Therapeutic Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Ovarian Structure and GDF۹, BMP۱۵ and BMP۴ Expression in the Spinal Cord Injury Female Rat Model Therapeutic effects of photobiomodulation therapy on ovarian structure in the rat spinal cord injury

Abstract Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in severe neurological deficits and secondary complications, including disruptions in female reproductive health. Current treatment options are limited in addressing both neurological recovery and reproductive outcomes. This study investigated the impact of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on spinal cord healing and ovarian health in a female rat model of SCI. Methods: In this study, ۱۸ rats were divided into three groups (Control, contusion and PBMT) and SCI was induced by a weight drop model. Real-time PCR use for gene expression (GDF۹, BMP۱۵ and BMP۴), histological analyses for ovarian tissues by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), cell counting and ovary volume by stereology and estrogen level measured by ELISA kit. Results: Real-time PCR results showed that PBMT treatment significantly reduced inflammation, evidenced by lower levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and facilitated tissue repair in the ovary. Additionally, stereology results showed that ovarian assessments revealed improved follicular structure and overall enhancement of ovarian function in the PBMT-treated group compared to the contusion group, and this result is statistically significant. Conclusion: This research highlights the dual benefits of PBMT in supporting neurological recovery and safeguarding reproductive health in female rats following SCI. These findings point to the potential of PBMT as a novel therapeutic approach to improve outcomes for women affected by SCI. Keywords: Spinal cord injury; Photobiomodulation therapy; Ovary; Inflammation