Photobiomodulation provides neuroprotection through regulating mitochondrial fission imbalance in the subacute phase of spinal cord injury

Neural Regeneration Research, 2023 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.366491 · Published: January 5, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Genetics Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury can lead to nerve cell death, contributing to long-term disability. This study explores how photobiomodulation (PBM), using light to stimulate cells, affects mitochondrial function after spinal cord injury in rats. The researchers found that PBM can alleviate mitochondrial fission imbalance, reduce neuronal cell death, and improve motor function in rats with spinal cord injury during the subacute phase. These findings suggest that PBM targets neuronal mitochondria, reducing cell death and promoting motor function recovery after spinal cord injury.

Study Duration

14 days

Participants

162 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Photobiomodulation alleviated mitochondrial fission imbalance in spinal cord tissue in the subacute phase after spinal cord injury.
2
Photobiomodulation reduced neuronal cell death in rat models of spinal cord injury.
3
Photobiomodulation improved rat posterior limb motor function in a time-dependent manner.

Research Summary

This study investigates the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) on mitochondrial fission imbalance after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The researchers treated rat models of SCI with PBM for 14 consecutive days and assessed mitochondrial morphology, neuronal cell death, and motor function. The findings indicate that PBM alleviates mitochondrial fission imbalance in spinal cord tissue during the subacute phase of SCI, reduces neuronal cell death, and improves motor function in a time-dependent manner. The study concludes that PBM targets neuronal mitochondria, alleviates mitochondrial fission imbalance-induced neuronal apoptosis, and promotes motor function recovery in rats with SCI, suggesting PBM as a potential therapeutic strategy.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Strategy for SCI

PBM may be a promising therapeutic strategy for spinal cord injury.

Targeting Neuronal Mitochondria

PBM targets neuronal mitochondria, alleviating mitochondrial fission imbalance-induced neuronal apoptosis.

Clinical Intervention

PBM may be a potential and safe interventional strategy for SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Assessment of the behavioral response was limited to motor function.
2
The study focused only on the subacute phase after SCI.
3
The key molecular and signaling mechanisms of PBM in regulating mitochondrial fission imbalance remain unknown.

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