Neurodegenerative diseases might be slow but relentless, as we continue to fail in treating or delaying their progression. Given the complexity in the pathogenesis of these diseases, a broad-acting approach like photobiomodulation can prove promising. Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses red and infrared light for therapeutic benefits, working by stimulating growth and proliferation. The implications of photobiomodulation have been studied in several neurodegenerative disease models. It has been shown to improve cell survival, decrease apoptosis, alleviate oxidative stress, suppress inflammation, and rescue mitochondrial function. In in vivo models, it has reportedly preserved motor and cognitive skills. Beyond mitochondrial stimulation, the molecular mechanisms by which photobiomodulation protects against neurodegeneration have not been very well studied. This review has systematically been undertaken to study the effects of photobiomodulation at a molecular level and identify the different biochemical pathways and molecular changes in the process. The data showed the involvement of pathways like extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and protein kinase B (Akt). In addition, the expression of several genes and proteins playing different roles in the disease mechanisms was found to be influenced by PBM, such as neurotrophic factors and secretases. Studying the literature indicated that PBM can be translated to a potential therapeutic tool, acting through a spectrum of mechanisms that work together to decelerate disease progression in the organism, which is difficult to achieve through pharmacological interventions.

神经退行性疾病可能缓慢但无情，因为我们继续无法治疗或延缓其进展。鉴于这些疾病发病机制的复杂性，光生物调节等广泛作用的方法可以证明是有希望的。光生物调节 (PBM) 使用红光和红外光来获得治疗效果，通过刺激生长和增殖发挥作用。光生物调节的影响已在几种神经退行性疾病模型中进行了研究。它已被证明可以提高细胞存活率、减少细胞凋亡、减轻氧化应激、抑制炎症和拯救线粒体功能。据报道，在体内模型中，它保留了运动和认知技能。除了线粒体刺激之外，光生物调节防止神经变性的分子机制尚未得到很好的研究。本综述系统地进行了研究，以在分子水平上研究光生物调节的影响，并确定该过程中不同的生化途径和分子变化。数据显示细胞外信号调节激酶 (ERK)、丝裂原活化蛋白激酶 (MAPK) 和蛋白激酶 B (Akt) 等途径的参与。此外，发现在疾病机制中发挥不同作用的几种基因和蛋白质的表达受到 PBM 的影响，例如神经营养因子和分泌酶。研究文献表明，PBM 可以转化为潜在的治疗工具，