Photobiomodulation at BL-18 acupoint ameliorates pyrazinamide-induced hepatotoxicity in mice (Mus musculus): Optimization of exposure duration and biphasic dose-response

Mulyono, Agus ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2574-1791, Muthmainnah, Muthmainnah, Sasmitaninghidayah, Wiwis ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6686-7203 and Agustin, Intan Aulia (2025) Photobiomodulation at BL-18 acupoint ameliorates pyrazinamide-induced hepatotoxicity in mice (Mus musculus): Optimization of exposure duration and biphasic dose-response. International Journal of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics, 20 (12). pp. 2935-2942. ISSN 17557437

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Abstract

Hepatotoxicity induced by anti-tuberculosis drugs (ATDs), particularly pyrazinamide (PZA), continues to be a major barrier to successful tuberculosis (TB) treatment. Non-pharmacological approaches such as laser acupuncture (laser-puncture) have been proposed to provide hepatoprotective effects through photo-biomodulation mechanisms (PBM), yet scientific evidence of their benefits in PZA-induced hepatotoxicity remains scarce. This study aimed to investigate the effects of laser-puncture at the BL-18 acupoint on serum liver enzymes and hepatic histology in mice subjected to PZA-induced liver injury. Mice were assigned to treatment groups based on laser exposure duration (60, 80, 100, and 120 seconds) using a laser with a wavelength of 660 nm, 50 m-Watt, 6 mm spot size, and a control group without intervention. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT) and alanine aminotransferase (SGPT) levels were quantified, and liver histology was evaluated using hematoxylin–eosin staining to determine hepatocyte necrosis. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test for biochemical parameters, and the Kruskal–Wallis test for histological findings. Laser-puncture significantly reduced SGOT and SGPT levels compared with the control group (p < 0.001). The 80-second exposure (K2 Group) yielded the most optimal hepatoprotective effects, with SGOT (99.86 U/L) and SGPT (52.43 U/L) restored to normal physiological ranges. Histological evaluation showed the lowest necrosis scores in the 80- and 100-second groups, corroborating the biochemical improvements. The non-linear response pattern observed across exposure durations supports the biphasic dose–response model in photo-biomodulation, indicating the presence of an optimal therapeutic window for maximal biological benefit. Overall, these findings demonstrate that laser-puncture at the BL-18 acupoint has promising potential as an adjunctive intervention to alleviate PZA-induced hepatotoxicity. Improvements at both biochemical and histological levels provide a foundational scientific rationale for further translational research. Future studies incorporating detailed laser parameter characterization, molecular pathway profiling, and validation in higher animal models and clinical populations are recommended to strengthen evidence for its incorporation into TB treatment strategies.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Keywords:	laser acupuncture; photobiomodulation; hepatotoxicity; pyrazinamide; tuberculosis
Subjects:	02 PHYSICAL SCIENCES > 0299 Other Physical Sciences > 029901 Biological Physics
Divisions:	Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences > Department of Physics
Depositing User:	Agus Mulyono
Date Deposited:	22 Apr 2026 10:47

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