Superpulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy Protects Skeletal Muscle of mdx Mice against Damage, Inflammation and Morphological Changes Delaying Dystrophy Progression

Author(s)

Pinto Leal-Junior, Ernesto Cesar ^{[1, 2]} ; de Almeida, Patricia ^[1] ; Tomazoni, Shaiane Silva ^[3] ; Camillo de Carvalho, Paulo de Tarso ^{[1, 2]} ; Brandao Lopes-Martins, Rodrigo Alvaro ^[3] ; Frigo, Lucio ^[4] ; Joensen, Jon ^[5] ; Johnson, Mark I. ^[6] ; Bjordal, Jan Magnus ^[7]

Affiliation

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

^[2] Univ Nove de Julho UNINOVE, Postgrad Program Biophoton Appl Hlth Sci, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Pharmacol, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[4] Univ Cruzeiro Sul, Biol Sci & Hlth Ctr, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[5] Bergen Univ Coll, Dept Physiotherapy Occupat Therapy & Radiog, Bergen - Norway

^[6] Leeds Metropolitan Univ, Fac Hlth & Social Sci, Leeds LS1 3HE, W Yorkshire - England

^[7] Univ Bergen, Physiotherapy Res Grp, Bergen - Norway

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PLoS One; v. 9, n. 3 MAR 5 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 19

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effects of preventive treatment with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on progression of dystrophy in mdx mice. Methods: Ten animals were rando mu ly divided into 2 experimental groups treated with superpulsed LLLT (904 nm, 15 mW, 700 Hz, 1 J) or placebo-LLLT at one point overlying the tibialis anterior muscle (bilaterally) 5 times per week for 14 weeks (from 6th to 20th week of age). Morphological changes, creatine kinase (CK) activity and mRNA gene expression were assessed in animals at 20th week of age. Results: Animals treated with LLLT showed very few morphological changes in skeletal muscle, with less atrophy and fibrosis than animals treated with placebo-LLLT. CK was significantly lower (p = 0.0203) in animals treated with LLLT (864.70 U.l(-1), SEM 226.10) than placebo (1708.00 U.l(-1), SEM 184.60). mRNA gene expression of inflammatory markers was significantly decreased by treatment with LLLT (p<0.05): TNF-alpha (placebo-control = 0.51 mu g/mu l {[}SEM 0.12], - LLLT = 0.048 mu g/mu l {[}SEM 0.01]), IL-1 beta (placebo-control = 2.292 mu g/mu l {[}SEM 0.74], - LLLT = 0.12 mu g/mu l {[}SEM 0.03]), IL-6 (placebo-control = 3.946 mu g/mu l {[}SEM 0.98], - LLLT = 0.854 mu g/mu l {[}SEM 0.33]), IL-10 (placebo-control = 1.116 mu g/mu l {[}SEM 0.22], - LLLT = 0.352 mu g/mu l {[}SEM 0.15]), and COX-2 (placebo-control = 4.984 mu g/mu l {[}SEM 1.18], LLLT = 1.470 mu g/mu l {[}SEM 0.73]). Conclusion: Irradiation of superpulsed LLLT on successive days five times per week for 14 weeks decreased morphological changes, skeletal muscle damage and inflammation in mdx mice. This indicates that LLLT has potential to decrease progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/06832-5 - Low-level laser therapy and topical sodium diclofenac in contusion-induced skeletal muscle injury in rats
• Grantee: Lúcio Frigo
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• 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 type: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants