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Quantum biology in low level light therapy: death of a dogma.

ABSTRACT: BackgroundIt is shown that despite exponential increase in the number of clinically exciting results in low level light therapy (LLLT), scientific progress in the field is retarded by a wrong fundamental model employed to explain the photon-cell interaction as well as by an inadequate terminology. This is reflected by a methodological stagnation in LLLT, persisting since 1985. The choice of the topics is, by necessity, somewhat arbitrary. Obviously, we are writing more about the fields we know more about. In some cases, there are obvious objective reasons for the choice. Progress in LLLT is currently realized by a trial and error process, as opposed to a systematic approach based on a valid photon-cell interaction model.MethodsThe strategy to overcome the current problem consists in a comprehensive analysis of the theoretical foundation of LLLT, and if necessary, by introducing new interaction models and checking their validity on the basis of the two pillars of scientific advance (I) agreement with experiment and (II) predictive capability. The list of references used in this work, does contain a representative part of what has been done in the photon-cell interaction theory in recent years, considered as ascertained by the scientific community.ResultsDespite the immense literature on the involvement of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) in LLLT, the assumption that COX is the main mitochondrial photoacceptor for R-NIR photons no longer can be counted as part of the theoretical framework proper, at least not after we have addressed the misleading points in the literature. Here, we report the discovery of a coupled system in mitochondria whose working principle corresponds to that of field-effect transistor (FET). The functional interplay of cytochrome c (emitter) and COX (drain) with a nanoscopic interfacial water layer (gate) between the two enzymes forms a biological FET in which the gate is controlled by R-NIR photons. By reducing the viscosity of the nanoscopic interfacial water layers within and around the mitochondrial rotary motor in oxidatively stressed cells R-NIR light promotes the synthesis of extra adenosine triphosphate (ATP).ConclusionsBased on the results of our own work and a review of the published literature, we present the effect of R-NIR photons on nanoscopic interfacial water layers in mitochondria and cells as a novel understanding of the biomedical effects R-NIR light. The novel paradigm is in radical contrast to the theory that COX is the main absorber for R-NIR photons and responsible for the increase in ATP synthesis, a dogma propagated for more than 20 years.

SUBMITTER: Sommer AP

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7210155 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:Low-level light therapy (LLLT) using red to near-infrared light energy has gained attention in recent years as a new scientific approach with therapeutic applications in ophthalmology, neurology, and psychiatry. The ongoing therapeutic revolution spearheaded by LLLT is largely propelled by progress in the basic science fields of photobiology and bioenergetics. This paper describes the mechanisms of action of LLLT at the molecular, cellular, and nervous tissue levels. Photoneuromodulation of cytochrome oxidase activity is the most important primary mechanism of action of LLLT. Cytochrome oxidase is the primary photoacceptor of light in the red to near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is also a key mitochondrial enzyme for cellular bioenergetics, especially for nerve cells in the retina and the brain. Evidence shows that LLLT can secondarily enhance neural metabolism by regulating mitochondrial function, intraneuronal signaling systems, and redox states. Current knowledge about LLLT dosimetry relevant for its hormetic effects on nervous tissue, including noninvasive in vivo retinal and transcranial effects, is also presented. Recent research is reviewed that supports LLLT potential benefits in retinal disease, stroke, neurotrauma, neurodegeneration, and memory and mood disorders. Since mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in neurodegeneration, LLLT has potential significant applications against retinal and brain damage by counteracting the consequences of mitochondrial failure. Upon transcranial delivery in vivo, LLLT induces brain metabolic and antioxidant beneficial effects, as measured by increases in cytochrome oxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. Increases in cerebral blood flow and cognitive functions induced by LLLT have also been observed in humans. Importantly, LLLT given at energy densities that exert beneficial effects does not induce adverse effects. This highlights the value of LLLT as a novel paradigm to treat visual, neurological, and psychological conditions, and supports that neuronal energy metabolism could constitute a major target for neurotherapeutics of the eye and brain.

Project description:ObjectiveThe purpose of this scoping review was to identify and synthesize literature on dosage variables on the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for neuromusculoskeletal conditions.MethodsA scoping literature review was conducted by searching the following databases: the Cochrane Library, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, the Index to Chiropractic Literature, manufacturer websites, and online guidelines. The search was modeled after STARLITE criteria. The reporting used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Articles were included if LLLT was used in any treatment group for a neuromusculoskeletal complaint with dosage and effectiveness reported. This was tabulated by source, dosage variables, conditions, outcome measures, and conclusions. Data were charted in Excel format. Frequency counts were performed on ordinal data. Descriptive statistics were computed for the continuous data.ResultsA total of 86 articles were included in the review. They revealed a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions and diverse dosage parameters. Seven individual parameters were found that would alter the dosage. Although duration of application is an independent clinical factor, the negative-outcome studies were inconsistent in duration. There was lack of statistical difference between the studies with improved vs unimproved outcomes. No statistical differences were noted between the dosage parameters and efficacy.ConclusionAlthough many articles were found on LLLT for neuromusculoskeletal conditions, the studies had amorphous parameters. A heterogeneity of reported doses precluded the synthesis of sufficient evidence to correlate dosage variables with improved or unimproved outcomes. Therefore, based on the current literature, dosage variables for the efficacy of LLLT for neuromusculoskeletal conditions are uncertain at this time.

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Quantum biology in low level light therapy: death of a dogma.

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