Enhancement of Photobiomodulation Therapy for Reducing Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Different Energy Densities

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a persistent inflammatory condition that results in joint deterioration and impairment. A noninvasive treatment option that has shown promise is photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), but the optimal energy density for RA management is not well established.

This study aims to assess the therapeutic efficacy of PBMT utilizing varying energy densities on RA in male rats, in comparison with methotrexate treatment.

A case-control study was conducted on 48 male rats randomly assigned to six groups: Group I is the negative control, Group II is the RA positive control, Group III is the RA + PBMT 36 J/cm², Group IV is the RA + PBMT 54 J/cm², Group V is the RA + PBMT 72 J/cm², and Group VI is the RA plus methotrexate. RA was induced in all groups except Group I. Treatments were applied over a defined period. Outcomes included paw thickness and biochemical markers: superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and rheumatoid factor.

All PBMT-treated groups showed significant reductions in paw thickness, and pro-inflammatory indicators were compared with the RA positive control (p < 0.05). PBMT at 54 J/cm² (Group IV) demonstrated the most pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, comparable with methotrexate. Oxidative stress marker MDA decreased significantly, while SOD levels increased in all PBMT groups, particularly in Group IV.

PBMT at an energy density of 54 J/cm² appears optimal in mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress in RA, providing a potential non-pharmacologic adjunct to conventional therapy.