Effect of linear polarized near-infrared ray irradiation on the chemiluminescence of human neutrophils and serum opsonic activity

Near-infrared photobiomodulation of blood reversibly inhibits platelet reactivity and reduces hemolysis

Photobiomodulation (PBM) in the red/near-infrared (R/NIR) spectral range has become widely recognized due to its anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective potential. We aimed to assess the effects of blood PBM on platelets function and hemolysis in an in vitro setting. Porcine blood samples were separated into four aliquots for this study, one of which served as a control, while the other three were subjected to three different NIR PBM dosages. The platelet count and functions and the plasma free haemoglobin and osmotic fragility of red blood cells were measured during the experiment. The control group had a considerable drop in platelet number, but the NIR exposed samples had more minimal and strictly dose-dependent alterations. These modifications were consistent with ADP and collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Furthermore, red blood cells that had received PBM were more resistant to osmotic stress and less prone to hemolysis, as seen by a slightly lower quantity of plasma free hemoglobin. Here we showed under well-controlled in vitro conditions that PBM reversibly inhibits platelet activation in a dose-dependent manner and reduces hemolysis.

The effect of red-to-near-infrared (R/NIR) irradiation on inflammatory processes

Introduction: Near-infrared (NIR) and red-to-near-infrared (R/NIR) radiation are increasingly applied for therapeutic use. R/NIR-employing therapies aim to stimulate healing, prevent tissue necrosis, increase mitochondrial function, and improve blood flow and tissue oxygenation. The wide range of applications of this radiation raises questions concerning the effects of R/NIR on the immune system. Methods: In this review, we discuss the potential effects of exposure to R/NIR light on immune cells in the context of physical parameters of light. Discussion: The effects that R/NIR may induce in immune cells typically involve the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitrogen oxide (NO), or interleukins. Production of ROS after exposure to R/NIR can either be inhibited or to some extent increased, which suggests that detailed conditions of experiments, such as the spectrum of radiation, irradiance, exposure time, determine the outcome of the treatment. However, a wide range of immune cell studies have demonstrated that exposure to R/NIR most often has an anti-inflammatory effect. Finally, photobiomodulation molecular mechanism with particular attention to the role of interfacial water structure changes for cell physiology and regulation of the inflammatory process was described. Conclusions: Optimization of light parameters allows R/NIR to act as an anti-inflammatory agent in a wide range of medical applications.

Low-level light therapy reduces platelet destruction during extracorporeal circulation

Extracorporeal circulation causes many deleterious effects on blood cells. Low-level light therapy (LLLT) in the red/near-infrared spectral range is known for its cytoprotective properties but its use during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has not yet been studied. We aimed to assess whether LLLT protects platelets during CPB. 24 pigs were connected to 1-hour-CPB and observed for the next 23 hours. In 12 animals, blood circulating through the oxygenator was treated with LLLT. Platelet count and function were monitored throughout the experiment. The decrease in platelet count was greater in the control group, especially during CPB and after 24 hours. In LLLT group CD62P expression remained quite stable up to the 12^th hour of the experiment, whereas in the control group it continuously decreased till the end of observation. Platelets in the control group were more prone to aggregation in the postoperative period than at the beginning of the experiment, whereas platelets in the LLLT group aggregated similarly or less intense. Limitation of platelet loss, pattern of aggregation and CD62P expression suggest that LLLT may stabilize platelet function during CPB and diminish the negative effects associated with the interaction of cells with an artificial surface.

Low-Level Light Therapy Protects Red Blood Cells Against Oxidative Stress and Hemolysis During Extracorporeal Circulation

Aim: An activation of non-specific inflammatory response, coagulation disorder, and blood morphotic elements damage are the main side effects of the extracorporeal circulation (ECC). Red-to-near-infrared radiation (R/NIR) is thought to be capable of stabilizing red blood cell (RBC) membrane through increasing its resistance to destructive factors. We focused on the development of a method using low-level light therapy (LLLT) in the spectral range of R/NIR which could reduce blood trauma caused by the heart-lung machine during surgery. Methods: R/NIR emitter was adjusted in terms of geometry and optics to ECC circuit. The method of extracorporeal blood photobiomodulation was tested during in vivo experiments in an animal, porcine model (1 h of ECC plus 23 h of animal observation). A total of 24 sows weighing 90-100 kg were divided into two equal groups: control one and LLLT. Blood samples were taken during the experiment to determine changes in blood morphology [RBC and white blood cell (WBC) counts, hemoglobin (Hgb)], indicators of hemolysis [plasma-free hemoglobin (PFHgb), serum bilirubin concentration, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity], and oxidative stress markers [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration, total antioxidant capacity (TAC)]. Results: In the control group, a rapid systemic decrease in WBC count during ECC was accompanied by a significant increase in RBC membrane lipids peroxidation, while in the LLLT group the number of WBC and TBARS concentration both remained relatively constant, indicating limitation of the inflammatory process. These results were consistent with the change in the hemolysis markers like PFHgb, LDH, and serum bilirubin concentration, which were significantly reduced in LLLT group. No differences in TAC, RBC count, and Hgb concentration were detected. Conclusion: We presented the applicability of the LLLT with R/NIR radiation to blood trauma reduction during ECC.

Reduction of IL-20 Expression in Rheumatoid Arthritis by Linear Polarized Infrared Light Irradiation

BACKGROUND

Low-level laser is being evaluated for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recently, the linear polarized infrared light (Super Lizer, SL) irradiation may also be useful for RA treatment. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the effectiveness of SL on RA is unclear. It has been IL-20 may involved in RA disease progression.

AIM

To understand how SL action, we constructed the experimental model in vitro using human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocyte (MH7A) and collagen induced (CIA) RA rat in vivo. We examined the effect of SL irradiation on IL-20 gene expression in MH7A and IL-20 protein production in CIA) rat joints.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MH7A was cultured and challenged with IL-1ß, then examined IL-20 and IL-20R mRNA level by DNA microarray. IL-20 protein expression was examined by immunohistochemistry using a specific antibody against rat IL-20.

RESULT

Scatter plot analysis demonstrated that an increase in IL-20 gene expression by IL-1ß was reduced by SL irradiation, but IL-20R did not show a significant change. The Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated a strong IL-20 staining in synovial membrane tissue of CIA rat joint, and SL irradiation significantly reduced the staining.

DISCUSSION

Since IL-20 has been identified as an important cytokine in the pathogenesis of RA, the reduction of IL-20 expression by SL irradiation may be one of mechanisms in reduction of inflammation in RA joints by SL irradiation suggesting that SL irradiation may be useful for RA therapy.

Reduction of interleukin-6 expression in human synoviocytes and rheumatoid arthritis rat joints by linear polarized near infrared light (Superlizer) irradiation

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder that involves inflammation and pain of joints. Low-level laser irradiation is being evaluated for treating RA, however, the effectiveness of linear polarized near infrared light (SuperLizer; SL) irradiation is unclear.

AIM

It has been reported that interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays a key role in the progression of RA. In our previous study, using DNA microarray analysis, we examined the gene expression profiling of human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocyte MH7A in response to IL-1ß administration and SL irradiation. As a result, IL-6 was listed in altered gene as increased by IL-1ß and decreased by SL irradiation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The reduction of IL-6 gene expression in MH7A by SL irradiation was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR. Effect of SL irradiation on the RA inflammation in the collagen induced arthritis (CIA) rats was also studied by measuring temperature. IL-6 production in knee joint of rats was analyzed by immunohisto-chemistry.

RESULTS

Scatter plot analysis demonstrated that an increase in IL-6 gene expression by IL-1ß was reduced by SL irradiation. The reduction of IL-6 mRNA level by SL irradiation was successfully confirmed by RT-PCR and real-time PCR. SL irradiation treated CIA rat decreased the temperature of knee joints. The immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated a strong IL-6 staining in synovial membrane tissue of CIA rat joint, and SL irradiation significantly reduced the staining.

DISCUSSION

Since IL-6 has been identified to be an important proinflarnmatory cytokine in the pathogenesis of RA, the reduction of IL-6 expression is one of mechanisms in reduction of inflammation in RA joints by SL irradiation suggesting that SL irradiation may be useful for RA therapy.

CONCLUSION

SL irradiation reduced IL-6 gene expression in MH7A, and reduced inflammation and IL-6 protein expression in knee joint of CIA rats.

Influence of near-infrared radiation on the pKa values of L-phenylalanine

The effect of pH on L-phenylalanine (L-phe) before and after exposure to near-infrared (NIR) radiation (15 min, 700-2000 nm) was investigated by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Characteristic bands of L-phe were described and the pK(a) values were retrieved from IR spectra by using an intensity ratio method according to our recent paper (Olsztynska et al., Appl. Spectrosc. 55, 901 (2001)). It has been found that the irradiation process modifies pK(a) values of L-phe. The spectroscopic study clearly shows the shift of acid-base equilibrium after exposure to NIR radiation. The phenomenon is due to modification of the water structure. Intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds weaken, which could induce conformational changes of the phe molecule. Subsequently, hydrophobic interactions strongly increase. These processes favor aggregation of phe molecules, which leads to deprotonation of the -NH(3)(+) to -NH(2) group and protonation of the -COO(-) to -COOH group, changing the pK(a) values.

Effect of linear polarized light irradiation near the stellate ganglion in skin blood flow of fingers in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of linear polarized light irradiation near the stellate ganglion area on cutaneous blood flow in fingers of patients with progressive systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND DATA

Sympathetic overactivity is known to be present in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis. Recently introduced linear polarized light irradiation is designed to simulate noninvasive stellate ganglion block to decrease sympathetic output.

METHODS

Five patients with progressive systemic sclerosis and three normal healthy controls were studied. Linear polarized light (Super Lizer) was irradiated near the stellate ganglion on the right side of the neck at 358 J/cm(2) for 10 min. Then, laser Doppler flowmetry, laser Doppler imager, and capillary microscopy were used to measure the cutaneous blood flow of the right fourth finger for 30 min.

RESULTS

No significant alternations of the skin blood flow between normal controls and patients with progressive systemic sclerosis after linear polarized light irradiation were detected. The effect of linear polarized light on the microcirculation of patients with progressive systemic sclerosis was minimal and transient.

CONCLUSION

The effect of linear polarized light in treating patients with progressive systemic sclerosis may not result from the improvement of skin blood flow. Therefore, the use of linear polarized light in those patients to increase cutaneous blood flow should not be overemphasized.

Near-infrared radiation protects the red cell membrane against oxidation

The antioxidant effects of near-infrared radiation (NIR) in vitro (700-200 nm) on human erythrocytes was studied as a continuation of our earlier studies. The changes of: ratio of hemolysis, electrokinetic potential, lipids peroxidation, autohemolysis, and fluidity of red cell lipid bilayer were studied for intact, irradiated, ozonated and irradiated, and ozonated erythrocytes. We revealed that, under in vitro condition, the oxidation of red cells by ozone decreased lipids' bilayer fluidity in the vicinity of the 5th carbon and increased fluidity on the 16th carbon level of hydrocarbon chains, induced autohemolysis, oxidized lipids, and changed the electrokinetic potential. However, when erythrocytes were exposed to near-infrared radiation (NIR) and later ozonated, measured parameters were the same as that for control cells kept in darkness or markedly less modified than that ozonated. In conclusion, these observations suggest protective action of NIR radiation on the erythrocyte membrane. The results support the idea that during exposition to NIR, dehydration process induces the photochemical dissociation oxyhemoglobin to deoxyhemoglobin. Deoxygenation leads to phosphorylation of cytoplasmic domain of band 3 at tyrosine 8 that strengthens its association with the spectrin network. An increased association between band 3 and the underlying skeleton elevated the cell membrane mechanical resistance that could protect them before autohemolysis. Also, weakening hydrogen bonds on the surface of erythrocyte membranes moderate the surface charge, lowering the accessibility of charged free radicals from ozone solution into cells.

Linear polarized near-infrared irradiation stimulates mechanical expansion of the rat sagittal suture

Mechanical sutural separation has been carried out in clinical orthodontics for controlling the growth of the craniofacial skeleton. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of linear polarized near-infrared ray irradiation on the sutural expansion of rat sagittal suture. Twenty 8-week-old Wistar strain male rats were equally divided into experimental and control groups. Suture expansion was carried out for 5 days for all animals using an expansion appliance. The experimental animals were subjected to linear polarized near-infrared irradiation. This study has demonstrated that linear polarized near-infrared irradiation stimulates sutural expansion without any pathological changes.

Erythrocyte response to near-infrared radiation

The effects of NIR (near-infrared radiation 700-2,000 nm) on bovine erythrocytes in plasma was studied as a continuation of earlier studies. Cell shape was observed and the changes of ratio of hemolysis and electrokinetic potential measured as a function of irradiation time. After 10 min of irradiation, the shape of erythrocyte cells was mainly echinocytic. When these cells were incubated at 311 K for 24 h they regained their initial shape, but fresh erythrocytes that were irradiated for 30 min and aged in vitro did not. These phenomena are due to: (1) the absorption of NIR excitation by hemoglobin; the primary photochemical process being the photo-dissociation of oxyhemoglobin to deoxyhemoglobin. Resulting shape and ratio of hemolysis, structural changes and oxidative stress follow higher deoxyhemoglobin concentration. (2) The absorption of the NIR excitation by proteins, water and lipids. After NIR absorption the membrane surface dehydrates, leading to enhanced protonation and dissociation of hydrogen-bonded complexes. This in turn leads to a change in electrokinetic potential.