Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of biological mechanisms and preclinical findings without primary clinical data.
PubMed 28748217 · doi:10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337
What was done
This paper is a narrative review detailing the proposed cellular mechanisms, biphasic dose responses, and preclinical applications of photobiomodulation (red and near-infrared light therapy) for mitigating inflammation.
What was found
No quantitative numerical values or statistical outcomes are reported in the abstract. Mechanistically, photon absorption by cytochrome c oxidase and calcium channels drives secondary effects (increased ATP, transient ROS burst, increased nitric oxide, calcium modulation) and tertiary effects (transcription factor activation, proliferation, cell survival). The review describes a biphasic dose response, attenuation of ROS and NF-kB in stressed inflammatory states, reduction of M1 macrophage markers, and decreased reactive nitrogen species and prostaglandins in animal models of brain, lung, wound, joint, and spinal cord inflammation.
Why it matters
It organizes the multi-tier cellular signaling cascade through which red and near-infrared light is hypothesized to reduce tissue inflammation.
Limits
The abstract describes a narrative summary primarily drawing on cell and animal models, with no primary clinical trial data, quantitative effect estimates, confidence intervals, or systematic study search criteria reported.
Cited by
- supports Red light and near-infrared light therapy have been demonstrated to accelerate muscle recovery, promote wound healing, reduce acne and pain/inflammation, enhance mitochondrial function, and improve vision.