Effects of Photobiomodulation, Pharmacological Treatment, and Exercise on Joint Inflammation
Tomazoni SS, Leal-Junior EC, Pallotta RC, Teixeira S, de Almeida P, Lopes-Martins RÁ.
Abstract: Inflammatory processes in joint tissue are associated with increased levels of inflammatory markers, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and proinflammatory cytokines. This study investigated whether photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), physical exercise, and topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), applied individually or in combination, could help regulate these inflammatory responses.
Researchers used an experimental rat model involving chemically induced inflammation and tissue changes in the knee joint. After 21 days, the animals received PBMT, physical exercise, topical NSAIDs, or combinations of these treatments three times per week for eight weeks, totaling 24 sessions.
The researchers measured inflammatory markers using gene expression analysis and protein assays. PBMT alone and PBMT combined with exercise significantly reduced IL-1β gene expression (p < 0.05), while none of the treatments significantly altered IL-6 or TNF-α gene expression. Several treatments reduced IL-1β protein expression, and all treatments significantly reduced IL-6 and TNF-α protein levels (p < 0.05). All treatments except exercise alone also significantly reduced PGE2 levels (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: In this experimental animal model, PBMT demonstrated greater effectiveness in modulating inflammatory responses in joint tissue than the other interventions tested. These findings suggest that PBMT may influence biological processes associated with joint inflammation, although further research is needed to establish its relevance to humans.
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