Neuroprotective Properties of Photobiomodulation in Retinal Regeneration in Rats: Perspectives From Interaction Levels

Abstract Introduction: Photobiomodulation (PBM) is known as low-level laser (or light) therapy and is applied in different fields of medicine. However, it is required that its molecular and cellular mechanism be investigated. This study aims to assess the neuroprotective properties of PBM in the rat retina.Methods: GSE۲۲۸۱۸ was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the regulation of the significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) which are produced by light damage in the rat retina by the pretreatment of PBM application was assessed via network analysis and gene ontology enrichment.Results: The ۷۸ produced DEGs by light-damage in the rat retina were protected via PBM pretreatment action. Among these determined DEGs, ۵۳ individuals were included in the main connected component of the constructed protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Ccl۲, Icam۱, Cxcl۱۰, Timp۱, and Fos were determined as hub nodes. Eight clusters including ۲۶ regulated biochemical pathways by PBM pretreatment were identified. The critical DEGs based on the action maps were introduced.Conclusion: The finding indicates that PBM treatment protects rat retina against light damage via the prevention of Fos, Ccl۲, Icam۱, Cxcl۱۰, and Myc dysregulation. Keywords: Photobiomodulation therapy Retina Gene expression Protein-protein interaction network Rat.