Photobiomodulation therapy protects skeletal muscle and improves muscular function of mdx mice in a dose-dependent manner through modulation of dystrophin

Author(s):Show less -

Albuquerque-Pontes, Gianna Moes ^{[1, 2]} ; Casalechi, Heliodora Leao ^{[3, 2]} ; Tomazoni, Shaiane Silva ^[4] ; Serra, Andrey Jorge ^[1] ; Bacelar Ferreira, Cheila de Sousa ^[2] ; de Oliveira Brito, Rodrigo Barbosa ^[5] ; de Melo, Brunno Lemes ^[6] ; Vanin, Adriane Aver ^{[3, 2]} ; Damasceno Soares Monteiro, Kadma Karenina ^{[3, 2]} ; Delle, Humberto ^[5] ; Frigo, Lucio ^[7] ; Marcos, Rodrigo Labat ^[1] ; Camillo de Carvalho, Paulo de Tarso ^{[3, 1]} ; Pinto Leal-Junior, Ernesto Cesar ^{[3, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Nove de Julho UNINOVE, Postgrad Program Biophoton Appl Hlth Sci, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Nove Julho UNINOVE, Lab Phototherapy Sports & Exercise, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Nove de Julho UNINOVE, Postgrad Program Rehabil Sci, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[4] Univ Cidade Sao Paulo, Masters & Doctoral Programs Phys Therapy, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[5] Univ Nove de Julho UNINOVE, Postgrad Program Med, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[6] Univ Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Postgrad Program Med, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[7] Univ Cruzeiro Sul, Biol Sci & Hlth Ctr, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Lasers in Medical Science; v. 33, n. 4, p. 755-764, MAY 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the protective effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) with combination of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and light emitting diode therapy (LEDT) on skeletal muscle tissue to delay dystrophy progression in mdx mice (DMD (mdx) ). To this aim, mice were randomly divided into five different experimental groups: wild type (WT), placebo-control (DMD (mdx) ), PBMT with doses of 1 J (DMD (mdx) ), 3 J (DMD (mdx) ), and 10 J (DMD (mdx) ). PBMT was performed employing a cluster probe with 9 diodes (1 x 905nm super-pulsed laser diode; 4 x 875nm infrared LEDs; and 4 x 640nm red LEDs, manufactured by Multi Radiance MedicalA (R), Solon - OH, USA), 3 times a week for 14 weeks. PBMT was applied on a single point (tibialis anterior muscle-bilaterally). We analyzed functional performance, muscle morphology, and gene and protein expression of dystrophin. PBMT with a 10 J dose significantly improved (p < 0.001) functional performance compared to all other experimental groups. Muscle morphology was improved by all PBMT doses, with better outcomes with the 3 and 10 J doses. Gene expression of dystrophin was significantly increased with 3 J (p < 0.01) and 10 J (p < 0.01) doses when compared to placebo-control group. Regarding protein expression of dystrophin, 3 J (p < 0.001) and 10 J (p < 0.05) doses also significantly showed increase compared to placebo-control group. We conclude that PBMT can mainly preserve muscle morphology and improve muscular function of mdx mice through modulation of gene and protein expression of dystrophin. Furthermore, since PBMT is a non-pharmacological treatment which does not present side effects and is easy to handle, it can be seen as a promising tool for treating Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/52404-0 - Low-level laser therapy in skeletal muscle fatigue and post-exercise recovery: Optimal parameters and effects in long-duration exercise
• Grantee: Ernesto Cesar Pinto Leal Junior
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/05203-0 - Effects of phototherapy with combination of lasers and LEDs in experimental model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
• Grantee: Gianna Móes Albuquerque Pontes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate