Low-level laser therapy enhances neuroprotection and functional recovery after neonatal hypoxic-ischemic injury via potential activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and Akt pathways.

Ping Liu, Sunxin Zhang, Huan Wang, Zhili Li

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Article in Behavioral and brain functions : BBF, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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Ping Liu *Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.

Sunxin Zhang *Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.

Huan WangDepartment of Haematology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China. huanwang2@proton.me.

Zhili LiDepartment of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China. ZhiliLi@proton.me.

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6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundNeonatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a leading cause of neurodevelopmental disability. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), or photobiomodulation, has shown neuroprotective potential, but its long-term effects and region-specific responses remain poorly defined.

methodsNeonatal rats subjected to hypoxic–ischemic brain damage (HIBD) received transcranial 810-nm LLLT (24 mW/cm², 10 min/session, twice daily for three days). Histological, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analyses assessed neuronal integrity, glial activation, and signaling pathway changes. Sensorimotor function was evaluated by grip traction and open-field tests, and spatial learning and memory were assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM) at long-term follow-up.

resultsLLLT reduced neuronal loss and glial reactivity and was associated with increased Nrf2/HO-1 and Akt signaling at early time points. Behaviorally, LLLT improved motor and cognitive performance, with benefits persisting up to 20 weeks post-injury.

conclusionEarly LLLT is associated with sustained functional recovery after neonatal hypoxic–ischemic injury. These effects may involve early modulation of antioxidant and pro-survival signaling pathways, although the mechanisms underlying long-term outcomes require further investigation.

Indexed as

Hypoxia-Ischemia, BrainLow-Level Light TherapyNeuroprotectionNF-E2-Related Factor 2Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-aktRecovery of FunctionAnimalsAnimals, NewbornHeme Oxygenase-1MaleMaze LearningNeuronsRatsRats, Sprague-DawleySignal TransductionHeme Oxygenase-1Nfe2l2 protein, ratNF-E2-Related Factor 2Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-aktAktGFAPHO-1Hypoxia–ischemia brain injuryLow-level laser therapyneuroprotectionNrf2

Identifiers

PMID42050654

DOI10.1186/s12993-026-00334-0

PMCPMC13274093

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.