Repeated photobiological regulation therapy alleviates inflammation in mice with experimental acute pancreatitis through ROS/NF-κB pathway

The prevalence of acute pancreatitis (AP) is increasing, but current treatments remain inadequate. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects under various conditions; however, its role in AP has not been explored. Evaluating this could introduce a noninvasive treatment option for AP. This study aimed to assess PBM’s potential of PBM in reducing cerulein-induced AP inflammation and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Animal Experiment: Mice were categorized into control, model, and experimental groups. AP was induced with cerulein injections in depilated mice, followed by seven PBM irradiation sessions in the experimental group. Blood samples collected 24 h post-injection were analyzed for TNF-α, IL-6, amylase, and lipase levels. The pancreatic tissue was histologically examined and scored. Cell Experiment: AR42J cells, grouped similarly, were subjected to cerulein exposure and PBM irradiation. An NF-κB inhibitor has been introduced into some groups. Measurements included amylase, NF-κB p65, phosphorylated NF-κB p65, and (Robot Operating System) ROS levels in the supernatant. Animal Experiment: PBM treatment reduced pancreatic tissue edema and serum amylase, lipase, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels. Cell Experiment: ROS levels increased, NF-κB p65 expression decreased, and TNF-α, IL-6, amylase, and lipase in the cell supernatant decreased post-PBM treatment. The addition of the NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7082 to the PBM-treated group did not increase ROS levels. PBM therapy shows potential as a noninvasive AP treatment by modulating ROS-mediated NF-κB signaling. Clinical studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and explore the applications of AP treatment.