Low-Level Photobiomodulation Therapy Modulates H2O2 Production, TRPC-6, and PGC-1 & alpha; 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 & gamma; coactivator-1 & alpha; (PGC-1 & alpha;) content in the dystrophic gastrocnemius muscle.Conclusions: PBMT modulates H2O2 production, TRPC-6, and PGC-1 & alpha; content in the dystrophic muscle. These results suggest that laser therapy could act as an auxiliary therapy in the treatment of dystrophic patients.