Photobiomodulation induces antinociception, recovers structural aspects and regulates mitochondrial homeostasis in peripheral nerve of diabetic mice

Abstract

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a nervous disorder caused by diabetes mellitus, affecting about 50% of patients in clinical medicine. Chronic pain is one of the major and most unpleasant symptoms developed by those patients, and conventional available treatments for the neuropathy, including the associated pain, are still unsatisfactory and benefit only a small number of patients. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been gaining clinical acceptance once it is able to promote early nerve regeneration resulting in significant improvement in peripheral nerves disabilities. In this work, the effects of PBM (660 nm, 30 mW, 1.6 J/cm , 0.28 cm , 15 s in a continuous frequency) on treating DPN-induced pain and nerve damage were evaluated in an experimental model of diabetic-neuropathy induced by streptozotocin in mice. PBM-induced antinociception in neuropathic-pain mice was dependent on central opioids release. After 21 consecutive applications, PBM increased nerve growth factor levels and induced structural recovery increasing mitochondrial content and regulating Parkin in the sciatic nerve of DPN-mice. Taking together, these data provide new insights into the mechanisms involved in the effects of PBM-therapy emphasizing its therapeutic potential in the treatment of DPN.

Diabetes in spotlight: current knowledge and perspectives of photobiomodulation utilization

“…A total of 23 studies were conducted, including 5 on preclinical models- ( 49 – 53 ) and 18 in humans ( 28 – 33 , 46 , 54 – 63 ) ( Table 2 ).…”

Unleashing light's healing power: an overview of photobiomodulation for Alzheimer's treatment

“…Mitochondrial dysfunction is elicited by the imbalance between the mitochondrial fusion proteins, like Opa1, Mfn1 and Mfn2 (which are decreased) and fission proteins like Drp1, Fis1, Mff and Mief (which are elevated) [ 49-51 ] and also includes mitochondrial enzymes provoked metabolic dysfunctions [ 52 ] are also involved in the development of AD [ 53 , 54 ]. PBMT was known to reinstate the mitochondrial activity and to maintain the mitochondrial homeostasis [ 42 , 55 ]. PBM with transcranial low-level laser therapy helps in balancing the ratio between mitochondrial fusion and fission protein through a shift in the mitochondrial dynamics and modification of antioxidant levels [ 6 , 56 , 57 ].…”

Low level light therapy/photobiomodulation for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…It exerts potent antiinflammatory effects in the peripheral nervous system and promotes functional recovery and regeneration of peripheral nerves after injury, also in DPN. 14 16 The effect of LLLT depends on the type of light, irradiation mode, power density and the properties of irradiated tissue. 13 Although two systematic reviews 17 18 have evaluated the effects of LLLT/photobiomudulation for DPN, they both included only a small number of studies in published in English language.…”

“…On the tissue level, LLLT has been used to inhibit pain and pathological conditions associated with the nervous system. It exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects in the peripheral nervous system and promotes functional recovery and regeneration of peripheral nerves after injury, also in DPN 14 16. The effect of LLLT depends on the type of light, irradiation mode, power density and the properties of irradiated tissue 13…”