Photonics

Research

18 pages, 2934 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of a Novel Handheld Photobiomodulation Therapy Device in the Management of Chemoradiation Therapy-Induced Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Case Series Study

by In-Young Jo, Hyung-Kwon Byeon, Myung-Jin Ban, Jae-Hong Park, Sang-Cheol Lee, Yong Kyun Won, Yun-Su Eun, Jae-Yun Kim, Na-Gyeong Yang, Sul-Hee Lee, Pyeongan Lee, Nam-Hun Heo, Sujin Jo, Hoonhee Seo, Sukyung Kim, Ho-Yeon Song and Jung-Eun Kim

Photonics 2023, 10(3), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics10030241 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3189

Abstract

Oral mucositis (OM) is a debilitating adverse event in patients undergoing treatment for cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of a novel handheld photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) device on chemoradiation therapy (CRT)-induced OM in patients with head and neck cancer. Head [...] Read more.

Oral mucositis (OM) is a debilitating adverse event in patients undergoing treatment for cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of a novel handheld photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) device on chemoradiation therapy (CRT)-induced OM in patients with head and neck cancer. Head and neck cancer patients undergoing CRT who developed moderate-to-severe OM during treatment were enrolled. After PBMT and at 2 and 4 weeks after PBMT, the mean value of OM grade decreased significantly from 2.63 to 2.13, 1.31, and 0.75, respectively (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001). Moreover, we observed significant improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after PBMT compared to baseline through a validated questionnaire; EORTC QLQ-C30. In the present study, the use of this PBMT device in the management of CRT-induced OM in patients with head and neck cancer was generally well tolerated and resulted in the improvement of OM. However, evidence supporting its use remains lacking owing to limitations such as the small number of participants and lack of a control group. Therefore, further mechanistic studies and large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of PBMT in the treatment of CRT-induced OM, as shown in our results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light as a Cure: Photobiomodulation, from the Cell to the Clinical Application)

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11 pages, 2031 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Assessment of the Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Coronally Advanced Flap Procedure in the Management of Isolated Gingival Recession

by Kammam Amitha, Rashmi Paramashivaiah, Munivenkatappa Laxmaiah Venkatesh Prabhuji, Ashwin Parakkaje Subramanya, Ali A. Assiry, Syed Wali Peeran, Hytham Fageeh, Shaeesta Khaleelahmed Bhavikatti and Giuseppe Alessandro Scardina

Photonics 2022, 9(12), 932; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics9120932 - 2 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2782

Abstract

The aim of this randomized, controlled split-mouth clinical trial was to assess the effect of LLLT on wound healing after modified coronally advanced flap (MCAF) procedure for treatment of isolated recession-type defects. Fifteen patients with isolated bilaterally symmetrical gingival recessions (Miller’s Class I [...] Read more.

The aim of this randomized, controlled split-mouth clinical trial was to assess the effect of LLLT on wound healing after modified coronally advanced flap (MCAF) procedure for treatment of isolated recession-type defects. Fifteen patients with isolated bilaterally symmetrical gingival recessions (Miller’s Class I or Class II, or a combination of both) were enrolled in this study. After a modified, coronally advanced flap technique was implemented, a diode laser (810 nm) with a power of 120 mW irradiated the inner surface of the flap and the outer surface of the flap (low-level laser therapy—LLLT) after suturing for 5 min. This was repeated for the following four consecutive days. Descriptive statistics, a Kruskal–Wallis test and a Mann–Whitney test were performed to analyze the data. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean recession depth decreased from 3.33 ± 0.9 mm (baseline) to 0.2 ± 0.3 mm (3 months) and 0.4 ± 0.2 mm (6 months) in the test group. The mean recession width decreased from 3.8 ± 0.7 mm (baseline) to 0.2 ± 0.3 mm (3 months) and 0.5 ± 0.3 mm (6 months) in the test group. Due to minimal pain and discomfort, patient acceptability was quite high. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light as a Cure: Photobiomodulation, from the Cell to the Clinical Application)

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15 pages, 1763 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The 1064-nm Nd:YAG Photobiomodulation vs. 20% Benzocaine Topical Gel in Inducing Mucosal Anesthetic Effect: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

by Rita El Feghali, Karen Tatarian, Carla Zogheib, Stefano Benedicenti, Claudio Pasquale and Andrea Amaroli

Photonics 2022, 9(8), 519; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics9080519 - 26 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4400

Abstract

The periapical local anesthetic injection may be associated with fear of needles and pain administration. Dental topical anesthetic agents can help to reduce pain perception; however, adverse events can occur. To investigate the efficacy of 1064-nm photobiomodualtion (PBM) in inducing mucosal anesthesia delivered [...] Read more.

The periapical local anesthetic injection may be associated with fear of needles and pain administration. Dental topical anesthetic agents can help to reduce pain perception; however, adverse events can occur. To investigate the efficacy of 1064-nm photobiomodualtion (PBM) in inducing mucosal anesthesia delivered with a flat-top hand-piece compared to 20% Benzocaine topical anesthetic gel, sixty healthy patients were randomly allocated (1:1) to either 20% benzocaine topical gel + placebo laser (T group) or PBM + placebo gel (L group). The 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser was employed and is associated with a novel flat-top hand piece. The applied operational parameters were 0.5 W, 10 Hz, 100 µs pulse width, and 30 J/cm² for one-minute single application time. The enrolled subjects were asked to assess pain intensity at the time of anesthetic injection with a Visual Analog Scale. Taking into consideration taste, undesirable numbness, and overall satisfaction, the patients were asked to rate their experiences according to a verbal rating scale. Statistical analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the T and L Groups for pain ratings (p = 0.0596). The L Group displayed significantly higher ratings than T Group for taste, undesirable numbness, and overall satisfaction (p < 0.001). The 1064-nm PBM delivered by flat-top hand piece is effective in inducing mucosal anesthesia, eliminating the adverse side-effects of the conventional topical anesthetic gel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light as a Cure: Photobiomodulation, from the Cell to the Clinical Application)

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13 pages, 279 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tolerability and Safety of Transcranial Photobiomodulation for Mood and Anxiety Disorders

by Paolo Cassano, Richard Norton, Marco Antonio Caldieraro, Farzan Vahedifard, Fernando Vizcaino, Kayla Marie McEachern and Dan Iosifescu

Photonics 2022, 9(8), 507; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics9080507 - 22 Jul 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4859

Abstract

Introduction: Mood and anxiety disorders are a prevalent and significant leading cause of years lived with a disability worldwide. Existing antidepressants drugs are only partially effective, having burdensome side effects. One-third of patients do not achieve remission after several adequate antidepressant trials, and [...] Read more.

Introduction: Mood and anxiety disorders are a prevalent and significant leading cause of years lived with a disability worldwide. Existing antidepressants drugs are only partially effective, having burdensome side effects. One-third of patients do not achieve remission after several adequate antidepressant trials, and relapses of depression are frequent. Psychotherapies for depression are limited by the lack of trained professionals, and further by out-of-pocket prohibitive costs. Existing FDA-approved, device-based interventions are either invasive or only administered in the office. Transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) with near-infrared (NIR) light may be a promising treatment option for mood and anxiety disorders. Due to its low cost, and ease of self-administration, t-PBM has the potential to become widely accessible. The safety profile of t-PBM is a relevant factor for widespread use and administration. Aim: To further investigate the t-PBM safety profile, this study aims to evaluate the tolerability and safety of t-PBM for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Method: We completed a systematic analysis of the side effects from repeated sessions of t-PBM in three studies: an open-label study for GAD (LIGHTEN GAD) and two randomized control studies for MDD (ELATED-2; ELATED-3). Overall, 80 subjects were studied. Result: Our results show that a low dose of NIR per t-PBM session can be administered with increasing frequency (up to daily sessions) and for several weeks (up to 12 weeks) without a corresponding increase in the occurrence or severity of adverse events. Additionally, there were no significant predictors for the variance in the number of reported adverse events (such as age, sex or diagnosis). Conclusion: The literature indicates that higher dosages of transcranial NIR could lead to greater antidepressant and anxiolytic effects; this study did not find any correlation between the increasing number of t-PBM sessions and the occurrence of adverse events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light as a Cure: Photobiomodulation, from the Cell to the Clinical Application)

10 pages, 2562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Photobiomodulation Dose in Biological Tissue by Adjusting the Focal Point of Lens

by Chuan-Tsung Su, Fu-Chien Chiu, Shih-Hsin Ma and Jih-Huah Wu

Photonics 2022, 9(5), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics9050350 - 16 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3294

Abstract

The optical power density in biotissue is an important issue for photobiomodulation (PBM) clinical applications. In our previous study, the maximal dose and the power density distributions of 830 nm lasers under human skin could be exactly calculated and measured. In this work, [...] Read more.

The optical power density in biotissue is an important issue for photobiomodulation (PBM) clinical applications. In our previous study, the maximal dose and the power density distributions of 830 nm lasers under human skin could be exactly calculated and measured. In this work, the laser power density in tissue can be changed by adjusting the focal point of the lens. From the experimental results, it is evident that the power densities on the attached gingiva and the surrounding tissues can be improved. Thus, the dose of a near-infrared (NIR) laser in the target tissue can be increased with a suitable lens. Most importantly, focusing lasers on deeper tissue can avoid any damage to the skin. This study provides a dose optimization method on the target tissue, and the results can be applied to clinical applications, especially laser acupuncture (LA). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light as a Cure: Photobiomodulation, from the Cell to the Clinical Application)

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13 pages, 1518 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Near-Infrared Blood Photobiomodulation on Red Blood Cell Damage from the Extracorporeal Circuit during Hemodialysis In Vitro

by Tomasz Walski, Karolina Grzeszczuk-Kuć, Weronika Berlik, Izabela Synal-Kulczak, Raghvendra Bohara, Jerzy Detyna and Małgorzata Komorowska

Photonics 2022, 9(5), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics9050341 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3107

Abstract

The contact of blood with the bioincompatible membranes of the dialyzer, which is part of the extracorporeal circuit during hemodialysis (HD), causes upregulation of various cellular and non-cellular processes, including massive generation and release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), (which is one of [...] Read more.

The contact of blood with the bioincompatible membranes of the dialyzer, which is part of the extracorporeal circuit during hemodialysis (HD), causes upregulation of various cellular and non-cellular processes, including massive generation and release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), (which is one of the primary causes of anemia in chronic renal failure). We hypothesize that near-infrared (NIR) radiation possesses antioxidant properties and is considered to protect the red blood cell (RBC) membrane by enhancing its resilience to negative pressures. Our experimental setup consisted of an HD machine equipped with a dialyzer with a polyamide membrane; whole bovine blood was examined in vitro in blood-treated circulation. Blood samples were taken at 0, 5, 15, and 30 min during the HD therapy. We also assessed osmotic fragility, hematocrit, hemolysis, and oxidative stress as a concentration of reactive thiobarbituric acid substances (TBARS). Our results have shown that RBC membrane peroxidation increased significantly after 30 min of circulation, whereas the TBARS level in NIR-treated blood remained relatively steady throughout the experiment. The osmotic fragility of NIR-irradiated samples during dialysis was decreased compared to control samples. Our studies confirm that in vitro, blood photobiomodulation using NIR light diminishes oxidative damage during HD and can be considered a simultaneous pretreatment strategy for HD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light as a Cure: Photobiomodulation, from the Cell to the Clinical Application)

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11 pages, 985 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Management of Periodontal Disease with Adjunctive Therapy with Ozone and Photobiomodulation (PBM): A Randomized Clinical Trial

by Andrea Scribante, Simone Gallo, Maurizio Pascadopoli, Riccardo Soleo, Fabio Di Fonso, Luca Politi, Adith Venugopal, Anand Marya and Andrea Butera

Photonics 2022, 9(3), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics9030138 - 26 Feb 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6197

Abstract

Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition of the soft and hard tooth-supporting tissues, representing the first cause of tooth loss. In addition to standard mechanical debridement (Scaling and Root Planing, SRP), further approaches have been proposed as adjuncts. The aim of the present randomized [...] Read more.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition of the soft and hard tooth-supporting tissues, representing the first cause of tooth loss. In addition to standard mechanical debridement (Scaling and Root Planing, SRP), further approaches have been proposed as adjuncts. The aim of the present randomized clinical trial is to compare the efficacy of ozone or photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy in addition to SRP to treat periodontal disease. According to a split-mouth design, 240 pathological sites, corresponding to 30 periodontal patients, were randomly divided according to the professional oral hygiene protocol performed at baseline (T0) and after 1 (T1), 2 (T2), 3 (T3), 4 (T4), 5 (T5), and 6 (T6) months. A total of 120 sites underwent an ozonized water administration (ozone group), whereas the other 120 sites were treated with photobiomodulation (PBM group), both in addition to SRP. At every timepoint, the following clinical indexes were assessed: Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) (measured on six sites per element), Plaque Index (PI), and Bleeding on Probing (BOP). As regards PPD, significant intergroup differences were noticed from T5, with significantly lower values in the PBM group (p < 0.05), where values further decreased at T6 (p < 0.05). Both PI and BoP generally decreased from baseline to T6 in both groups; a significant difference was found between T0 and T1 among the groups (p < 0.05), with a progressively higher reduction in the PBM group among the time frames of the study, despite intergroup comparisons not being significant (p > 0.05). Both ozone and PBM appear to be effective adjuvant treatments to SRP, obtaining a slightly better outcome for the latter in the long term, with significant differences at T5 and T6 for PPD. However, because of the absence of standardized protocols for PBM considering both therapeutic and research purposes, no definitive conclusions can be reached, and further studies are required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light as a Cure: Photobiomodulation, from the Cell to the Clinical Application)

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13 pages, 5994 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy in Improving Tissue Resilience and Healing of Radiation Skin Damage

by Rodrigo Crespo Mosca, Sofia Nascimento Santos, Gesse Eduardo Calvo Nogueira, Daisa Lima Pereira, Francielli Campos Costa, Jonathas Xavier Pereira, Carlos Alberto Zeituni and Praveen Ravindra Arany

Photonics 2022, 9(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics9010010 - 28 Dec 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 9025

Abstract

The increased precision, efficacy, and safety of radiation brachytherapy has tremendously improved its popularity in cancer care. However, an unfortunate side effect of this therapy involves localized skin damage and breakdown that are managed palliatively currently. This study was motivated by prior reports [...] Read more.

The increased precision, efficacy, and safety of radiation brachytherapy has tremendously improved its popularity in cancer care. However, an unfortunate side effect of this therapy involves localized skin damage and breakdown that are managed palliatively currently. This study was motivated by prior reports on the efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy in improving tissue resilience and wound healing. We evaluated the efficacy of PBM therapy on 36 athymic mice with ¹²⁵I seed (0.42 mCi) implantation over 60 days. PBM treatments were performed with either red (660 nm) or near-infrared (880 nm, NIR) LEDs irradiance of 40 mW/cm², continuous wave, fluence of 20 J/cm² once per week. Animals were evaluated every 7 days with digital imaging, laser Doppler flowmetry, thermal imaging, µPET-CT imaging using ¹⁸F-FDG, and histology. We observed that both PBM treatments—red and NIR—demonstrated significantly less incidence and severity and improved healing with skin radionecrosis. Radiation exposed tissues had improved functional parameters such as vascular perfusion, reduced inflammation, and metabolic derangement following PBM therapy. Histological analysis confirmed these observations with minimal damage and resolution in tissues exposed to radiation. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the successful use of PBM therapy for brachytherapy. The results from this study support future mechanistic lab studies and controlled human clinical studies to utilize this innovative therapy in managing side effects from radiation cancer treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light as a Cure: Photobiomodulation, from the Cell to the Clinical Application)

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10 pages, 24407 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of 630 nm Photobiomodulation on the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Human Gingival Fibroblasts

by Zeqing Chen, Xuwen Liu, Haokuan Qin, Zhicheng Lu, Shijie Huang and Muqing Liu

Photonics 2021, 8(9), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8090360 - 28 Aug 2021

Viewed by 2365

Abstract

Periodontal disease is the most common oral chronic inflammatory disease in humans. Recent studies have indicated that red light Photobiomodulation (PBM) could inhibit cell inflammation effectively, but the effect of different doses of PBM on the treatment of inflammation has to be improved. [...] Read more.

Periodontal disease is the most common oral chronic inflammatory disease in humans. Recent studies have indicated that red light Photobiomodulation (PBM) could inhibit cell inflammation effectively, but the effect of different doses of PBM on the treatment of inflammation has to be improved. Thus, this study was aimed to investigate the effects of various doses of PBM (630 ± 30 nm, (1) 5 mW/cm², 1 J/cm², 200 s; (2) 5 mW/cm², 3 J/cm², 600 s; (3) 5 mW/cm², 9 J/cm², 1800 s; (4) 5 mW/cm², 18 J/cm², 3600 s; (5) 5 mW/cm²,36 J/cm², 7200 s) on the anti-inflammatory response of human gingival fibroblasts. Our results suggested that PBM (630 ± 30 nm) with doses of 18 J/cm² and 36 J/cm² could significantly inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines such as Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and IL-8, presumably due to the fact that a high dose of PBM treatment could reduce intracellular Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human gingival fibroblasts, thus reducing the expression of COX-2 enzyme. In addition, it was found that treatment with different doses of PBM (630 ± 30 nm) did not result in reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial dysfunction in human gingival fibroblasts. Our study provides a theoretical reference for the selection of PBM parameters and the application of PBM in the clinical treatment of periodontitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light as a Cure: Photobiomodulation, from the Cell to the Clinical Application)

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16 pages, 1627 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Efficacy of Phototherapy for the Treatment of Onychomycosis: An Observational Study

by Nadia Dembskey and Heidi Abrahamse

Photonics 2021, 8(9), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8090350 - 25 Aug 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5541

Abstract

(1) Background: Onychomycosis accounts for 50% of nail pathologies and is a therapeutic challenge due to an increase in resistance to antifungal agents. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of 1064 nm diode laser irradiation for the treatment of Onychomycosis and establish [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Onychomycosis accounts for 50% of nail pathologies and is a therapeutic challenge due to an increase in resistance to antifungal agents. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of 1064 nm diode laser irradiation for the treatment of Onychomycosis and establish a new set of laser parameters for effective and safe treatment; (2) Methods: An exploratory, single-blinded study was conducted on forty-five patients with toenail Onychomycosis. Digital images and nail clippings were taken for Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and fungal microscopy and culture (MC&S). Group 1 received 5% topical Amorolfine lacquer to apply to affected nails. Group 2 received 1064 nm diode laser treatment at 10 mW/s, hallux 790 J/cm² and lesser digits 390 J/cm² (standard treatment). Group 3 received 1064 nm diode laser treatment at 10 mW/s, hallux 1 100 J/cm² and lesser digits 500 J/cm² (new treatment parameters). After laser treatment, nail temperatures were taken with a surface thermometer; (3) Results: PAS staining was more sensitive in identifying Onychomycosis (91.1%), compared to Fungal Microscopy (44.4%). Comparing treatment requirements over a period of 24 weeks, there was a statistical significance, p ≤ 0.01 (**), for standard laser treatment and, p ≤ 0.001 (***), for new laser parameter treatment, indicating treatment needed over time decreased. No adverse effects were noted with new laser therapy. An 86.7% visual improvement was noted in Group 3 after 24 weeks; (4) Conclusions: Phototherapy, or photo thermolysis, was the best treatment option for Onychomycosis. A new protocol for the standardization of laser irradiation with the possible inclusion into the Scoring Clinical Index for Onychomycosis treatment plan, was proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light as a Cure: Photobiomodulation, from the Cell to the Clinical Application)

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11 pages, 2065 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recovery from Idiopathic Facial Paralysis (Bell’s Palsy) Using Photobiomodulation in Patients Non-Responsive to Standard Treatment: A Case Series Study

by Claudio Pasquale, Anatoliy Utyuzh, Maria Vladimirovna Mikhailova, Esteban Colombo and Andrea Amaroli

Photonics 2021, 8(8), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8080341 - 20 Aug 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 8325

Abstract

Diminished facial movement and marked facial asymmetry can lead to a consistent psychological burden. Bell′s palsy (BP) is one of the most common causes of facial nerve illness, which comes with unilateral acute facial paresis. Nowadays, no clear guidelines for treating BP are [...] Read more.

Diminished facial movement and marked facial asymmetry can lead to a consistent psychological burden. Bell′s palsy (BP) is one of the most common causes of facial nerve illness, which comes with unilateral acute facial paresis. Nowadays, no clear guidelines for treating BP are available. We carried out a case series study to test the efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy in patients with BP non-responsive to standard treatment. The study was experimentally performed at the Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Genoa (Genoa, Italy), in accordance with case report guidelines. Patients were referred to our department by colleagues for evaluation to be included in the case series because no consistent improvement was observed at least 3 months from the diagnosis of BP. All the patients interrupted their pharmacological therapy before the initiation of PBM therapy. PBM therapy (808 nm, 1 W irradiated in continuous-wave for 60 s on spot-size 1 cm²; 1 W/cm²; 60 J/cm²; and 60 J) was administered every 2 days until complete resolution. Evaluation of the House-Brackmann scale was performed before and after treatments. Fourteen patients were screened as eligible for the study. Patients were Caucasians (36% females and 64% males) with a mean age ± standard deviation of 56.07 ± 15.21 years. Eleven patients out of 14, who experienced BP a maximum of 6 months, completely recovered through PBM. The three patients that did not show improvement were those who had experienced BP for years. PBM could be a supportive therapy for the management of BP in patients non-responsive to standard treatment. However, randomized controlled trials are necessary to sustain our encouraging results, exclude bias, and better explain the boundary between the time from diagnosis and the recovery of BP through PBM therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light as a Cure: Photobiomodulation, from the Cell to the Clinical Application)

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Review

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33 pages, 843 KiB

Open AccessReview

Light as a Cure in COVID-19: A Challenge for Medicine

by Laura Marinela Ailioaie, Constantin Ailioaie and Gerhard Litscher

Photonics 2022, 9(10), 686; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics9100686 - 23 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 7379

Abstract

Light and lasers, as high-tech devices whose medical potential has yet to be fully discovered, have made important contributions to medicine, even in the current pandemic. The main aim of this review was to investigate how light was applied as a therapeutic tool [...] Read more.

Light and lasers, as high-tech devices whose medical potential has yet to be fully discovered, have made important contributions to medicine, even in the current pandemic. The main aim of this review was to investigate how light was applied as a therapeutic tool during a crisis triggered by COVID-19. Another goal was to encourage scientists and industry to quickly design new at-home photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and/or antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) easy to use systems to end this pandemic, especially for those who believe in high-tech but would never get vaccinated. This review revealed that PBMT has been successfully applied as adjunct therapy, in combination with conventional medical treatment, and as a pioneering action in SARS-CoV-2 infection, demonstrating significant improvements in airway inflammation and general clinical condition of patients, a faster recovery, avoiding intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, mortality, and overcoming long-term sequelae. Application in only a limited number of cases strongly suggests the need for future randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials to objectively determine the action and effects of PBMT in COVID-19. Implementation of unparalleled theragnostics methods and light-based techniques for disinfection of spaces, air, skin, mucosae, and textures to decrease the load of SARS-CoV-2 virus would save lives, time, and money. In this ongoing and challenging search for the seemingly intangible end of this pandemic, a non-invasive, easily accessible, safe, and side-effect-free adjuvant method appears to be PBMT, alone or in synergistic combination with aPDT, which has been shown to work in COVID-19 and opens unprecedented potential for use as home self-treatment to end the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light as a Cure: Photobiomodulation, from the Cell to the Clinical Application)

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17 pages, 586 KiB

Open AccessReview

Photobiomodulation, Cells of Connective Tissue and Repair Processes: A Look at In Vivo and In Vitro Studies on Bone, Cartilage and Tendon Cells

by Asma Shaikh-Kader and Nicolette Nadene Houreld

Photonics 2022, 9(9), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics9090618 - 30 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3265

Abstract

The use of light in the red and near-infrared light spectrum influences cell viability and proliferation in both cell and animal experimental models. In wounded models, photobiomodulation (PBM) at various laser parameters may stimulate or inhibit the tissue repair process by affecting cells [...] Read more.

The use of light in the red and near-infrared light spectrum influences cell viability and proliferation in both cell and animal experimental models. In wounded models, photobiomodulation (PBM) at various laser parameters may stimulate or inhibit the tissue repair process by affecting cells important to healing. Connective tissue cells include osteocytes and osteoblasts in bone, chondrocytes and chondroblasts in cartilage, and tenocytes and tenoblasts in tendons. PBM, at various wavelengths, energy densities and power output, has various effects on cell viability, proliferation, migration and gene expression. This narrative review will briefly encapsulate the effectiveness of PBM on connective tissue cells, and its possible role in tissue repair. Relevant journal articles were obtained through PubMed and Google Scholar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light as a Cure: Photobiomodulation, from the Cell to the Clinical Application)

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15 pages, 2184 KiB

Open AccessReview

Changes in Cell Biology under the Influence of Low-Level Laser Therapy

by Piotr Rola, Szymon Włodarczak, Maciej Lesiak, Adrian Doroszko and Adrian Włodarczak

Photonics 2022, 9(7), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics9070502 - 20 Jul 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 7079

Abstract

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has become an important part of the therapeutic process in various diseases. However, despite the broad use of LLLT in everyday clinical practice, the full impact of LLLT on cell life processes has not been fully understood. This paper [...] Read more.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has become an important part of the therapeutic process in various diseases. However, despite the broad use of LLLT in everyday clinical practice, the full impact of LLLT on cell life processes has not been fully understood. This paper presents the current state of knowledge concerning the mechanisms of action of LLLT on cells. A better understanding of the molecular processes occurring within the cell after laser irradiation may result in introducing numerous novel clinical applications of LLLT and potentially increases the safety profile of this therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light as a Cure: Photobiomodulation, from the Cell to the Clinical Application)

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18 pages, 2400 KiB

Open AccessReview

Can Photobiomodulation Support the Management of Temporomandibular Joint Pain? Molecular Mechanisms and a Systematic Review of Human Clinical Trials

by Jumana Alsarhan, Rita El Feghali, Thaer Alkhudari, Stefano Benedicenti and Claudio Pasquale

Photonics 2022, 9(6), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics9060420 - 16 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3329

Abstract

This study aims to point out the correlation between photobiomodulation (PBM) targets and effects and management of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) pain using diode lasers with infrared wavelengths ranging from 780 up to 980 nanometers (nm). A systematic search of multiple electronic databases was [...] Read more.

This study aims to point out the correlation between photobiomodulation (PBM) targets and effects and management of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) pain using diode lasers with infrared wavelengths ranging from 780 up to 980 nanometers (nm). A systematic search of multiple electronic databases was done to identify the clinical trials published between 1st January 2010 and 18th December 2021. The included studies were limited to human subjects who had TMD pain, involving two genders with age > 18 years, and were treated with PBM using a diode laser (780–980 nm) as a non-pharmacological therapy to decrease the intensity of the pain associated to TMDs. The risk of bias for included studies was assessed using the Cochrane RoB tool (for randomized studies). The methodologic quality was rated using the Delphi list. The findings suggest that PBM is an effective tool in alleviating TMDs’ pain and increasing the range of movement in patients with Axis 1 of TMDs. However, TMDs’ pain related to underlying pathology cannot be solely treated by PBM. The causative factors must be treated first. Studies displaying the highest quality Delphi score may represent a suggested PBM therapy protocol to follow for TMDs pain management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light as a Cure: Photobiomodulation, from the Cell to the Clinical Application)

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15 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessReview

Transcranial Photobiomodulation Therapy for Sexual Dysfunction Associated with Depression or Induced by Antidepressant Medications

by Farzad Salehpour, Mahsa Khademi, Farzan Vahedifard and Paolo Cassano

Photonics 2022, 9(5), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics9050330 - 11 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5991

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is frequently encountered in patients suffering from depression. There is a bidirectional relationship between various types of SD and depression, so the presence or treatment of one condition may exacerbate or improve the other condition. The most frequent sexual problem [...] Read more.

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is frequently encountered in patients suffering from depression. There is a bidirectional relationship between various types of SD and depression, so the presence or treatment of one condition may exacerbate or improve the other condition. The most frequent sexual problem in untreated depressed patients is declining sexual desire, while in treated depressed patients it is difficulties with erection/ejaculation and with orgasm. Numerous classes of neuropsychiatric medications, commonly used in depressed patients—such as antidepressant, antipsychotic, alpha sympathetic, and opioid drugs—may cause SD. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, also called low-level light/laser therapy, is a novel neuromodulation technique for neuropsychiatric conditions, such as depression. Transcranial PBM (tPBM) targets the cellular metabolism—through the mitochondrial respiratory enzyme, cytochrome c oxidase—and has numerous cellular and physiological beneficial effects on the central nervous system. This paper represents a comprehensive review of the application of tPBM to SD, coexisting with depression or induced by antidepressant medications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light as a Cure: Photobiomodulation, from the Cell to the Clinical Application)

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11 pages, 6908 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Photobiomodulation Therapy through a Novel Flat-Top Hand-Piece Prototype Improves Tissue Regeneration in Amphioxus (Branchiostoma lanceolatum): Proposal of an Ethical Model for Preclinical Screening

by Matteo Bozzo, Claudio Pasquale, Francesco Cuccaro, Sara Ferrando, Angelina Zekiy, Simona Candiani and Andrea Amaroli

Photonics 2022, 9(7), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics9070503 - 21 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2068

Abstract

Despite the literature providing compelling evidence for the medical efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, its consistency in terms of accuracy and standardization needs improving. Identification of new technology and reliable and ethical biological models is, therefore, a challenge for researchers working on PBM. [...] Read more.

Despite the literature providing compelling evidence for the medical efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, its consistency in terms of accuracy and standardization needs improving. Identification of new technology and reliable and ethical biological models is, therefore, a challenge for researchers working on PBM. We tested the reliability of PBM irradiation through a novel delivery probe with a flat-top beam profile on the regenerating amphioxus Branchiostoma lanceolatum. The caudalmost 9 ± 1 myotomes, posterior to the anus, were excised using a sterile lancet. Animals were randomly split into three experimental groups. In the control group, the beam area was bounded with the 635-nm red-light pointer (negligible power, <0.5 mW) and the laser device was coded to irradiate 810 nm and 0 W. In Group laser-1, the beam area was bounded with the same 635-nm red-light pointer and irradiated at 810 nm, 1 W in CW for 60 s, spot-size 1 cm², 1 W/cm², 60 J/cm², and 60 J; irradiation was performed every day for two weeks. In Group laser-2, the beam area was bounded with the same 635-nm red-light pointer and irradiated at 810 nm, 1 W in CW for 60 s, spot-size 1 cm², 1 W/cm², 60 J/cm², and 60 J; irradiation was performed on alternate days for four weeks. We observed that PBM improved the natural wound-healing and regeneration process. The effect was particularly evident for the notochord. Daily irradiation better supported the regenerative process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light as a Cure: Photobiomodulation, from the Cell to the Clinical Application)

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