LED photobiomodulation reduces myonecrosis and hemorrhage caused by PI metalloproteinase isolated from Bothrops jararacussu venom

Abstract

Bothrops jararacussu is one of the species most frequently involved in snakebite incidents. The metalloproteinase, which constitutes 26.2 % of the venom composition of this species, is a key factor responsible for severe tissue damage, including hemorrhage and myonecrosis. While antivenom treatment effectively addresses systemic effects, its efficacy in mitigating local damage remains limited. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of photobiomodulation using a 945 nm LED following experimental envenomation with a PI class metalloproteinase, BjussuMP-II, isolated from B. jararacussu venom. Experimental envenoming was induced in male Swiss mice (18–22 g) after an injection of BjussuMP-II (50 μg) or PBS (50 μL) into the gastrocnemius muscles or dorsal skin. After 30 min, treatments with antivenom, LED, or a combination of both were administered. Three hours later, blood and muscle samples were collected for myotoxicity and histological analyses, and the dorsal skin was excised for hemorrhagic halo analysis. Results demonstrate that antivenom treatment alone is insufficient to mitigate the effects caused by BjussuMP-II, highlighting its ineffectiveness against the local damage induced by snakebite envenomation. In contrast, LED photobiomodulation, both as a standalone treatment and in combination with antivenom, effectively reduced myotoxicity, tissue damage, and hemorrhage induced by BjussuMP-II, both in the muscle and dorsal skin. In conclusion, LED treatment significantly reduces myotoxicity, tissue damage, and hemorrhage when applied independently. The combined application of antivenom and LED was also equally effective in mitigating these effects, demonstrating an advantage in the association of these two resources, as antivenom is essential for the reversal of systemic damage.