Abstract
Purpose: :
Photobiomodulation has been studied in the past as a method to treat certain diseases. We evaluated the effects of photobiomodulation on the development of early stages of diabetic retinopathy in rats and cell culture.
Methods: :
Streptozotocin-diabetic rats were assigned to 2 groups, treated with or without light exposure (near-infrared for 3 minutes a day), and compared to age-matched nondiabetic control animals. Cell cultures grown in diabetic and non-diabetic simulating media were also treated with or without near-infrared light exposure.
Results: :
Control diabetic rats exhibited ERG signal loss, increased inflammatory markers, leukostasis and oxidative stress. Light therapy for 3 minutes significantly improved these paramenters. Cells were used to elucidate the mechanism.
Conclusions: :
Photobiomodulation offers a novel therapeutic approach to inhibit the development of early stages of diabetic retinopathy and other complications of diabetes.
Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • neuroprotection • radiation therapy