Photobiomodulation reduces oral mucositis by modulating NF-kB

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Sciences
• Oral Medicine
• Oncology Supportive Care

Background:

• Oral mucositis is a debilitating side effect of chemotherapy, particularly with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).
• Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) is a key transcription factor involved in inflammatory processes.
• Photobiomodulation (PBM) is explored for its potential anti-inflammatory effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of NF-kB in 5-FU-induced oral mucositis.
• To determine if PBM, used preventively or therapeutically, influences NF-kB levels.
• To assess PBM's efficacy in reducing oral mucositis severity.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-six male golden Syrian hamsters were divided into control, PBM therapeutic, PBM preventive, and PBM combined groups.
• 5-FU was administered to induce oral mucositis, followed by mechanical scratching of the buccal mucosa.
• PBM was applied using a 660-nm diode laser; tissue samples were analyzed for NF-kB protein levels via Western blot.

Main Results:

• PBM treatment groups showed reduced mucositis severity compared to controls by day 10.
• NF-kB levels were lower in control animals during mucositis development and healing.
• Preventive and combined PBM protocols increased NF-kB levels at day 5; therapeutic PBM increased levels at days 10 and 15.

Conclusions:

• PBM, as a preventive and/or therapeutic intervention, effectively reduces the severity of 5-FU-induced oral mucositis.
• The therapeutic effects of PBM in oral mucositis appear to be mediated through the activation of the NF-kB pathway.
• PBM demonstrates potential as an adjunctive therapy for managing chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis.