Near-infrared laser diode mitigates Aβ1–42-induced neurodegeneration in cortical neurons

Alzheimer's disease, a prevalent neurodegenerative condition primarily affecting older adults, remains incurable. Its principle pathological hallmark is the accelerated accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) protein. This study investigates the potential of photobiomodulation using near infrared light to counteract Aβ_1–42-induced synaptic degeneration and neurotoxicity. We focused on the effect of 808 nm near-infrared laser diode (LD) on Aβ_1–42 cytotoxicity in primary cultured cortical neurons. We assessed cell survival using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, observing substantial benefits from LD irradiation with a power of 10 mW and a dose of 30 J. Cells exposed to Aβ_1–42 exhibited morphological changes indicative of synaptic damage and a significant decrease in the number of postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) contacts, which were significantly improved with near-infrared LD therapy. Furthermore, this therapy reduced Aβ and phosphorylated tau (P-tau) protein accumulation. Additionally, near-infrared LD irradiation substantially lessened the Aβ_1–42–induced rise in glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1) in astrocytes and microglia. Remarkably, near-infrared LD irradiation effectively inhibited phosphorylation of key proteins involved in Aβ_1–42-induced necroptosis, namely Receptor-interacting protein kinase-3 (RIP3) and Mixed Lineage Kinase domain-Like protein (MLKL). Our findings suggest that near-infrared LD treatment significantly reduces neurodegeneration by reducing glial overactivation and neuronal necroptosis triggered by Aβ_1–42. Thus, near-infrared LD treatment emerges as a promising approach for slowing or treating Alzheimer's disease, offering new avenues in its management.