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A study of the biological effects of low-level light

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Abstract

Low-level light therapy (LLLT), also known as photo biomodulation (PBM), is a type of optical therapy that uses red or near-infrared lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for medical treatment. The laser wavelengths involved in PBM typically range between 600–700 nm and 780–1100 nm, with power densities ranging between 5 mW/cm2 and 5 W/cm2. PBM is a series of biochemical cascades exhibited by biological tissues after absorbing a certain amount of energy from light. PBM has been widely used in clinical practice in the past 20 years, and numerous clinical trials have demonstrated its biological efficacy. However, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully explored. In this paper, we have summarized the research into PBM over the past two decades, to identify the important mechanisms of the biological effects of PBM from the perspective of molecular mechanisms, cellular levels, and tissue changes. We hope our study provide a theoretical basis for future investigations into the underlying mechanisms.

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Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Abbreviations

LLLT:

Low-level light therapy

PBM:

Photobiomodulation

COX:

Cytochrome C oxidase

ATP:

Adenosine triphosphate

ROS:

Reactive oxygen species

RANKL:

Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κ B ligand

ERK/FOXM1:

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase/forkhead box M1

ERK:

Extracellular regulated protein kinases

MEK:

Methyl ethyl ketone

PGE2:

Prostaglandin E2

CPLA2 :

Cytoplasmic phospholipase A2

SPLA2 :

Human recombinant type

Aβ/YAP/p73:

Amyloid beta-peptide/yeast aspartic protease/tumor protein p73

MMP:

Matrix metalloproteinase

CCI:

Chronic constrictive injury

SVZ:

Subventricular zone

ALP:

Alkaline phosphatase

IGF-1:

Insulin-like growth factor 1

AGA:

Androgentic alopecia

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the hard and dedicated work of all the staff that implemented the intervention and evaluation components of the study.

Funding

This study received financial support from the 2022 Capital Health Development Scientific Research Project (2022-2Z-2076).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hair Medical Research Center, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 31 of Xinjiekou East Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100035, China

    Fan Zhang, Peiqiu Zhu, Qiuzi Jin & Man Li

  2. School of Clinical Medicine, Peking University School of Medicine, Beijing, 100191, China

    Qiaoyu Li, Wenxin Qin & Wei Ren

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  1. Fan Zhang
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Contributions

Conception and design of the research: Fan Zhang.

Acquisition of data: Qiaoyu Li, Wenxin Qin.

Analysis and interpretation of the data: Qiaoyu Li, Wenxin Qin.

Statistical analysis: Wei Ren, Peiqiu Zhu, Qiuzi Jin, Man Li.

Obtaining financing: Fan Zhang.

Writing of the manuscript: Wei Ren, Peiqiu Zhu, Qiuzi Jin, Man Li.

Critical revision of the manuscript for intellectual content: Fan Zhang.

All authors read and approved the final draft.

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Correspondence to Fan Zhang.

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Zhang, F., Li, Q., Qin, W. et al. A study of the biological effects of low-level light. Lasers Med Sci 39, 74 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-024-04018-x

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