Low-Level Photobiomodulation Therapy Modulates H₂O₂ Production, TRPC-6, and PGC-1α Levels in the Dystrophic Muscle

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). 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. 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. 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 γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) content in the dystrophic gastrocnemius muscle. PBMT modulates H₂O₂ production, TRPC-6, and PGC-1α content in the dystrophic muscle. These results suggest that laser therapy could act as an auxiliary therapy in the treatment of dystrophic patients.