Photobiomodulation reduces cell death and cytokine production in C2C12 cells exposed to Bothrops venoms.

Snakebites caused by the genus Bothrops are often associated with severe and complex local manifestations such as edema, pain, hemorrhage, and myonecrosis. Conventional treatment minimizes the systemic effects of venom; however, their local action is not neutralized. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) on C2C12 muscle cells exposed to B. jararaca, B. jararacussu, and B. moojeni venoms on events involved in cell death and the release of inflammatory mediators. Cells were exposed to venoms and immediately irradiated with low-level laser (LLL) application in continuous wave at the wavelength of 660 nm, energy density of 4.4 J/cm2, power of 10 mW, area of 0.045 cm2, and time of 20 s. Cell integrity was analyzed by phase contrast microscope and cell death was performed by flow cytometry. In addition, interleukin IL1-β, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were measured in the supernatant. Our results showed that the application of PBM increases cell viability and decreases cell death by apoptosis and necrosis. Moreover, the release of pro-inflammatory interleukins was also reduced. The data reported here indicate that PBM resulted in cytoprotection on myoblast C2C12 cells after venom exposure. This protection involves the modulation of cell death mechanism and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine release.