Therapeutic potential of photobiomodulation on hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative damage in retinal pigment epithelial cells

Abstract

Aims/Purpose: Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a cutting‐edge therapeutic method for restoring the functioning of injured mitochondria in experimental settings. Our goal was to find out how 780 nm PBM therapy affected the apoptosis and cell survival of hydrogen peroxide‐treated retinal pigment epithelial cells.Methods: After being treated with 150 μM hydrogen peroxide for 24 h, the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells were exposed to continuous wave laser radiation with the following parameters: wavelength of 780 nm, power density of 140 mW/cm2, 65 mW/cm2 and 40 mW/cm2 and duration of 10 min and 30 min. Furthermore, light therapy was given to untreated control cells to check PBM effect on healthy group. After PBM therapy in a time‐dependent manner, cell survival and apoptosis were assessed by MTT assay and Annexin V/PI staining, respectively.Results: Based on MTT findings, PBM showed no obvious effect on cell viability in H2O2‐treated RPE cells, while after 48 h post‐PBM incubation, cell viability was dramatically improved. It was significantly increased at the power density of 140 mW/cm2 for 30 min application without unacceptable effect on control cells. RPE apoptosis was strikingly decreased in post‐PBM incubation group compared to H2O2‐treated group in a time‐dependent manner, as detected by flow cytometry.Conclusions: As a result, photobiomodulation supported its potential utility in the prevention and treatment of retinal disorders associated with oxidative stress by promoting cell survival and reducing apoptosis under oxidative stress.