Efficacy of Laser Acupuncture for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Clinical, Molecular and Biochemical Study

• Published in: Pediatric neurology 2023-10, Vol.147, p.44-51
• Main Authors: Elsheikh, Mai S., Ashaat, Engy A., Ramadan, Abeer, Mohamed, Nagwa H., Elaraby, Nesma M., El-Hariri, Hazem Mohmed, Hashish, Adel F., Nashaat, Neveen Hassan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ASD; BDNF; degree of severity; language; laser acupuncture; miR-320
• ISSN: 0887-8994; 1873-5150
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.07.009

Low level laser acupuncture (LLLA) biostimulation could contribute to improving the core symptoms and communication abilities of children manifesting autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Photobiomodulation might influence the level of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and miR-320 expression. The aim was to investigate the influence of LLLA biostimulation on the severity, language abilities, BDNF levels, and miR-320 in a sample of ASD children. The participants with ASD (N=30) were randomly divided equally into groups: Group I, received LLLA therapy twice a week for 12 sessions, and Group II, did not receive it. Assessments of the severity, their language abilities, BDNF level by ELISA, and miR-320 expression by (qRT-PCR) were performed before and after the intervention. A comparison between ASD cases (N=30) before starting the therapy and neurotypical children (N=15) regarding miR-320 expression was performed. Following the intervention, the severity of ASD was reduced, and language performance was elevated in both groups. The improvement in Group I was higher compared to Group II (p=0.002;0.03). The plasma BDNF level was reduced only in Group I (P