The Effect of Photobiomodulation on the Treatment of Hereditary Mitochondrial Diseases.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Scoping review that identified zero direct studies; conclusion rests on theoretical rationale and indirect evidence
PubMed 38028882 · doi:10.34172/jlms.2023.41
What was done
Authors performed a scoping review of published literature to assess the evidence for photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT)—low-intensity red or near-infrared light from low-level laser or LED sources—for treating muscle-related symptoms in hereditary mitochondrial diseases.
What was found
No studies evaluating photobiomodulation in hereditary mitochondrial disease were identified. The abstract provides no quantitative data, though it notes that studies in other conditions with acquired mitochondrial impairment suggested improved function, despite small sample sizes and low statistical power.
Why it matters
Despite a theoretical mechanistic rationale for photobiomodulation enhancing mitochondrial function, there is currently no direct published evidence supporting its use in hereditary mitochondrial disorders.
Limits
There are zero studies available in the target clinical population. Any potential benefit is extrapolated indirectly from conditions with acquired mitochondrial impairment, which themselves rely on small, statistically underpowered studies. The abstract does not report the search parameters, dates, or the number of studies identified for acquired conditions.
Cited by
- context Red light exposure led to symptomatic improvements, including reduced ptosis and regained mobility, in children with mitochondrial disease.