Modulatory effects of photobiomodulation combined with resistance exercise on lymph node response during rheumatoid arthritis induction in Wistar rats

Reginato, Aline; Menolli, Rafael Andrade; Costa, Rose Meire; Ribeiro, Lucinéia de Fátima Chasko; Bertolini, Gladson Ricardo Flor

doi:10.31744/einstein_journal/2026AO2060

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Original Article • einstein (São Paulo) 24 • 2026 • https://doi.org/10.31744/einstein_journal/2026AO2060 linkcopy

Modulatory effects of photobiomodulation combined with resistance exercise on lymph node response during rheumatoid arthritis induction in Wistar rats

Authorship SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of resistance exercise associated with photobiomodulation on the popliteal lymph nodes of Wistar rats subjected to an acute-phase experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods: The study consisted of 64 male Wistar rats divided into eight groups (n=8), including control, physical exercise, and photobiomodulation groups. The arthritis groups were subjected to an induction protocol using Complete Freund's Adjuvant and underwent an acute inflammatory period of 7 days, during which they received resistance exercise and photobiomodulation according to their respective group assignments.

Results: There was a significant increase in the total lymph node area of the groups subjected to rheumatoid arthritis induction. A reduction in the number of lymphocytes and plasma cells in the medullary cord, as well as macrophages in the medullary sinuses, was observed in the groups treated with both resistance exercise and photobiomodulation. Additionally, a reduction in lymphocytes and reticular cells was observed in the groups treated with photobiomodulation alone.

Conclusion: Treatment with resistance exercise or photobiomodulation was effective in modulating the immune response in the popliteal lymph node during the acute stage of the disease; however, combined therapy did not provide additional benefits compared with either treatment alone.

Keywords:
Exercise; Rats, Wistar; Arthritis, rheumatoid; Low-level light therapy; Immune system; Lymphocytes; Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis increases the popliteal lymph node area in rats.

Resistance exercise and photobiomodulation modulate immune cell populations.

Both therapies reduce plasma cells and inflammatory cell infiltration.

Combined therapy shows no additional benefits over isolated treatments.

This experimental study in Wistar rats with induced rheumatoid arthritis showed that resistance exercise and photobiomodulation modulate immune responses in popliteal lymph nodes by reducing inflammatory cell infiltration. However, combined therapy did not provide additional benefits compared to isolated treatment.

	Total area	% medula	% cortex
CG	2761853.2^BCD	22.7^±4^A	77.2±4^A
AG	3587244.2^AD	35.5^±4^A	64.4±4^A
ECG	2577363.6^BCD	37.8^±4^A	62.1±4^A
EAG	3535725.8^AD	26.5^±4^A	73.4±4^A
PCG	1916433.4^BC	35.3^±4^A	64.6±4^A
PAG	2535754.6^BCD	33.3^±4^A	66.6±4^A
PECG	1880904.2^BC	37.8^±4^A	62.1±4^A
PAEG	5587464.5^A	32.6±5^A	67.3±5^A

	Lymphocytes	Plasmocytes
CG	141.2±14^ABCD	57.6±5^D
AG	164.8±16^A	40.4±3^A
ECG	110.8±11^CD	19.8±1^C
EAG	129±13^ABCD	13.6±1^B
PCG	109±11^D	16.4±1^BC
PAG	121.8±12^BCD	20±1^C
PECG	147±14^ABC	21±1^C
PAEG	153.4±15^AB	18.2±1^C

	Lymphocytes	Macrophages	Reticular cells
CG	72.8±7^B	49^±4^AB	40±2^A
AG	134.6±13^C	60±6^A	40.8±2^A
ECG	103.8±10^CD	34.4±3^DEF	37.8±2^ABD
EAG	115±12^CD	30±3^CD	27.7±3^CD
PCG	51.2±5^A	27.6±3^CF	27±2^CE
PAG	72.2±7^B	24.6±2^C	20.2±2^C
PECG	95.6±9^BD	40.4±4^BD	50±2^F
PAEG	115.6±11^CD	26±2^CE	31.8±2^BDE

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[TFN1] Data expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Identical letters indicate no significant differences between groups. Histomorphometric analysis of total lymph node area, and percentages of medullary and cortical areas. A significant difference among groups was observed fortotal area (p=0.002). Used Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey-HSD post hoc test.