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Updated: Sep 28, 2025
Assessing Functional Performance in the Mdx Mouse Model
Published on: March 27, 2014
Multiple LEDT wavelengths modulate the Akt signaling pathways and attenuate pathological events in mdx dystrophic
Guilherme Luiz da Rocha1, Daniela Sayuri Mizobuti1, Heloina Nathalliê Mariano da Silva1
1Departamento de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-970, Brazil.
Abstract:
This study is aimed at investigating the effects of LEDT, at multiple wavelengths, on intracellular calcium concentration; on transient receptor potential canonical channels; on calcium-binding protein; on myogenic factors; on myosin heavy chains; on Akt signaling pathway; on inflammatory markers; and on the angiogenic-inducing factor in dystrophic muscle cell culture experimental model. Dystrophic primary muscle cells were submitted to LEDT, at multiple wavelengths (420 nm, 470 nm, 660 nm, and 850 nm), and evaluated after 48 h for cytotoxic effects and intracellular calcium content. TRPC-1, TRPC-6, Calsequestrin, MyoD, Myogenin, MHC-slow, MHC-fast, p-AKT, p-mTOR, p-FoxO1, Myostatin, NF-κB, TNF-α, and VEGF levels were evaluated in dystrophic primary muscle cells by western blotting. The LEDT, at multiple wavelengths, treated-mdx muscle cells showed no cytotoxic effect and significant lower levels in [Ca2 +]i. The mdx muscle cells treated with LEDT showed a significant reduction of TRPC-1, NF-κB, TNF-α and MyoD levels and a significant increase of Myogenin, MHC-slow, p-AKT, p-mTOR, p-FoxO1 levels, and VEGF levels. Our findings suggest that different LEDT wavelengths modulate the Akt-signaling pathways and attenuate pathological events in dystrophic muscle cells, and a combined multiwavelength irradiation protocol may even provide a potentially therapeutic strategy for muscular dystrophies.
Insights
Light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT) using multiple wavelengths shows promise for muscular dystrophy. LEDT effectively modulated Akt signaling pathways and reduced pathological markers in dystrophic muscle cells without cytotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Muscular dystrophies involve progressive muscle degeneration and weakness.
- Intracellular calcium dysregulation and signaling pathway alterations are key pathological features.
- Current therapeutic strategies for muscular dystrophies are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of multi-wavelength light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT) on dystrophic muscle cells.
- To evaluate LEDT's impact on intracellular calcium, signaling pathways, and inflammatory markers.
- To explore LEDT as a potential therapeutic approach for muscular dystrophies.
Main Methods:
- Primary muscle cells from dystrophic models (mdx) were cultured.
- Cells were exposed to LEDT at various wavelengths (420, 470, 660, 850 nm).
- Western blotting was used to assess protein levels related to calcium handling, myogenic factors, Akt pathway, and inflammation.
Main Results:
- LEDT demonstrated no cytotoxic effects on dystrophic muscle cells.
- Significant reduction in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i), TRPC-1, NF-κB, TNF-α, and MyoD levels observed.
- Significant increase in Myogenin, MHC-slow, p-AKT, p-mTOR, p-FoxO1, and VEGF levels after LEDT treatment.
Conclusions:
- Multi-wavelength LEDT modulates the Akt signaling pathway in dystrophic muscle cells.
- LEDT attenuates key pathological events, including inflammation and calcium dysregulation.
- Combined multi-wavelength LEDT may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for muscular dystrophies.
