Therapeutic options for pain control have increased in recent years. However, the responses to conventional treatments (such as pills ) are not satisfactory, resulting in work and society absences, affecting the quality of life of the individual. Peripheral diabetic neuropathy is the most common complication in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, characterized by significant damage to peripheral nerves, leading to schwann cell loss, severe pain and hyperglycemia, which is considered the main triggering factor of changes in the peripheral nervous system observed in this model. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is the use of light as therapy, it is a non-invasive method that has shown, both in basic research and clinical research, to be effective in reducing pain sensitivity and consequently improving the quality of life of patients. It is already clear that tissue chromophores absorb the light emitted by PBM treatment and interact with cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), resulting in increased cellular metabolism by increasing ATP synthesis by mitochondria. This project aims to examine the role of PBM treatment in the type 1 diabetes mellitus model induced by streptozotocin injection (STZ), investigating the possible pathways involved in the genesis of diabetic neuropathy and the effect of FBM. The evaluation and understanding of strategies specifically targeted to modulate and study the pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy can represent a powerful tool to help science and clinical management of this type of pain. (AU)