Photobiomodulation therapy: a promising treatment for insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects over 90% of diabetic patients and is characterized by insulin resistance (IR), primarily due to impaired GLUT4 function and abnormalities in insulin signaling within adipose and skeletal muscle cells. Dysfunctional adipose tissue elevates triglyceride and fatty acid levels, worsening IR. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), which employs low-power light, has emerged as a potential treatment by enhancing glucose metabolism and reducing inflammation through the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Key factors influencing IR include FOXO1, GFAT-2, and PTP1B, which play significant roles in insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis. In this study, 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were cultured in high glucose DMEM with FBS and antibiotics, with differentiation induced using dexamethasone and insulin, followed by laser treatment. The viability of preadipocytes and adipocytes was assessed using the MTT assay, while oil red O staining quantified lipid droplet formation. An insulin resistance model was established, and glucose levels and gene expression were analyzed through qRT-PCR. The findings indicated that PBMT did not adversely affect cell viability and significantly reduced triglyceride levels and glucose uptake in IR models. Additionally, PBMT altered gene expression related to adipogenesis, suggesting its potential in managing IR and adipocyte function. Overall, while the mechanisms of PBMT require further investigation, the therapy shows promise in alleviating insulin resistance and its associated metabolic consequences.