Jeon, Halin Oh, Ju-Young Ahn, Sora Yeom, Mijung Ha, In Jin Son, Hong-Seok Park, Seong-Eun Park, Juhan Huh, Eugene Baek, In-Yeop Nam, Min-Ho Na, Changsu Oh, Myung Sook Park, Hi-Joon 2025-05-22T06:01:12Z 2025-05-22T06:01:12Z 2025-05-21 2025-05 1749-8546 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/152476 Parkinson's disease (PD) affects 1-2% of the global population and presents significant therapeutic challenges. Due to the limitations of existing treatments, there is a pressing need for alternative approaches. This study investigated the effects of invasive laser acupuncture (ILA), which combines acupuncture and photobiomodulation. In this method, optical fibers are inserted into the muscle layers of the acupoint to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Mice with MPTP-induced PD were treated with ILA at 830 nm or 650 nm. Protective effects of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons and fibers were assessed by examining TH immunoreactivity in the brain. Neuroinflammation markers in the brain and muscle metabolomic profiles were also analyzed. Comparisons between invasive and non-invasive laser application, as well as the impact of nerve blocking with lidocaine, were also evaluated. ILA at 830 nm (ILA830) significantly improved motor performance and increased the nigrostriatal TH-positive immunoreactivities. It reduced the levels of alpha-synuclein, apoptotic proteins, and inflammatory cytokines, while increasing anti-inflammatory in the brain. ILA830 also decreased nigrostriatal astrocyte and microglia activation. Muscle metabolomic analysis showed distinct group clustering and significant changes in metabolites like glucose and galactose, correlating with improved motor functions. Invasive laser treatment was more effective than non-invasive, and lidocaine pre-treatment did not block its effects. ILA at 830 nm effectively ameliorates PD symptoms by protecting dopaminergic neurons, and reducing neuroinflammation in the brain. Muscle metabolomic changes by ILA830, such as increased glucose and galactose, correlate with motor improvement. This approach offers a promising strategy for PD treatment, warranting further research to optimize its use in clinical settings. English BioMed Central Invasive laser acupuncture targeting muscle: a novel approach to protect dopaminergic neurons and reduce neuroinflammation in a brain of Parkinson’s disease model Article 10.1186/s13020-025-01104-2 1 Chinese Medicine, v.20, no.1 Chinese Medicine 20 1 Y scie scopus 001485757700001 2-s2.0-105004479727 Integrative & Complementary Medicine Pharmacology & Pharmacy Integrative & Complementary Medicine Pharmacology & Pharmacy Article PATHWAYS THERAPY KINASE EXPRESSION PATHOLOGY LACTATE ALANINE ROLES ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN MECHANISMS