Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 6, 2026
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Photobiomodulation Mitigates PM2.5-Exacerbated Pathologies in a Mouse Model of Allergic Asthma
Jisu Park1, Bo-Young Kim1, Eun Jung Park1
1Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan 50612, Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Exposure to particulate matter (PM), especially PM2.5, is known to exacerbate asthma, posing a significant public health risk. This study investigated the asthma-reducing effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) in a mice model mimicking allergic airway inflammation exacerbated by PM2.5 exposure. The mice received sensitization with ovalbumin (OVA) and were subsequently treated with PM2.5 at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg every 3 days, for 9 times over 3 weeks during the challenge. PBM, using a 610 nm wavelength LED, was applied at 1.7 mW/cm2 to the respiratory tract via direct skin contact for 20 min daily for 19 days. Results showed that PBM significantly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, plasma immunoglobulin E (IgE) and OVA-specific IgE, airway inflammation, T-helper type 2 cytokine, histamine and tryptase in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and goblet cell hyperplasia in PM2.5-exposed asthmatic mice. Moreover, PBM alleviated subepithelial fibrosis by reducing collagen deposition, airway smooth muscle mass, and expression of fibrosis-related genes. It mitigated reactive oxygen species generation, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptotic cell death, ferroptosis, and modulated autophagic signals in the asthmatic mice exposed to PM2.5. These findings suggest that PBM could be a promising intervention for PM2.5-induced respiratory complications in patients with allergic asthma.
Insights
Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy shows promise in reducing allergic asthma symptoms exacerbated by particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure. This study found PBM effectively decreased airway inflammation and related biomarkers in a mouse model, suggesting a potential new treatment avenue.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is a known asthma exacerbator, representing a significant public health concern.
- Allergic airway inflammation is a key feature of asthma, often worsened by environmental pollutants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy in mitigating allergic airway inflammation and asthma symptoms induced by PM2.5 exposure.
- To evaluate the effects of PBM on various inflammatory, immunological, and cellular stress markers in a mouse model of PM2.5-exacerbated asthma.
Main Methods:
- An allergic asthma mouse model was established using ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenged with PM2.5.
- Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy was administered daily using a 610 nm LED device to the respiratory tract.
- Key outcomes measured included airway hyperresponsiveness, immunoglobulin E levels, inflammatory cell counts, cytokine profiles, oxidative stress markers, and fibrosis indicators.
Main Results:
- PBM significantly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, IgE levels, and airway inflammation in PM2.5-exposed asthmatic mice.
- The treatment decreased T-helper type 2 cytokines, histamine, tryptase, and goblet cell hyperplasia in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).
- PBM alleviated subepithelial fibrosis, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and modulated apoptotic and autophagic signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Photobiomodulation (PBM) demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for managing PM2.5-induced respiratory complications in allergic asthma.
- PBM effectively targets multiple pathological pathways involved in asthma exacerbation, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis.
- This non-invasive therapy offers a promising strategy for improving respiratory health in individuals affected by environmental pollutants and allergic conditions.
