Low-Level Photobiomodulation Therapy Modulates H2O2 Production, TRPC-6, and PGC-1α Levels in the Dystrophic Muscle.

Objective

This study evaluated photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) effects on the factors involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, on the mitochondrial respiratory complexes, and on the transient receptor potential canonical channels (such as TRPC-1 and TRPC-6) in in vitro (mdx muscle cells) and in vivo studies (gastrocnemius muscle) from mdx mice, the dystrophin-deficient model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Background

There is no successful treatment for DMD, therefore demanding search for new therapies that can improve the muscle role, the quality of life, and the survival of dystrophic patients.

Methods

The dystrophic primary muscle cells received PBMT at 0.6 J and 5 J, and the dystrophic gastrocnemius muscle received PBMT at 0.6 J.

Results

The dystrophic muscle cells treated with PBMT (0.6 J and 5 J) showed no cytotoxicity and significantly lower levels in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. We also demonstrated, for the first time, the capacity of PBMT, at a low dose (0.6 J), in reducing the TRPC-6 content and in raising the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) content in the dystrophic gastrocnemius muscle.

Conclusions

PBMT modulates H2O2 production, TRPC-6, and PGC-1α content in the dystrophic muscle. These results suggest that laser therapy could act as an auxiliary therapy in the treatment of dystrophic patients.