Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Publication Date

2-1-2024

Journal

CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics

Abstract

RATIONALE: Numerous epidemiological studies have reported a link between low testosterone levels and an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease in men. However, there is ongoing controversy surrounding testosterone replacement therapy due to potential side effects. PBMT has been demonstrated to improve cerebrovascular function and promote testosterone synthesis in peripheral tissues. Despite this, the molecular mechanisms that could connect PBMT with testosterone and vascular function in the brain of photothrombosis (PT)-induced stroke rats remain largely unknown.

METHODS: We measured behavioral performance, cerebral blood flow (CBF), vascular permeability, and the expression of vascular-associated and apoptotic proteins in PT-induced stroke rats treated with flutamide and seven consecutive days of PBM treatment (350 mW, 808 nM, 2 min/day). To gain further insights into the mechanism of PBM on testosterone synthesis, we used testosterone synthesis inhibitors to study their effects on bEND.3 cells.

RESULTS: We showed that PT stroke caused a decrease in cerebrovascular testosterone concentration, which was significantly increased by 7-day PBMT (808 nm, 350 mW/cm

CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides evidence that PBMT attenuates cerebrovascular injury and behavioral deficits associated with testosterone/AR following ischemic stroke. Our findings suggest that PBMT may be a promising alternative approach for managing cerebrovascular diseases.

Keywords

Humans, Male, Rats, Mice, Animals, Testosterone, Androgens, Receptors, Androgen, Endothelial Cells, Low-Level Light Therapy, Flutamide, Stroke

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