Differential responses of myoblasts and myotubes to photobiomodulation are associated with mitochondrial number

A comprehensive review on therapeutic potentials of photobiomodulation for neurodegenerative disorders

A series of experimental trials over the past two centuries has put forth Photobiomodulation (PBM) as a treatment modality that utilizes colored lights for various conditions. While in its cradle, PBM was used for treating simple conditions such as burns and wounds, advancements in recent years have extended the use of PBM for treating complex neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). PBM has exhibited the potential to curb several symptoms and signs associated with NDDs. While several of the currently used therapeutics cause adverse side effects alongside being highly invasive, PBM on the contrary, seems to be broad-acting, less toxic, and non-invasive. Despite being projected as an ideal therapeutic for NDDs, PBM still isn't considered a mainstream treatment modality due to some of the challenges and knowledge gaps associated with it. Here, we review the advantages of PBM summarized above with an emphasis on the common mechanisms that underlie major NDDs and how PBM helps tackle them. We also discuss important questions such as whether PBM should be considered a mainstay treatment modality for these conditions and if PBM's properties can be harnessed to develop prophylactic therapies for high-risk individuals and also highlight important animal studies that underscore the importance of PBM and the challenges associated with it. Overall, this review is intended to bring the major advances made in the field to the spotlight alongside addressing the practicalities and caveats to develop PBM as a major therapeutic for NDDs.

Modeling and Phenotyping Acute and Chronic Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Vitro in Rodent Heart and Skeletal Muscle Cells

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has a complex pathophysiology which makes modeling the disease difficult. We aimed to develop a novel model for simulating T2D in vitro, including hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and variably elevated insulin levels targeting muscle cells. We investigated insulin resistance (IR), cellular respiration, mitochondrial morphometry, and the associated function in different T2D-mimicking conditions in rodent skeletal (C2C12) and cardiac (H9C2) myotubes. The physiological controls included 5 mM of glucose with 20 mM of mannitol as osmotic controls. To mimic hyperglycemia, cells were exposed to 25 mM of glucose. Further treatments included insulin, palmitate, or both. After short-term (24 h) or long-term (96 h) exposure, we performed radioactive glucose uptake and mitochondrial function assays. The mitochondrial size and relative frequencies were assessed with morphometric analyses using electron micrographs. C2C12 and H9C2 cells that were treated short- or long-term with insulin and/or palmitate and HG showed IR. C2C12 myotubes exposed to T2D-mimicking conditions showed significantly decreased ATP-linked respiration and spare respiratory capacity and less cytoplasmic area occupied by mitochondria, implying mitochondrial dysfunction. In contrast, the H9C2 myotubes showed elevated ATP-linked and maximal respiration and increased cytoplasmic area occupied by mitochondria, indicating a better adaptation to stress and compensatory lipid oxidation in a T2D environment. Both cell lines displayed elevated fractions of swollen/vacuolated mitochondria after T2D-mimicking treatments. Our stable and reproducible in vitro model of T2D rapidly induced IR, changes in the ATP-linked respiration, shifts in energetic phenotypes, and mitochondrial morphology, which are comparable to the muscles of patients suffering from T2D. Thus, our model should allow for the study of disease mechanisms and potential new targets and allow for the screening of candidate therapeutic compounds.

Light-emitting Diode Can Enhance the Metabolism and Paracrine Action of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

This study investigated the influence of red light-emitting diodes (LED, 630 nm) on different irradiation parameters and the number of applications on mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue (AdMSCs) metabolism and paracrine factors. The AdMSCs were irradiated with a LEDbox device (output power: 2452.5 mW; laser beam: 163.5 cm2 ; irradiance: 15 mW cm-2 ) using radiant exposures of 0.5, 2, and 4 J cm-2 , respectively. AdMSCs were irradiated once or every 48 h up to three irradiations. All molecular analyses were performed 24 h after the last irradiation. LED did not induce changes in cell count, DNA damage, and oxidative stress. A significant repercussion of the LED has been noticed after three irradiations with 4 J cm-2 . AdMSCs had higher levels of IL-6, IGF-1, and NOx index. A higher ATP content and MMT/Resazurin assay were identified in AdMSCs irradiated three times with 4 J cm-2 . Mitochondrial basal respiration, maximal respiration and proton leak under metabolic stress were reduced by 0.5 and 2 J cm-2 irradiations. These data showed that three LED irradiations with 4 J cm-2 may be a suitable parameter for future AdMSCs therapy because of its improved metabolic activity, ATP content, and IL-6, IGF-1, and nitric oxide secretion.

Assessing the Impact of High Photon Energy Wavelengths on the Treatment of Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain

The effect of low-level laser therapy with high photon energy wavelengths, green and violet, for treating chronic musculoskeletal pain was examined in the first-ever clinical trial of its kind. Participants (n = 43) underwent a single 13-minute laser session. The primary measure of effectiveness was the change in initial visual analog pain (VAS) scores observed three minutes posttreatment. The success of a participant was defined in advance as a reduction of ≥30% in VAS scores, while the success of the study was predetermined as achieving a 65 ± 5% success rate among individual participants. Results demonstrated subjects' VAS pain scores decreased from 71.79 to 34.02 (p < 0.0001), while most participants in the study (81.4%) achieved a ≥30% decrease in pain scores. The findings from this clinical investigation provided substantial support for the first Food and Drug Administration clearance (K221987) for the combined application of green and violet lasers.

Photobiomodulation does not improve anaerobic performance in well-trained cyclists

To determine if photobiomodulation (PBM) has ergogenic effects on the anaerobic performance of well-trained cyclists. Fifteen healthy male road or mountain bike cyclists participated in this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Athletes were randomly assigned to receive photobiomodulation (630 nm, 4.6 J/cm², 6 J per point, 16 points, PBM session) or placebo intervention (PLA session) in the first session. The athletes then performed a 30-s Wingate test to determine mean and peak average power, relative power, mean and peak velocity, mean and peak RPM, fatigue index, total distance, time to peak power, explosive strength, and power drop. After 48 h, athletes returned to the laboratory for the crossover intervention. The repeated-measures ANOVA test followed by Bonferroni post hoc test or Friedman test with Dunn's post hoc test (p < 0.05), and Cohen's d statistic were used for comparisons. Performance in the Wingate test was not significantly different (p > 0.05) between PBM and PLA sessions for any variable. Only a small effect size was detected for time to peak power (-0.40; 1.11 to 0.31) and explosive strength (0.38; -0.34 to 1.09). We conclude that irradiation with red light, under a low energy density, does not promote ergogenic effects on the anaerobic performance of cycling athletes.

Blue LED light induces cytotoxicity via ROS production and mitochondrial damage in bovine subcutaneous preadipocytes

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of blue light irradiation on bovine subcutaneous preadipocytes. In this study, preadipocytes were divided into dark group (control) and blue light group. Results show that blue light exposure time-dependently reduced the viability of preadipocytes and induced mitochondrial damage, in accompaniment with the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Meanwhile, blue light caused oxidative stress, as evidenced by the increased MDA level, the reduced T-AOC contents, as well as the decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, blue light treatment induced apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest via Bcl-2/Bax/cleaved caspase-3 pathway and P53/GADD45 pathway, respectively. Protein expressions of LC3-II/LC3-I and P62 were up-regulated under blue light exposure, indicating blue light initiated autophagy but impeded autophagic degradation. Moreover, blue light caused an increase in the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). Pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a potent ROS scavenger, restored the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ) and reduced excess ROS. Additionally, the above negative effects of blue light on cells were alleviated after NAC administration. In conclusion, this study demonstrates blue light induces cellular ROS overproduction and Δψ depolarization, resulting in the decrease of cell viability and the activation of apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation, providing a reference for the application of blue light in the regulation of fat cells in the future.

Effects of different protocols of defocused high-power laser on the viability and migration of myoblasts-a comparative in vitro study

The aim of the present study was to analyze for the first time the effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) using defocused high-power laser (DHPL) in myoblast cell line C2C12 viability and migration and compare them with low-power laser therapy. Cells were divided into 9 groups: Sham irradiation 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS); Sham irradiation 5%FBS; low-power laser 0.1 W; DHPL 810 1 W; DHPL 810 2 W; DHPL 980 1 W; DHPL 980 2 W; DHPL dual 1 W; DHPL dual 2 W. To simulate stress conditions, all groups exposed to irradiation were maintained in DMEM 5% FBS. The impact of therapies on cell viability was assessed through sulforhodamine B assay and on cells migration through scratch assays and time-lapse. Myoblast viability was not modified by PBMT protocols. All PBMT protocols were able to accelerate the scratch closure after 6 and 18 h of the first irradiation (p < 0.001). Also, an increase in migration speed, with a more pronounced effect of DHPL laser using dual-wavelength protocol with 2 W was observed (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the diverse PBMT protocols used in this study accelerated the C2C12 myoblasts migration, with 2-W dual-wavelength outstanding as the most effective protocol tested. Benefits from treating muscle injuries with PBMT appear to be related to its capacity to induce cell migration without notable impact on cell viability.

Photobiomodulation in 3D tissue engineering

SIGNIFICANCE

The method of photobiomodulation (PBM) has been used in medicine for a long time to promote anti-inflammation and pain-resolving processes in different organs and tissues. PBM triggers numerous cellular pathways including stimulation of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, alteration of the cytoskeleton, cell death prevention, increasing proliferative activity, and directing cell differentiation. The most effective wavelengths for PBM are found within the optical window (750 to 1100 nm), in which light can permeate tissues and other water-containing structures to depths of up to a few cm. PBM already finds its applications in the developing fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, the diversity of three-dimensional (3D) systems, irradiation sources, and protocols intricate the PBM applications.

AIM

We aim to discuss the PBM and 3D tissue engineered constructs to define the fields of interest for PBM applications in tissue engineering.

APPROACH

First, we provide a brief overview of PBM and the timeline of its development. Then, we discuss the optical properties of 3D cultivation systems and important points of light dosimetry. Finally, we analyze the cellular pathways induced by PBM and outcomes observed in various 3D tissue-engineered constructs: hydrogels, scaffolds, spheroids, cell sheets, bioprinted structures, and organoids.

RESULTS

Our summarized results demonstrate the great potential of PBM in the stimulation of the cell survival and viability in 3D conditions. The strategies to achieve different cell physiology states with particular PBM parameters are outlined.

CONCLUSIONS

PBM has already proved itself as a convenient and effective tool to prevent drastic cellular events in the stress conditions. Because of the poor viability of cells in scaffolds and the convenience of PBM devices, 3D tissue engineering is a perspective field for PBM applications.

Photobiomodulation Using Different Infrared Light Sources Promotes Muscle Precursor Cells Migration and Proliferation

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has demonstrated positive effects on the muscle repair process. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of infrared PBM using different light sources—low-level laser (LLL) at 780 nm (40 or 70 mW, 10 J/cm2, 0.4 J) or LED at 850 nm (40 or 70 mW, 0.13 J/cm2, 0.4 J)—and dosimetric parameters on the proliferation and migration of muscle cells. The results showed that LLL 40 mW and 70 mW, with the same radiation exposure, led to an increase in proliferation after 24 h, but no differences at 48 and 72 h. Cells irradiated with LED 70 mW exhibited an increase in proliferation in comparison to the control group and 40mW after 24 and 48 h, but not at 72 h. Moreover, cell migration was greater in comparison to the control after 6 and 24 h, and no differences were found at 12 h when LLL was used with an output power of 70 mW. Furthermore, no differences were found at 6 and 12 h with the 70 mW output power-LED, but an increase was observed in the cell migration after 24 h. In conclusion, PBM using different light sources and dosimetric parameters was able to modulate the proliferation of C2C12 myoblasts, but only PBM at 70 mW was able to modulate the migration of these cells.

Effects of low-level laser therapy on reducing pain, edema, and trismus after orthognathic surgery: a systematic review

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the scientific evidence of the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the perception of pain, edema, and trismus after orthognathic surgery. The literature was searched in 11 databases (MedLine via PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, SciELO, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and LIVIVO, OpenGrey, OADT, and OpenThesis), without restriction of publication year or language. This search aimed to identify randomized clinical trials comparing low-level laser therapy and placebo for controlling pain, edema, and trismus after orthognathic surgeries. Two reviewers extracted the data and assessed the individual risk of bias of the eligible studies using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool (RoB, version 2.0). The initial search resulted in 808 articles, from which only five (total of 190 participants) were included in the qualitative synthesis. The studies were published from 2014 to 2020. Two presented a low risk of bias + in the mean mouth opening of all patients subjected to bimaxillary surgery who received LLLT. However, the other study found a significant difference in maximum mouth opening in the LLLT group at 14, 30, and 60 days after surgery. Based on limited evidence, LLLT was presented as an auxiliary tool for reducing pain and trismus after surgery. However, the reduction of edema is controversial due to the absence of measuring standardization.

Photobiomodulation of oral fibroblasts stimulated with periodontal pathogens

Photobiomodulation (PBM) utilises light energy to treat oral disease, periodontitis. However, there remains inconsistency in the reporting of treatment parameters and a lack of knowledge as to how PBM elicits its molecular effects in vitro. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the potential immunomodulatory effects of blue and near infra-red light irradiation on gingival fibroblasts (GFs), a key cell involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. GFs were seeded in 96-well plates in media + / - Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS 1 μg/ml), or heat-killed Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum, 100:1MOI) or Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis, 500:1MOI). Cultures were incubated overnight and subsequently irradiated using a bespoke radiometrically calibrated LED array (400-830 nm, irradiance: 24 mW/cm² dose: 5.76 J/cm²). Effects of PBM on mitochondrial activity (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assays, total reactive oxygen species production (ROS assay) and pro-inflammatory/cytokine response (interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumour growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1)) were assessed 24 h post-irradiation. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey test. Irradiation of untreated (no inflammatory stimulus) cultures at 400 nm induced 15%, 27% and 13% increases in MTT, ROS and IL-8 levels, respectively (p < 0.05). Exposure with 450 nm light following application of P. gingivalis, F. nucleatum or LPS induced significant decreases in TGFβ1 secretion relative to their bacterially stimulated controls (p < 0.001). Following stimulation with P. gingivalis, 400 nm irradiation induced 14% increases in MTT, respectively, relative to bacteria-stimulated controls (p < 0.05). These findings could identify important irradiation parameters to enable management of the hyper-inflammatory response characteristic of periodontitis.

Revisiting the role of mitochondria in spinal muscular atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive motor neuron disease of variable clinical severity that is caused by mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Despite its name, SMN is a ubiquitous protein that functions within and outside the nervous system and has multiple cellular roles in transcription, translation, and proteostatic mechanisms. Encouragingly, several SMN-directed therapies have recently reached the clinic, albeit this has highlighted the increasing need to develop combinatorial therapies for SMA to achieve full clinical efficacy. As a subcellular site of dysfunction in SMA, mitochondria represents a relevant target for a combinatorial therapy. Accordingly, we will discuss our current understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction in SMA, highlighting mitochondrial-based pathways that offer further mechanistic insights into the involvement of mitochondria in SMA. This may ultimately facilitate translational development of targeted mitochondrial therapies for SMA. Due to clinical and mechanistic overlaps, such strategies may also benefit other motor neuron diseases and related neurodegenerative disorders.

Wavelength- and irradiance-dependent changes in intracellular nitric oxide level

SIGNIFICANCE

Photobiomodulation (PBM) refers to the beneficial effects of low-energy light absorption. Although there is a large body of literature describing downstream physiological benefits of PBM, there is a limited understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. At present, the most popular hypothesis is that light absorption induces release of nitric oxide (NO) from the active site of cytochrome c oxidase (COX), allowing it to bind O2 instead. This is believed to increase mitochondrial respiration, and result in greater overall health of the cell due to increased adenosine triphosphate production.

AIM

Although NO itself is a powerful signaling molecule involved in a host of biological responses, less attention has been devoted to NO mechanisms in the context of PBM. The purpose of our work is to investigate wavelength-specific effects on intracellular NO release in living cells.

APPROACH

We have conducted in-depth dosimetry analyses of NO production and function in an in vitro retinal model in response to low-energy exposure to one or more wavelengths of laser light.

RESULTS

We found statistically significant wavelength-dependent elevations (10% to 30%) in intracellular NO levels following laser exposures at 447, 532, 635, or 808 nm. Sequential or simultaneous exposures to light at two different wavelengths enhanced the NO modulation up to 50% of unexposed controls. Additionally, the immediate increases in cellular NO levels were independent of the function of NO synthase, depended greatly on the substrate source of electrons entering the electron transport chain, and did not result in increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study concludes the simple model of light-mediated release of NO from COX is unlikely to explain the wide variety of PBM effects reported in the literature. Our multiwavelength method provides a novel tool for studying immediate and early mechanisms of PBM as well as exploring intracellular NO signaling networks.

Under the spotlight: mechanisms of photobiomodulation concentrating on blue and green light

Photobiomodulation (PBM) describes the application of light at wavelengths ranging from 400-1100 nm to promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation and promote analgesia. Traditionally, red and near-infra red (NIR) light have been used therapeutically, however recent studies indicate that other wavelengths within the visible spectrum could prove beneficial including blue and green light. This review aims to evaluate the literature surrounding the potential therapeutic effects of PBM with particular emphasis on the effects of blue and green light. In particular focus is on the possible primary and secondary molecular mechanisms of PBM and also evaluation of the potential effective parameters for application both in vitro and in vivo. Studies have reported that PBM affects an array of molecular targets, including chromophores such as signalling molecules containing flavins and porphyrins as well as components of the electron transport chain. However, secondary mechanisms tend to converge on pathways induced by increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Systematic evaluation of the literature indicated 72% of publications reported beneficial effects of blue light and 75% reported therapeutic effects of green light. However, of the publications evaluating the effects of green light, reporting of treatment parameters was uneven with 41% failing to report irradiance (mW cm-2) and 44% failing to report radiant exposure (J cm-2). This review highlights the potential of PBM to exert broad effects on a range of different chromophores within the body, dependent upon the wavelength of light applied. Emphasis still remains on the need to report exposure and treatment parameters, as this will enable direct comparison between different studies and hence enable the determination of the full potential of PBM.