Effect of photobiomodulation therapy on radiodermatitis in a mouse model: an experimental animal study.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) for prevention of radiodermatitis in an irradiated mouse model and compare the efficacy of PBM using 633- or 830-nm wavelengths. Irradiated mice were randomly distributed into three groups: A (633 nm), B (830 nm), and C (without PBM). On post-irradiation days 7 and 21, we compared acute damage and recovery in treated skin samples to non-irradiated skin using H&E, Masson's trichrome, anti-CD45 and PCNA immunohistochemistry, and a TUNEL assay. Grade 3 radiodermatitis was evident only in group C. Compared with that in group C, the skin in groups A and B had significantly less epidermal hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, and thinner dermis on day 7 and less inflammatory cell infiltration, fewer apoptotic cells, and thinner dermis on day 21. However, there was no significant difference between groups A and B. This study indicates PBM could prevent severe radiodermatitis by reducing epidermal and dermal damage, inflammation, and apoptosis. There was no difference in PBM efficacy between the 633- and 830-nm wavelengths.