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Published on: November 4, 2010
Effect of low level laser therapy on bronchial hyper-responsiveness
Flávio Aimbire1, Flávia Mafra de Lima, Maricilia S Costa
1Institute of Research and Development, University of Vale do Paraíba (UNIVAP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil. aimbire@univap.br
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) effectively reduced bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR) in rats by modulating inositol phosphate (IP) metabolism in airway smooth muscle cells. This laser treatment offers a potential therapeutic approach for inflammatory airway conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) induces bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR), a key feature of asthma.
- Inositol phosphate (IP) metabolism in bronchial smooth muscle cells (BSMCs) plays a crucial role in airway contraction.
- Understanding the mechanisms underlying TNF-alpha-induced BHR is vital for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in reducing TNF-alpha-induced BHR.
- To determine if LLLT modulates inositol phosphate (IP) metabolism in BSMCs.
- To assess the impact of LLLT on calcium ion (Ca2+) sensitization in bronchial smooth muscle (BSM).
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats (n=28) were divided into four groups.
- Bronchial smooth muscle (BSM) segments were exposed to TNF-alpha.
- LLLT irradiation (1.3 J/cm(2)) was applied at specific time points post-exposure.
- Contractile responses, Ca2+ sensitization, and IP accumulation in BSMCs were measured.
Main Results:
- TNF-alpha significantly increased BSM contraction and Ca2+ sensitization.
- LLLT treatment significantly reduced TNF-alpha-induced BSM contraction by 64% and 30%.
- LLLT decreased the accumulation of inositol phosphate (IP) in BSMCs induced by carbachol (CCh) after TNF-alpha exposure.
- A dose of 2.6 J/cm(2) demonstrated significant reduction in BHR and IP accumulation.
Conclusions:
- LLLT is effective in reducing TNF-alpha-induced bronchial hyper-responsiveness.
- LLLT modulates inositol phosphate (IP) metabolism in bronchial smooth muscle cells.
- LLLT represents a potential therapeutic strategy for managing inflammatory airway diseases.
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