Photobiomodulation Attenuated Cognitive Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation in a Prenatal Valproic Acid-Induced Autism...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with no current effective treatments.
• Photobiomodulation (PBM) is an emerging therapy for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic potential of PBM in a valproic acid (VPA)-induced mouse model of ASD.
• To evaluate PBM's effects on behavioral and pathophysiological changes associated with ASD.

Main Methods:

• Mice were exposed to valproic acid (VPA) to model ASD.
• Pregnant dams exposed to VPA were treated with PBM.
• Offspring were assessed for developmental disorders, motor function, hyperactivity, repetitive behaviors, and cognitive impairment.
• Pathophysiological analyses examined microglia and astrocyte activation.

Main Results:

• PBM treatment significantly attenuated pathological behaviors in the VPA-induced ASD mouse model.
• PBM reduced the increase in activated microglia and astrocytes, indicating a decrease in neuroinflammation.
• The therapy counteracted behavioral changes linked to neuroinflammation in ASD.

Conclusions:

• PBM demonstrates therapeutic potential for mitigating behavioral and neuroinflammatory aspects of ASD.
• This suggests PBM could be a viable strategy to reduce the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders like ASD.