Pulsed red light photobiomodulation ameliorates oxytocin-induced primary dysmenorrhea in mice by inhibiting oxidative stress and lipid accumulation

Abstract

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has gained attention as a kind of anti-pain or anti-inflammation therapy, yet its efficacy in mitigating the symptoms and underlying metabolic disturbances of primary dysmenorrhea remains underexplored. Here, 630 nm light reduced menstrual pain and prostaglandin F_2a/prostaglandin E₂ dysregulation, regulated oxidation and lipid peroxidation levels, and improved uterus damage in oxytocin-induced mice. Notably, pulsed wave (PW) treatment exhibited superior efficacy compared to continuous wave application. Hence, this research focused on the effects of 630 nm PW on oxytocin-induced mice by examining changes in the uterine transcriptome and plasma metabolome. Results from integrated analyses revealed significant modifications primarily in antioxidant and lipid metabolism pathways, alongside shifts in biomarkers related to arachidonic acid metabolism. Quantitative real-time PCR confirmed the downregulation of critical genes associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as the suppression of uterine smooth muscle contractions and lipid overaccumulation. These findings support the potential of 630 nm PW PBM as a viable option for clinical interventions in dysmenorrhea management.