1
|
Mould RR, Mackenzie AM, Kalampouka I, Nunn AVW, Thomas EL, Bell JD, Botchway SW. Ultra weak photon emission-a brief review. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1348915. [PMID: 38420619 PMCID: PMC10899412 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1348915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cells emit light at ultra-low intensities: photons which are produced as by-products of cellular metabolism, distinct from other light emission processes such as delayed luminescence, bioluminescence, and chemiluminescence. The phenomenon is known by a large range of names, including, but not limited to, biophotons, biological autoluminescence, metabolic photon emission and ultraweak photon emission (UPE), the latter of which shall be used for the purposes of this review. It is worth noting that the photons when produced are neither 'weak' nor specifically biological in characteristics. Research of UPE has a long yet tattered past, historically hamstrung by a lack of technology sensitive enough to detect it. Today, as technology progresses rapidly, it is becoming easier to detect and image these photons, as well as to describe their function. In this brief review we will examine the history of UPE research, their proposed mechanism, possible biological role, the detection of the phenomenon, and the potential medical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rhys R Mould
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alasdair M Mackenzie
- OCTOPUS, Central Laser Facility, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Ifigeneia Kalampouka
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair V W Nunn
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
- The Guy Foundation, Beaminster, United Kingdom
| | - E Louise Thomas
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jimmy D Bell
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stanley W Botchway
- OCTOPUS, Central Laser Facility, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Didcot, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Murugan NJ, Cariba S, Abeygunawardena S, Rouleau N, Payne SL. Biophysical control of plasticity and patterning in regeneration and cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 81:9. [PMID: 38099951 PMCID: PMC10724343 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05054-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Cells and tissues display a remarkable range of plasticity and tissue-patterning activities that are emergent of complex signaling dynamics within their microenvironments. These properties, which when operating normally guide embryogenesis and regeneration, become highly disordered in diseases such as cancer. While morphogens and other molecular factors help determine the shapes of tissues and their patterned cellular organization, the parallel contributions of biophysical control mechanisms must be considered to accurately predict and model important processes such as growth, maturation, injury, repair, and senescence. We now know that mechanical, optical, electric, and electromagnetic signals are integral to cellular plasticity and tissue patterning. Because biophysical modalities underly interactions between cells and their extracellular matrices, including cell cycle, metabolism, migration, and differentiation, their applications as tuning dials for regenerative and anti-cancer therapies are being rapidly exploited. Despite this, the importance of cellular communication through biophysical signaling remains disproportionately underrepresented in the literature. Here, we provide a review of biophysical signaling modalities and known mechanisms that initiate, modulate, or inhibit plasticity and tissue patterning in models of regeneration and cancer. We also discuss current approaches in biomedical engineering that harness biophysical control mechanisms to model, characterize, diagnose, and treat disease states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nirosha J Murugan
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
- Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA.
| | - Solsa Cariba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Nicolas Rouleau
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Samantha L Payne
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang Z, Wang W, Huang X, Liu G. Distributed loss-amplification modeling for the mid-infrared signal propagating in the myelinated and demyelinated nerve. APPLIED OPTICS 2023; 62:8606-8613. [PMID: 38037977 DOI: 10.1364/ao.503485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The terahertz (THz) to infrared (IR) neural signal model is a potential mechanism for explaining neural communication. Myelinated neurons could be a lossy dielectric waveguide that can propagate these THz-IR neural signals. We propose an electromagnetic loss-amplification model to describe the propagation characteristics of mid-IR signals on myelinated neurons. During transmission with loss and amplification, neural signal intensity can be consistently maintained at 15.9 pW in bands 55 to 75 THz. This phenomenon becomes more pronounced as the number of myelin sheaths increases. However, escalated degrees of demyelination result in a reduction of signal intensity from 15.9 to 10 pW. This phenomenon eventually disrupts the process of loss amplification, consequently impeding the transmission of the signal. These results may contribute to a deeper understanding of mid-IR signal propagation mechanisms in myelinated nerves and studies of diseases associated with demyelination.
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang Z, Xu Z, Luo Y, Peng S, Song H, Li T, Zheng J, Liu N, Wu S, Zhang J, Zhang L, Hu Y, Liu Y, Lu D, Dai J, Zhang J. Reduced biophotonic activities and spectral blueshift in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia models with cognitive impairment. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1208274. [PMID: 37727319 PMCID: PMC10505668 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1208274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although clinically, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) are the two major types of dementia, it is unclear whether the biophotonic activities associated with cognitive impairments in these diseases share common pathological features. Methods We used the ultraweak biophoton imaging system (UBIS) and synaptosomes prepared by modified percoll method to directly evaluate the functional changes in synapses and neural circuits in AD and VaD model animals. Results We found that biophotonic activities induced by glutamate were significantly reduced and spectral blueshifted in synaptosomes and brain slices. These changes could be partially reversed by pre-perfusion of the ifenprodil, a specific antagonist of the GluN2B subunit of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Conclusion Our findings suggest that AD and VaD pathology present similar but complex changes in biophotonic activities and transmission at synapses and neural circuits, implying that communications and information processing of biophotonic signals in the brain are crucial for advanced cognitive functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Wang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Science, Wuhan Institute for Neuroscience and Neuroengineering, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
- Medical Science Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhipeng Xu
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sisi Peng
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Song
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaxin Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Na Liu
- College of Life Science, Wuhan Institute for Neuroscience and Neuroengineering, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shenjia Wu
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Junxia Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanping Liu
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongwei Lu
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiapei Dai
- College of Life Science, Wuhan Institute for Neuroscience and Neuroengineering, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
| | - Junjian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cervetto C, Amaroli A, Amato S, Gatta E, Diaspro A, Maura G, Signore A, Benedicenti S, Marcoli M. Photons Induce Vesicular Exocytotic Release of Glutamate in a Power-Dependent Way. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10977. [PMID: 37446155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that photobiomodulation, based on tissue irradiation with photons in the red to near-infrared spectrum, may be an effective therapeutic approach to central nervous system disorders. Although nervous system functionality has been shown to be affected by photons in animal models, as well as in preliminary evidence in healthy subjects or in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders, the mechanisms involved in the photobiomodulation effects have not yet been clarified. We previously observed that photobiomodulation could stimulate glutamate release. Here, we investigate mechanisms potentially involved in the glutamate-releasing effect of photons from adult mouse cerebrocortical nerve terminals. We report evidence of photon ability to induce an exocytotic vesicular release of glutamate from the terminals of glutamatergic neurons in a power-dependent way. It can be hypothesized that photobiomodulation, depending on the potency, can release glutamate in a potentially neurotoxic or physiological range.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Amaroli
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 5, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Sarah Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Elena Gatta
- DIFILAB, Department of Physics, University of Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Alberto Diaspro
- DIFILAB, Department of Physics, University of Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy
- Nanoscopy, Nanophysics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia-IIT, Via Morego 30, 16133 Genova, Italy
- Biophysics Institute, National Research Council-CNR, Via de Marini, 6, 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Antonio Signore
- Therapeutic Dentistry Department, Institute of Dentistry, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya Str. 8, b. 2, 119992 Moskow, Russia
| | - Stefano Benedicenti
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Smotrys MA, Liu JZ, Street S, Robinson S. Energetic homeostasis achieved through biophoton energy and accompanying medication treatment resulted in sustained levels of Thyroiditis-Hashimoto's, iron, vitamin D & vitamin B12. Metabol Open 2023; 18:100248. [PMID: 37303826 PMCID: PMC10251148 DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2023.100248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
We present the case of a 37-year-old premenopausal woman, who presented with fatigue, weakness, pallor, and myalgias. She was on treatment for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, iron deficiency anemia, deficiency of vitamin D and B12. Further diagnostic workup revealed her anemia was attributed to a long history of menorrhagia, deficiency of vitamin D and B12 which was attributed to Celiac disease. Her overall health improved with daily medication and by being around the biophoton generators, a device-generated biophoton field. Supplemental exposure to biophoton energy stabilized her blood component levels and improved the functional and energetic conditions of all her organs and systems.
Collapse
|
7
|
Microtubules as a potential platform for energy transfer in biological systems: a target for implementing individualized, dynamic variability patterns to improve organ function. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:375-392. [PMID: 35829870 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04513-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Variability characterizes the complexity of biological systems and is essential for their function. Microtubules (MTs) play a role in structural integrity, cell motility, material transport, and force generation during mitosis, and dynamic instability exemplifies the variability in the proper function of MTs. MTs are a platform for energy transfer in cells. The dynamic instability of MTs manifests itself by the coexistence of growth and shortening, or polymerization and depolymerization. It results from a balance between attractive and repulsive forces between tubulin dimers. The paper reviews the current data on MTs and their potential roles as energy-transfer cellular structures and presents how variability can improve the function of biological systems in an individualized manner. The paper presents the option for targeting MTs to trigger dynamic improvement in cell plasticity, regulate energy transfer, and possibly control quantum effects in biological systems. The described system quantifies MT-dependent variability patterns combined with additional personalized signatures to improve organ function in a subject-tailored manner. The platform can regulate the use of MT-targeting drugs to improve the response to chronic therapies. Ongoing trials test the effects of this platform on various disorders.
Collapse
|
8
|
Liebert A, Capon W, Pang V, Vila D, Bicknell B, McLachlan C, Kiat H. Photophysical Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation Therapy as Precision Medicine. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020237. [PMID: 36830774 PMCID: PMC9953702 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite a significant focus on the photochemical and photoelectrical mechanisms underlying photobiomodulation (PBM), its complex functions are yet to be fully elucidated. To date, there has been limited attention to the photophysical aspects of PBM. One effect of photobiomodulation relates to the non-visual phototransduction pathway, which involves mechanotransduction and modulation to cytoskeletal structures, biophotonic signaling, and micro-oscillatory cellular interactions. Herein, we propose a number of mechanisms of PBM that do not depend on cytochrome c oxidase. These include the photophysical aspects of PBM and the interactions with biophotons and mechanotransductive processes. These hypotheses are contingent on the effect of light on ion channels and the cytoskeleton, the production of biophotons, and the properties of light and biological molecules. Specifically, the processes we review are supported by the resonant recognition model (RRM). This previous research demonstrated that protein micro-oscillations act as a signature of their function that can be activated by resonant wavelengths of light. We extend this work by exploring the local oscillatory interactions of proteins and light because they may affect global body circuits and could explain the observed effect of PBM on neuro-cortical electroencephalogram (EEG) oscillations. In particular, since dysrhythmic gamma oscillations are associated with neurodegenerative diseases and pain syndromes, including migraine with aura and fibromyalgia, we suggest that transcranial PBM should target diseases where patients are affected by impaired neural oscillations and aberrant brain wave patterns. This review also highlights examples of disorders potentially treatable with precise wavelengths of light by mimicking protein activity in other tissues, such as the liver, with, for example, Crigler-Najjar syndrome and conditions involving the dysregulation of the cytoskeleton. PBM as a novel therapeutic modality may thus behave as "precision medicine" for the treatment of various neurological diseases and other morbidities. The perspectives presented herein offer a new understanding of the photophysical effects of PBM, which is important when considering the relevance of PBM therapy (PBMt) in clinical applications, including the treatment of diseases and the optimization of health outcomes and performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann Liebert
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Adventist Hospital Group, Wahroonga 2076, Australia
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead 2145, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - William Capon
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Vincent Pang
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead 2145, Australia
| | - Damien Vila
- Faculty of Medicine of Montpellier-Nîmes, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Brian Bicknell
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead 2145, Australia
| | - Craig McLachlan
- Faculty of Health, Torrens University, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Hosen Kiat
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead 2145, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Torrens University, Adelaide 5000, Australia
- Cardiac Health Institute, Sydney 2121, Australia
- ANU College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra 2600, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park 2109, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zarkeshian P, Kergan T, Ghobadi R, Nicola W, Simon C. Photons guided by axons may enable backpropagation-based learning in the brain. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20720. [PMID: 36456619 PMCID: PMC9715721 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24871-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite great advances in explaining synaptic plasticity and neuron function, a complete understanding of the brain's learning algorithms is still missing. Artificial neural networks provide a powerful learning paradigm through the backpropagation algorithm which modifies synaptic weights by using feedback connections. Backpropagation requires extensive communication of information back through the layers of a network. This has been argued to be biologically implausible and it is not clear whether backpropagation can be realized in the brain. Here we suggest that biophotons guided by axons provide a potential channel for backward transmission of information in the brain. Biophotons have been experimentally shown to be produced in the brain, yet their purpose is not understood. We propose that biophotons can propagate from each post-synaptic neuron to its pre-synaptic one to carry the required information backward. To reflect the stochastic character of biophoton emissions, our model includes the stochastic backward transmission of teaching signals. We demonstrate that a three-layered network of neurons can learn the MNIST handwritten digit classification task using our proposed backpropagation-like algorithm with stochastic photonic feedback. We model realistic restrictions and show that our system still learns the task for low rates of biophoton emission, information-limited (one bit per photon) backward transmission, and in the presence of noise photons. Our results suggest a new functionality for biophotons and provide an alternate mechanism for backward transmission in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Zarkeshian
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 Canada ,1QB Information Technologies (1QBit), Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Taylor Kergan
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Roohollah Ghobadi
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 Canada
| | - Wilten Nicola
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Christoph Simon
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Omidi M, Zibaii MI, Granpayeh N. Simulation of nerve fiber based on anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguide. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19356. [PMID: 36369256 PMCID: PMC9652394 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23580-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Light and optical techniques are widely used for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases as advanced methods. Understanding the optical properties of nervous tissue and nerve cells is vital. Using light sources in these methods raises significant challenges, such as finding the place of light transmission in nerve fibers that could be an appropriate substrate for neural signaling. The myelinated axons are a promising candidate for transmitting neural signals and light due to their waveguide structures. On the other hand, with the emergence of diseases such as multiple sclerosis and disorders within the production and transmission of nerve signals, because of the demyelination, understanding the properties of the myelinated axon as a waveguide is obtaining additional necessity. The present study aims to show that the myelinated axon's refractive index (RI) profile plays an essential role in transmitting the beams in it. According to the nerve fiber, RI profile and its similarity to depressed core fiber with lower RI of the core compared to the cladding, the behaviors of the nerve fiber based on anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguide structure are investigated by taking into account the realistic optical imperfections. Light launching to the myelin sheath and axon is shown by introducing the axon and myelin sheath as a waveguide in the presence of both axon and myelin with bends, myelin sheath variation, and node of Ranvier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Omidi
- grid.411976.c0000 0004 0369 2065Center of Excellence in Electromagnetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ismail Zibaii
- grid.412502.00000 0001 0686 4748Laser and Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nosrat Granpayeh
- grid.411976.c0000 0004 0369 2065Center of Excellence in Electromagnetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Guo L, Xu D, Wang K, Sun Y, Zhang Q, Ning H, Lu C, Wang S, Gong Y. Electromagnetic characteristics of in vivo nerve fibers at the terahertz-far-infrared band. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1055232. [PMID: 36440450 PMCID: PMC9685790 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1055232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
How terahertz signals perform in the neural system has attracted widespread interest in the life sciences community. Relevant experimental reveals that in animal nerve cells, the myelin sheath of the nerve axon has a higher refractive index than the intracellular and extracellular fluids in the Terahertz-far-infrared (THz-FIR) frequency band. This makes THz-FIR wave transmission possible in nerve fibers. Based on this premise, this article carries out the following work from the theoretical level to investigate the electromagnetic (EM) characteristics of in vivo nerve fibers at the THz-FIR band. First, the EM transmission model of the nerve fibers is established and studied theoretically. The dispersion curves of THz-FIR wave modals transmission in nerve fibers are calculated, which predict that nerve fibers can act as dielectric waveguides for transmitting THz-FIR waves and the THz-FIR waves can transmit at speeds up to 108 m/s. Second, a mode matching algorithm is proposed, which is named RNMMA, to calculate the transmission characteristics of THz-FIR waves at the nodes of Ranvier. The scattering matrix obtained from the proposed algorithm is in good agreement with the results from EM simulation software, which reveals how THz-FIR signals are transmitted forward through the nodes of Ranvier with low loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lianghao Guo
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Duo Xu
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kaicheng Wang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuankun Sun
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Ning
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chang Lu
- Department of Electronic Communication and Technology, Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- National Key Lab on Vacuum Electronics, Medico-Engineering Cooperation on Applied Medicine Research Center, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yubin Gong
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- National Key Lab on Vacuum Electronics, Medico-Engineering Cooperation on Applied Medicine Research Center, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
A Transmissive Theory of Brain Function: Implications for Health, Disease, and Consciousness. NEUROSCI 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/neurosci3030032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying a complete, accurate model of brain function would allow neuroscientists and clinicians to make powerful neuropsychological predictions and diagnoses as well as develop more effective treatments to mitigate or reverse neuropathology. The productive model of brain function, which has been dominant in the field for centuries, cannot easily accommodate some higher-order neural processes associated with consciousness and other neuropsychological phenomena. However, in recent years, it has become increasingly evident that the brain is highly receptive to and readily emits electromagnetic (EM) fields and light. Indeed, brain tissues can generate endogenous, complex EM fields and ultraweak photon emissions (UPEs) within the visible and near-visible EM spectra. EM-based neural mechanisms, such as ephaptic coupling and non-visual optical brain signaling, expand canonical neural signaling modalities and are beginning to disrupt conventional models of brain function. Here, we present an evidence-based argument for the existence of brain processes that are caused by the transmission of extracerebral, EM signals and recommend experimental strategies with which to test the hypothesis. We argue for a synthesis of productive and transmissive models of brain function and discuss implications for the study of consciousness, brain health, and disease.
Collapse
|
13
|
Zadeh-Haghighi H, Simon C. Magnetic field effects in biology from the perspective of the radical pair mechanism. J R Soc Interface 2022; 19:20220325. [PMID: 35919980 PMCID: PMC9346374 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hundreds of studies have found that weak magnetic fields can significantly influence various biological systems. However, the underlying mechanisms behind these phenomena remain elusive. Remarkably, the magnetic energies implicated in these effects are much smaller than thermal energies. Here, we review these observations, and we suggest an explanation based on the radical pair mechanism, which involves the quantum dynamics of the electron and nuclear spins of transient radical molecules. While the radical pair mechanism has been studied in detail in the context of avian magnetoreception, the studies reviewed here show that magnetosensitivity is widespread throughout biology. We review magnetic field effects on various physiological functions, discussing static, hypomagnetic and oscillating magnetic fields, as well as isotope effects. We then review the radical pair mechanism as a potential unifying model for the described magnetic field effects, and we discuss plausible candidate molecules for the radical pairs. We review recent studies proposing that the radical pair mechanism provides explanations for isotope effects in xenon anaesthesia and lithium treatment of hyperactivity, magnetic field effects on the circadian clock, and hypomagnetic field effects on neurogenesis and microtubule assembly. We conclude by discussing future lines of investigation in this exciting new area of quantum biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Zadeh-Haghighi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
| | - Christoph Simon
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fields C, Glazebrook JF, Levin M. Neurons as hierarchies of quantum reference frames. Biosystems 2022; 219:104714. [PMID: 35671840 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2022.104714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Conceptual and mathematical models of neurons have lagged behind empirical understanding for decades. Here we extend previous work in modeling biological systems with fully scale-independent quantum information-theoretic tools to develop a uniform, scalable representation of synapses, dendritic and axonal processes, neurons, and local networks of neurons. In this representation, hierarchies of quantum reference frames act as hierarchical active-inference systems. The resulting model enables specific predictions of correlations between synaptic activity, dendritic remodeling, and trophic reward. We summarize how the model may be generalized to nonneural cells and tissues in developmental and regenerative contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris Fields
- 23 Rue des Lavandières, 11160 Caunes Minervois, France.
| | - James F Glazebrook
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL 61920, USA; Adjunct Faculty, Department of Mathematics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rishabh R, Zadeh-Haghighi H, Salahub D, Simon C. Radical pairs may explain reactive oxygen species-mediated effects of hypomagnetic field on neurogenesis. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010198. [PMID: 35653379 PMCID: PMC9197044 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposures to a hypomagnetic field can affect biological processes. Recently, it has been observed that hypomagnetic field exposure can adversely affect adult hippocampal neurogenesis and hippocampus-dependent cognition in mice. In the same study, the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hypomagnetic field effects has been demonstrated. However, the mechanistic reasons behind this effect are not clear. This study proposes a radical pair mechanism based on a flavin-superoxide radical pair to explain the modulation of ROS production and the attenuation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis in a hypomagnetic field. The results of our calculations favor a singlet-born radical pair over a triplet-born radical pair. Our model predicts hypomagnetic field effects on the triplet/singlet yield of comparable strength as the effects observed in experimental studies on adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Our predictions are in qualitative agreement with experimental results on superoxide concentration and other observed ROS effects. We also predict the effects of applied magnetic fields and oxygen isotopic substitution on adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Exposure to magnetic fields influences many neurobiological processes. The formation of new neurons (neurogenesis) in the hippocampal region of the adult brain plays a crucial role in learning and memory. It can be adversely affected by shielding the earth’s magnetic field, and this effect is intimately related to ROS concentration. In this study, we have developed a quantum mechanical model to explain this magnetic field dependence of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Our model is also consistent with the observed ROS effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rishabh Rishabh
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail: (RR); (CS)
| | - Hadi Zadeh-Haghighi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dennis Salahub
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Simulation, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Christoph Simon
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail: (RR); (CS)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zeng H, Zhang Y, Ma Y, Li S. Electromagnetic modeling and simulation of the biophoton propagation in myelinated axon waveguide. APPLIED OPTICS 2022; 61:4013-4021. [PMID: 36256074 DOI: 10.1364/ao.446845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Biophotons in the nervous system are a potential carrier of neural signals. Previous experiments and studies indicated that biophotons are closely related to the neuronal activity and can propagate along myelinated axons. We establish a multilayer electromagnetic simulation model and demonstrate that the myelinated axon waveguide has low attenuation and low dispersion and operates in a narrow bandwidth on the order of 10 nm. We also find that the operating wavelength of the waveguide is almost linearly related to the axon diameter and the number of myelin layers. Each additional layer of the myelin sheath causes the operating wavelength of the myelinated axon waveguide to shift 52.3 nm to the long-wave direction, while an increase in the axon diameter of 1.0 µm causes the operating wavelength to shift 94.5 nm to the short-wave direction. These findings well explain the tendency of the spectral redshift among different species and the spectral blueshift during the aging process of mice. Via the analysis method in this paper, we can predict the wavelength of the propagating biophotons based on the neural structure.
Collapse
|
17
|
Zadeh-Haghighi H, Simon C. Radical pairs may play a role in microtubule reorganization. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6109. [PMID: 35414166 PMCID: PMC9005667 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10068-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The exact mechanism behind general anesthesia remains an open question in neuroscience. It has been proposed that anesthetics selectively prevent consciousness and memory via acting on microtubules (MTs). It is known that the magnetic field modulates MT organization. A recent study shows that a radical pair model can explain the isotope effect in xenon-induced anesthesia and predicts magnetic field effects on anesthetic potency. Further, reactive oxygen species are also implicated in MT stability and anesthesia. Based on a simple radical pair mechanism model and a simple mathematical model of MT organization, we show that magnetic fields can modulate spin dynamics of naturally occurring radical pairs in MT. We propose that the spin dynamics influence a rate in the reaction cycle, which translates into a change in the MT density. We can reproduce magnetic field effects on the MT concentration that have been observed. Our model also predicts additional effects at slightly higher fields. Our model further predicts that the effect of zinc on the MT density exhibits isotopic dependence. The findings of this work make a connection between microtubule-based and radical pair-based quantum theories of consciousness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Zadeh-Haghighi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Christoph Simon
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Tassinari R, Cavallini C, Olivi E, Facchin F, Taglioli V, Zannini C, Marcuzzi M, Ventura C. Cell Responsiveness to Physical Energies: Paving the Way to Decipher a Morphogenetic Code. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063157. [PMID: 35328576 PMCID: PMC8949133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We discuss emerging views on the complexity of signals controlling the onset of biological shapes and functions, from the nanoarchitectonics arising from supramolecular interactions, to the cellular/multicellular tissue level, and up to the unfolding of complex anatomy. We highlight the fundamental role of physical forces in cellular decisions, stressing the intriguing similarities in early morphogenesis, tissue regeneration, and oncogenic drift. Compelling evidence is presented, showing that biological patterns are strongly embedded in the vibrational nature of the physical energies that permeate the entire universe. We describe biological dynamics as informational processes at which physics and chemistry converge, with nanomechanical motions, and electromagnetic waves, including light, forming an ensemble of vibrations, acting as a sort of control software for molecular patterning. Biomolecular recognition is approached within the establishment of coherent synchronizations among signaling players, whose physical nature can be equated to oscillators tending to the coherent synchronization of their vibrational modes. Cytoskeletal elements are now emerging as senders and receivers of physical signals, "shaping" biological identity from the cellular to the tissue/organ levels. We finally discuss the perspective of exploiting the diffusive features of physical energies to afford in situ stem/somatic cell reprogramming, and tissue regeneration, without stem cell transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Tassinari
- ELDOR LAB, National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, CNR, Via Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (R.T.); (C.C.); (E.O.); (V.T.); (C.Z.)
| | - Claudia Cavallini
- ELDOR LAB, National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, CNR, Via Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (R.T.); (C.C.); (E.O.); (V.T.); (C.Z.)
| | - Elena Olivi
- ELDOR LAB, National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, CNR, Via Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (R.T.); (C.C.); (E.O.); (V.T.); (C.Z.)
| | - Federica Facchin
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Valentina Taglioli
- ELDOR LAB, National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, CNR, Via Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (R.T.); (C.C.); (E.O.); (V.T.); (C.Z.)
| | - Chiara Zannini
- ELDOR LAB, National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, CNR, Via Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (R.T.); (C.C.); (E.O.); (V.T.); (C.Z.)
| | - Martina Marcuzzi
- INBB, Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute, Viale Medaglie d’Oro 305, 00136 Rome, Italy;
| | - Carlo Ventura
- ELDOR LAB, National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, CNR, Via Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (R.T.); (C.C.); (E.O.); (V.T.); (C.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-347-920-6992
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Optical van-der-Waals forces in molecules: from electronic Bethe-Salpeter calculations to the many-body dispersion model. Nat Commun 2022; 13:813. [PMID: 35145091 PMCID: PMC8831584 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28461-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular forces induced by optical excitations are connected to a wide range of phenomena, from chemical bond dissociation to intricate biological processes that underpin vision. Commonly, the description of optical excitations requires the solution of computationally demanding electronic Bethe-Salpeter equation (BSE). However, when studying non-covalent interactions in large-scale systems, more efficient methods are desirable. Here we introduce an effective approach based on coupled quantum Drude oscillators (cQDO) as represented by the many-body dispersion model. We find that the cQDO Hamiltonian yields semi-quantitative agreement with BSE calculations and that both attractive and repulsive optical van der Waals (vdW) forces can be induced by light. These optical-vdW interactions dominate over vdW dispersion in the long-distance regime, showing a complexity that grows with system size. Evidence of highly non-local forces in the human formaldehyde dehydrogenase 1MC5 protein suggests the ability to selectively activate collective molecular vibrations by photoabsorption, in agreement with recent experiments. The authors devise an efficient quantum approach to address the van der Waals interactions due to photoexcitations by approximating the Bethe-Salpeter equation. Both attractive/repulsive forces can arise, that could couple to collective protein dynamics.
Collapse
|
20
|
Liebert A, Pang V, Bicknell B, McLachlan C, Mitrofanis J, Kiat H. A Perspective on the Potential of Opsins as an Integral Mechanism of Photobiomodulation: It's Not Just the Eyes. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg 2022; 40:123-135. [PMID: 34935507 DOI: 10.1089/photob.2021.0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the potential relationship between opsins and photobiomodulation. Background: Opsins and other photoreceptors occur in all phyla and are important in light-activated signaling and organism homeostasis. In addition to the visual opsin systems of the retina (OPN1 and OPN2), there are several non-visual opsins found throughout the body tissues, including encephalopsin/panopsin (OPN3), melanopsin (OPN4), and neuropsin (OPN5), as well as other structures that have light-sensitive properties, such as enzymes, ion channels, particularly those located in cell membranes, lysosomes, and neuronal structures such as the nodes of Ranvier. The influence of these structures on exposure to light, including self-generated light within the body (autofluorescence), on circadian oscillators, and circadian and ultradian rhythms have become increasingly reported. The visual and non-visual phototransduction cascade originating from opsins and other structures has potential significant mechanistic effects on tissues and health. Methods: A PubMed and Google Scholar search was made using the search terms "photobiomodulation", "light", "neuron", "opsins", "neuropsin", "melanopsin", "encephalopsin", "rhodopsin", and "chromophore". Results: This review was examined the influence of neuropsin (also known as kallikrein 8), encephalopsin, and melanopsin specifically on ion channel function, and more broadly on the central and peripheral nervous systems. The relationship between opsins 3, 4, and 5 and photobiomodulation mechanisms was evaluated, along with a proposed role of photobiomodulation through opsins and light-sensitive organelles as potential alleviators of symptoms and accelerators of beneficial regenerative processes. The potential clinical implications of this in musculoskeletal conditions, wounds, and in the symptomatic management of neurodegenerative disease was also examined. Conclusions: Systematic research into the pleotropic therapeutic role of photobiomodulation, mediated through its action on opsins and other light-sensitive organelles may assist in the future execution of safe, low-risk precision medicine for a variety of chronic and complex disease conditions, and for health maintenance in aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann Liebert
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Office of Governance and Research, San Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Brian Bicknell
- Faculty of Health Science, Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, Australia
| | | | - John Mitrofanis
- Clinatec, Fonds de Dotation-CEA, Universitè Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Hosen Kiat
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.,Cardiac Health Institute, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Guo L, Bo W, Wang K, Wang S, Gong Y. Theoretical investigation on the effect of terahertz wave on Ca 2+ transport in the calcium channel. iScience 2022; 25:103561. [PMID: 34988403 PMCID: PMC8693466 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The question of whether terahertz (THz) waves can interact with ions in channels of nerve cells and cause a further reaction has attracted much attention. To answer this question, we investigate the spontaneous radiation generated by Ca2+ moving in calcium channels and the effect of THz radiation on the transport of Ca2+ by solving the mathematical physical model through Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations. It is obtained that the moving Ca2+ in a calcium channel can generate electromagnetic radiation, the corresponding spectrum of which is concentrated in the THz range. Meanwhile, both the ion number in the channel and the background temperature are proved to have significant effects on the spontaneous emission spectra. The studies also show that external THz radiation can accelerate Ca2+ transport through the ion channel. These results are expected to provide a theoretical basis for the future treatment of THz waves in the neurological field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lianghao Guo
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, China
| | - Wenfei Bo
- National University of Defense Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710106, China
| | - Kaicheng Wang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, China
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, China
- National Key Lab on Vacuum Electronics, Medico-Engineering Cooperation on Applied Medicine Research Center, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, China
- Corresponding author
| | - Yubin Gong
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, China
- National Key Lab on Vacuum Electronics, Medico-Engineering Cooperation on Applied Medicine Research Center, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, China
- Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Salari V, Rodrigues S, Saglamyurek E, Simon C, Oblak D. Are Brain-Computer Interfaces Feasible With Integrated Photonic Chips? Front Neurosci 2022; 15:780344. [PMID: 35069099 PMCID: PMC8777191 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.780344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present paper examines the viability of a radically novel idea for brain-computer interface (BCI), which could lead to novel technological, experimental, and clinical applications. BCIs are computer-based systems that enable either one-way or two-way communication between a living brain and an external machine. BCIs read-out brain signals and transduce them into task commands, which are performed by a machine. In closed loop, the machine can stimulate the brain with appropriate signals. In recent years, it has been shown that there is some ultraweak light emission from neurons within or close to the visible and near-infrared parts of the optical spectrum. Such ultraweak photon emission (UPE) reflects the cellular (and body) oxidative status, and compelling pieces of evidence are beginning to emerge that UPE may well play an informational role in neuronal functions. In fact, several experiments point to a direct correlation between UPE intensity and neural activity, oxidative reactions, EEG activity, cerebral blood flow, cerebral energy metabolism, and release of glutamate. Therefore, we propose a novel skull implant BCI that uses UPE. We suggest that a photonic integrated chip installed on the interior surface of the skull may enable a new form of extraction of the relevant features from the UPE signals. In the current technology landscape, photonic technologies are advancing rapidly and poised to overtake many electrical technologies, due to their unique advantages, such as miniaturization, high speed, low thermal effects, and large integration capacity that allow for high yield, volume manufacturing, and lower cost. For our proposed BCI, we are making some very major conjectures, which need to be experimentally verified, and therefore we discuss the controversial parts, feasibility of technology and limitations, and potential impact of this envisaged technology if successfully implemented in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Salari
- Basque Center for Applied Mathematics (BCAM), Bilbao, Spain
- Quantum Biology Laboratory, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Erhan Saglamyurek
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Christoph Simon
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel Oblak
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zadeh-Haghighi H, Simon C. Radical pairs can explain magnetic field and lithium effects on the circadian clock. Sci Rep 2022; 12:269. [PMID: 34997158 PMCID: PMC8742017 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04334-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila's circadian clock can be perturbed by magnetic fields, as well as by lithium administration. Cryptochromes are critical for the circadian clock. Further, the radical pairs in cryptochrome also can explain magnetoreception in animals. Based on a simple radical pair mechanism model of the animal magnetic compass, we show that both magnetic fields and lithium can influence the spin dynamics of the naturally occurring radical pairs and hence modulate the circadian clock's rhythms. Using a simple chemical oscillator model for the circadian clock, we show that the spin dynamics influence a rate in the chemical oscillator model, which translates into a change in the circadian period. Our model can reproduce the results of two independent experiments, magnetic field and lithium effects on the circadian clock. Our model predicts that stronger magnetic fields would shorten the clock's period. We also predict that lithium influences the clock in an isotope-dependent manner. Furthermore, our model also predicts that magnetic fields and hyperfine interactions modulate oxidative stress. The findings of this work suggest that the quantum nature of radical pairs might play roles in the brain, as another piece of evidence in addition to recent results on xenon anesthesia and lithium effects on hyperactivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Zadeh-Haghighi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Christoph Simon
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zadeh-Haghighi H, Simon C. Entangled radicals may explain lithium effects on hyperactivity. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12121. [PMID: 34108537 PMCID: PMC8190433 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91388-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It is known that bipolar disorder and its lithium treatment involve the modulation of oxidative stress. Moreover, it has been observed that lithium's effects are isotope-dependent. Based on these findings, here we propose that lithium exerts its effects by influencing the recombination dynamics of a naturally occurring radical pair involving oxygen. We develop a simple model inspired by the radical-pair mechanism in cryptochrome in the context of avian magnetoreception and xenon-induced anesthesia. Our model reproduces the observed isotopic dependence in the lithium treatment of hyperactivity in rats. It predicts a magnetic-field dependence of the effectiveness of lithium, which provides one potential experimental test of our hypothesis. Our findings show that Nature might harness quantum entanglement for the brain's cognitive processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Zadeh-Haghighi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Quantum Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Christoph Simon
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Quantum Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Biophotons and Emergence of Quantum Coherence-A Diffusion Entropy Analysis. ENTROPY 2021; 23:e23050554. [PMID: 33947077 PMCID: PMC8146849 DOI: 10.3390/e23050554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We study the emission of photons from germinating seeds using an experimental technique designed to detect light of extremely small intensity. We analyze the dark count signal without germinating seeds as well as the photon emission during the germination process. The technique of analysis adopted here, called diffusion entropy analysis (DEA) and originally designed to measure the temporal complexity of astrophysical, sociological and physiological processes, rests on Kolmogorov complexity. The updated version of DEA used in this paper is designed to determine if the signal complexity is generated either by non-ergodic crucial events with a non-stationary correlation function or by the infinite memory of a stationary but non-integrable correlation function or by a mixture of both processes. We find that dark count yields the ordinary scaling, thereby showing that no complexity of either kinds may occur without any seeds in the chamber. In the presence of seeds in the chamber anomalous scaling emerges, reminiscent of that found in neuro-physiological processes. However, this is a mixture of both processes and with the progress of germination the non-ergodic component tends to vanish and complexity becomes dominated by the stationary infinite memory. We illustrate some conjectures ranging from stress induced annihilation of crucial events to the emergence of quantum coherence.
Collapse
|
26
|
Han Z, Chai W, Wang Z, Xiao F, Dai J. Quantum energy levels of glutamate modulate neural biophotonic signals. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2021; 20:343-356. [PMID: 33721274 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-021-00022-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, and it plays an essential and important role in neural functions. Current studies have shown that glutamate can induce neural biophotonic activity and transmission, which may involve the mechanism of photon quantum brain; however, it is unclear whether such a mechanism follows the principle of quantum mechanics. Here we show that the action of glutamate on its receptors leads to a decrease in its quantum energy levels, and glutamate then partially or completely loses its function to further induce the biophotonic activity in mouse brain slices. The reduced quantum energy levels of glutamate can be restored by direct-current electrical discharges and the use of energy transfer of chloroplast photosynthesis; hence, the quantum energy recovered glutamate can again induce significant biophotonic activity. Furthermore, the changes in quantum energy levels of glutamate are related to the exchange and transfer of electron energy on its active hydrogen atom. These findings suggest that the glutamate-induced neural biophotonic signals may be involved in the transfer of the quantum energy levels of glutamate, which implies a quantum mechanism of neurotransmitter action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengrong Han
- Wuhan Institute for Neuroscience and Neuroengineering (WINN), South-Central University for Nationalities, Minzu Dadao 182, Wuhan, 430074, China.,Department of Neurobiology, College of Life Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Weitai Chai
- Wuhan Institute for Neuroscience and Neuroengineering (WINN), South-Central University for Nationalities, Minzu Dadao 182, Wuhan, 430074, China.,Department of Neurobiology, College of Life Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Wuhan Institute for Neuroscience and Neuroengineering (WINN), South-Central University for Nationalities, Minzu Dadao 182, Wuhan, 430074, China.,Department of Neurobiology, College of Life Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Fangyan Xiao
- Wuhan Institute for Neuroscience and Neuroengineering (WINN), South-Central University for Nationalities, Minzu Dadao 182, Wuhan, 430074, China.,Department of Neurobiology, College of Life Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Jiapei Dai
- Wuhan Institute for Neuroscience and Neuroengineering (WINN), South-Central University for Nationalities, Minzu Dadao 182, Wuhan, 430074, China. .,Department of Neurobiology, College of Life Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zangari A, Micheli D, Galeazzi R, Tozzi A, Balzano V, Bellavia G, Caristo ME. Photons detected in the active nerve by photographic technique. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3022. [PMID: 33542392 PMCID: PMC7862265 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82622-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The nervous system is one of the most complex expressions of biological evolution. Its high performance mostly relies on the basic principle of the action potential, a sequential activation of local ionic currents along the neural fiber. The implications of this essentially electrical phenomenon subsequently emerged in a more comprehensive electromagnetic perspective of neurotransmission. Several studies focused on the possible role of photons in neural communication and provided evidence of the transfer of photons through myelinated axons. A hypothesis is that myelin sheath would behave as an optical waveguide, although the source of photons is controversial. In a previous work, we proposed a model describing how photons would arise at the node of Ranvier. In this study we experimentally detected photons in the node of Ranvier by Ag+ photoreduction measurement technique, during electrically induced nerve activity. Our results suggest that in association to the action potential a photonic radiation takes place in the node.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Zangari
- Pediatric Surgery and Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Circonvallazione Gianicolense 87, 00152, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Micheli
- Wireless Access Engineering Department, TIM S.P.A., Via Oriolo Romano, 240, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Galeazzi
- Departement of Life and Environmental Science, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Antonio Tozzi
- UOC Fisica Sanitaria, Azienda USL Toscana Sud Est, via Senese 161, 58100, Grosseto, Italy
| | - Vittoria Balzano
- UOC Anatomy and Pathological Histology, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Circonvallazione Gianicolense 87, 00152, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Emiliana Caristo
- Centro Ricerche Sperimentali, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Spectral blueshift of biophotonic activity and transmission in the ageing mouse brain. Brain Res 2020; 1749:147133. [PMID: 32971084 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The brain is considered to be a complex system with extremely low energy consumption and high-efficiency information transmission and processing, and this system has not been replicated by any artificial systems so far. Several studies indicate that the activity and transmission of biophotons in neural circuits may play an important role in neural information communication, while the biophotonic spectral redshift from lower to higher in animals may be related to the evolution of intelligence. The ageing processes of higher organisms are often accompanied by a decline in brain functions; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Combining an ultraweak biophoton imaging system with the improved biophoton spectral analysis device, we compared and analyzed the spectra of glutamate-induced biophotonic emissions in mouse brain slices at different ages (newborn, 1, 3, 6, 12, 15, and 18 months). We found that the glutamate-induced biophotonic emissions presented a spectral blueshift from young to old mice, suggesting that the brain may transform to use relatively high-energy biophotons for neural information transmission and processing during the ageing process. Such a change may lead to a gradual decrease in the efficiency of the nervous system and provide a new biophysical mechanism for explaining the ageing-related changes in cognitive functions.
Collapse
|
29
|
Guevara R, Mateos DM, Pérez Velázquez JL. Consciousness as an Emergent Phenomenon: A Tale of Different Levels of Description. ENTROPY (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 22:E921. [PMID: 33286690 PMCID: PMC7597170 DOI: 10.3390/e22090921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
One of the biggest queries in cognitive sciences is the emergence of consciousness from matter. Modern neurobiological theories of consciousness propose that conscious experience is the result of interactions between large-scale neuronal networks in the brain, traditionally described within the realm of classical physics. Here, we propose a generalized connectionist framework in which the emergence of "conscious networks" is not exclusive of large brain areas, but can be identified in subcellular networks exhibiting nontrivial quantum phenomena. The essential feature of such networks is the existence of strong correlations in the system (classical or quantum coherence) and the presence of an optimal point at which the system's complexity and energy dissipation are maximized, whereas free-energy is minimized. This is expressed either by maximization of the information content in large scale functional networks or by achieving optimal efficiency through the quantum Goldilock effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Guevara
- Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Centre (INCC UMR8002), University of Paris and CNRS, 75270 Paris, France
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Diego M. Mateos
- Department of Science and Technology, Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos, Paraná 3100, Argentina;
- Instituto de Matemática Aplicada del Litoral (IMAL-CONICET-UNL), Santa Fe 3000, Argentina
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Xiang Z, Tang C, Chang C, Liu G. A primary model of THz and far-infrared signal generation and conduction in neuron systems based on the hypothesis of the ordered phase of water molecules on the neuron surface I: signal characteristics. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2020; 65:308-317. [PMID: 36659096 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we use the theory of quantum optics and electrodynamics to study the electromagnetic field problem in the nervous system based on the assumption of an ordered arrangement of water molecules on the neuronal surface. Using the Lagrangian of the water molecule-field ion, the dynamic equations for neural signal generation and transmission are derived. Perturbation theory and the numerical method are used to solve the dynamic equations, and the characteristics of high-frequency signals (the dispersion relation, the time domain of the field, the frequency domain waveform, etc.) are discussed. This model predicts some intrinsic vibration modes of electromagnetic radiation on the neuronal surface. The frequency range of these vibration modes is in the THz and far-infrared ranges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuoxian Xiang
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Chuanxiang Tang
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chao Chang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Guozhi Liu
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
An Experimental Investigation of Ultraweak Photon Emission from Adult Murine Neural Stem Cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:463. [PMID: 31949217 PMCID: PMC6965084 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57352-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons like other living cells may have ultraweak photon emission (UPE) during neuronal activity. This study is aimed to evaluate UPE from neural stem cells (NSC) during their serial passaging and differentiation. We also investigate whether the addition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) or enhancement of UPE (by AgNPs or mirror) affect the differentiation of NSC. In our method, neural stem and progenitor cells of subventricular zone (SVZ) are isolated and expanded using the neurosphere assay. The obtained dissociated cells allocated and cultivated into three groups: groups: I: cell (control), II: cell + mirror, and III: cell + AgNPs. After seven days, the primary neurospheres were counted and their mean number was obtained. Serial passages continuous up to sixth passages in the control group. Differentiation capacity of the resulting neurospheres were evaluated in vitro by immunocytochemistry techniques. Measurement of UPE was carried out by photomultiplier tube (PMT) in the following steps: at the end of primary culture, six serial cell passages of the control group, before and after of the differentiation for 5 minutes. The results show that neither mirror nor AgNPs affect on the neurosphere number. The UPE of the NSC in the sixth subculturing passage was significantly higher than in the primary passage (P < 0.05). AgNPs significantly increased the UPE of the NSC compared to the control group before and after the differentiation (P < 0.05). Also, the treatment with AgNPs increased 44% neuronal differentiation of the harvested NSCs. UPE of NSC after the differentiation was significantly lower than that before the differentiation in each groups, which is in appropriate to the cell numbers (P < 0.0001). The mirror did not significantly increase UPE, neither before nor after the differentiation of NSC. As a conclusion, NSC have UPE-properties and the intensity is increased by serial passaging that are significant in the sixth passage. The AgNPs increases the UPE intensity of NSC that pushes more differentiation of NSC to the neurons. The mirror was not effective in enhancement of UPE. As a result, UPE measurement may be suitable for assessing and studying the effects of nanoparticles in living cells and neurons.
Collapse
|
32
|
Kent JB, Jin L, Li XJ. Quantifying Biofield Therapy through Biophoton Emission in a Cellular Model. JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATION : A PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATION 2020; 34:434-454. [PMID: 33223611 PMCID: PMC7676814 DOI: 10.31275/20201691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Biofield therapy has shown positive results over a broad range of pathology from preclinical research to human studies. However, biofield therapy investigation is limited by an inability to quantify the therapeutic effect. This study aimed to measure the effects Reiki had on mice intervertebral disc (IVD) cells compared with sham and to quantify Reiki by measuring photon emission. We treated mice IVD cells with ten-minute sessions of either Reiki or sham on three successive days. During treatment, we placed the cells in a specifically constructed box with an installed photomultiplier tube (PMT). Reiki significantly increased the photon emission of the cells post-treatment compared with Reiki pre-treatment and sham (p < 0.05). Real time PCR (RT PCR) showed an increase in collagen II and aggrecan (p < 0.05). We present a means to quantify biofield therapy by measuring the post-treatment photon emission. We concurrently demonstrate Reiki's effect on the anabolic healing response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy B Kent
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Virginia Athletics, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia USA
| | - Li Jin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia
| | - Xudong Joshua Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia Health System
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
DePaoli D, Gasecka A, Bahdine M, Deschenes JM, Goetz L, Perez-Sanchez J, Bonin RP, De Koninck Y, Parent M, Côté DC. Anisotropic light scattering from myelinated axons in the spinal cord. NEUROPHOTONICS 2020; 7:015011. [PMID: 32206678 PMCID: PMC7063473 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.7.1.015011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetics has become an integral tool for studying and dissecting the neural circuitries of the brain using optical control. Recently, it has also begun to be used in the investigation of the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. However, information on these regions' optical properties is sparse. Moreover, there is a lack of data on the dependence of light propagation with respect to neural tissue organization and orientation. This information is important for effective simulations and optogenetic planning, particularly in the spinal cord where the myelinated axons are highly organized. To this end, we report experimental measurements for the scattering coefficient, validated with three different methods in both the longitudinal and radial directions of multiple mammalian spinal cords. In our analysis, we find that there is indeed a directional dependence of photon propagation when interacting with organized myelinated axons. Specifically, light propagating perpendicular to myelinated axons in the white matter of the spinal cord produced a measured reduced scattering coefficient ( μ s ' ) of 3.52 ± 0.1 mm - 1 , and light that was propagated along the myelinated axons in the white matter produced a measured μ s ' of 1.57 ± 0.03 mm - 1 , across the various species considered. This 50% decrease in scattering power along the myelinated axons is observed with three different measurement strategies (integrating spheres, observed transmittance, and punch-through method). Furthermore, this directional dependence in scattering power and overall light attenuation did not occur in the gray matter regions where the myelin organization is nearly random. The acquired information will be integral in preparing future light-transport simulations and in overall optogenetic planning in both the spinal cord and the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damon DePaoli
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec City, Québec, Canada
- Center for Optics, Photonics and Lasers, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Alicja Gasecka
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec City, Québec, Canada
- Center for Optics, Photonics and Lasers, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Mohamed Bahdine
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec City, Québec, Canada
- Center for Optics, Photonics and Lasers, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean M. Deschenes
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec City, Québec, Canada
- Center for Optics, Photonics and Lasers, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Laurent Goetz
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Robert P. Bonin
- University of Toronto, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yves De Koninck
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec City, Québec, Canada
- Center for Optics, Photonics and Lasers, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Martin Parent
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Daniel C. Côté
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec City, Québec, Canada
- Center for Optics, Photonics and Lasers, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Burdick RK, Villabona-Monsalve JP, Mashour GA, Goodson T. Modern Anesthetic Ethers Demonstrate Quantum Interactions with Entangled Photons. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11351. [PMID: 31383882 PMCID: PMC6683176 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47651-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of research, the mechanism of anesthetic-induced unconsciousness remains incompletely understood, with some advocating for a quantum mechanical basis. Despite associations between general anesthesia and changes in physical properties such as electron spin, there has been no empirical demonstration that general anesthetics are capable of functional quantum interactions. In this work, we studied the linear and non-linear optical properties of the halogenated ethers sevoflurane (SEVO) and isoflurane (ISO), using UV-Vis spectroscopy, time dependent-density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations, classical two-photon spectroscopy, and entangled two-photon spectroscopy. We show that both of these halogenated ethers interact with pairs of 800 nm entangled photons while neither interact with 800 nm classical photons. By contrast, nonhalogenated diethyl ether does not interact with entangled photons. This is the first experimental evidence that halogenated anesthetics can directly undergo quantum interaction mechanisms, offering a new approach to understanding their physicochemical properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan K Burdick
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | | | - George A Mashour
- Center for Consciousness Science, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5048, USA.
| | - Theodore Goodson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Mofidi H, Sarbaz Y, Golmohammadi S. A new theory based on possible existence of timing control by intracellular photons in tonically active neurons. Med Hypotheses 2019; 129:109248. [PMID: 31371078 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.109248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Time perception in living organisms, especially mammals, and understanding the timing of their internal organs, have always been the topic of interest in neuroscience. In this study, our theory considers the photonic behavior on time control by some particular or some block of neurons. Photon emission by mitochondria has regular timing in intercellular process. In other words, due to the main mitochondrial function of cellular respiration as well as the source of photon emission, it is possible to deduce photon at a specific rate in TANs (Tonically Active Neurons). If photoreceptors exist in the neurons of the nervous system, photons can be received at a regulated time. Thereby, neurons can produce a constant-frequency signal for subsequent stimuli. Our studies conducted in the CNS (Central Nervous System) and TANs, and it seems that photoreceptors are present in TANs. Photons are interpreted by a series of neurons and produce an oscillating rhythm. These rhythms can be the basis of the body's chronological activity in different areas of the CNS. If this hypothesis is true, it can be deduced that an independent factor, excluding circadian activities, exists for living activities. Different neuronal structures will also be responsible for understanding the time. Although this hypothesis is far from a complete evaluation, it can compensate for some of the other problems. For instance, a series of inconsistencies that occur in some neurological diseases, such as Parkinson diseases can be well justified by this hypothesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Mofidi
- School of Engineering Emerging Technologies, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yashar Sarbaz
- School of Engineering Emerging Technologies, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Saeed Golmohammadi
- School of Engineering Emerging Technologies, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Govardovskii VI, Astakhova LA, Rotov AY, Firsov ML. Rejection of the biophoton hypothesis on the origin of photoreceptor dark noise. J Gen Physiol 2019; 151:887-897. [PMID: 30992369 PMCID: PMC6605685 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201812317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that retinal “dark light” is caused by photons emitted by the retina itself. The authors show that the “biophoton” radiation from the retina can be detected, but its intensity is ≥100 times lower than necessary to produce the measured physiological noise understood to arise from the spontaneous activation of rhodopsin. Rod photoreceptors of the vertebrate retina produce, in darkness, spontaneous discrete current waves virtually identical to responses to single photons. The waves comprise an irreducible source of noise (discrete dark noise) that may limit the threshold sensitivity of vision. The waves obviously originate from acts of random activation of single rhodopsin molecules. Until recently, it was generally accepted that the activation occurs due to the rhodopsin thermal motion. Yet, a few years ago it was proposed that rhodopsin molecules are activated not by heat but rather by real photons generated within the retina by chemiluminescence. Using a high-sensitive photomultiplier, we measured intensities of biophoton emission from isolated retinas and eyecups of frogs (Rana ridibunda) and fish (sterlet, Acipenser ruthenus). Retinal samples were placed in a perfusion chamber and emitted photons collected by a high-aperture quartz lens. The collected light was sent to the photomultiplier cathode through a rotating chopper so that a long-lasting synchronous accumulation of the light signal was possible. The absolute intensity of bio-emission was estimated by the response of the measuring system to a calibrated light source. The intensity of the source, in turn, was quantified by measuring rhodopsin bleaching with single-rod microspectrophotometry. We also measured the frequency of discrete dark waves in rods of the two species with suction pipette recordings. Expressed as the rate constant of rhodopsin activation, it was 1.2 × 10−11/s in frogs and 7.6 × 10−11/s in sterlets. Approximately two thirds of retinal samples of each species produced reliably measurable biophoton emissions. However, its intensity was ≥100 times lower than necessary to produce the discrete dark noise. We argue that this is just a lower estimate of the discrepancy between the hypothesis and experiment. We conclude that the biophoton hypothesis on the origin of discrete dark noise in photoreceptors must be rejected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor I Govardovskii
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry Russian Academy of Science, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Luba A Astakhova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry Russian Academy of Science, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander Yu Rotov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry Russian Academy of Science, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Michael L Firsov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry Russian Academy of Science, St. Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wirdatmadja S, Johari P, Desai A, Bae Y, Stachowiak EK, Stachowiak MK, Jornet JM, Balasubramaniam S. Analysis of Light Propagation on Physiological Properties of Neurons for Nanoscale Optogenetics. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2019; 27:108-117. [PMID: 30624220 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2019.2891271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Miniaturization of implantable devices is an important challenge for future brain-computer interface applications, and in particular for achieving precise neuron stimulation. For stimulation that utilizes light, i.e., optogenetics, the light propagation behavior and interaction at the nanoscale with elements within the neuron is an important factor that needs to be considered when designing the device. This paper analyzes the effect of light behavior for a single neuron stimulation and focuses on the impact from different cell shapes. Based on the Mie scattering theory, the paper analyzes how the shape of the soma and the nucleus contributes to the focusing effect resulting in an intensity increase, which ensures that neurons can assist in transferring light through the tissue toward the target cells. At the same time, this intensity increase can in turn also stimulate neighboring cells leading to interference within the neural circuits. This paper also analyzes the ideal placements of the device with respect to the angle and position within the cortex that can enable axonal biophoton communications, which can contain light within the cell to avoid the interference.
Collapse
|
38
|
Mamani S, Shi L, Ahmed T, Karnik R, Rodríguez-Contreras A, Nolan D, Alfano R. Transmission of classically entangled beams through mouse brain tissue. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2018; 11:e201800096. [PMID: 30027681 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201800096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Light transmission of Laguerre-Gaussian vector vortex beams in different local regions in mouse brain tissue is investigated. Transmittance is measured in the ballistic and diffusive regions with various polarizations states and orbital angular momentums (OAM). The transmission change observed with structured light other than linear polarization is attributed to chiroptical phenomena from the chiral brain media and the handedness of the light. For instance, classically entangled beams showed higher transmittance and constant value dependency on OAM modes than linear modes did. Also, circular polarization beam transmittance showed strong increase with topical charge OAM ( ℓ), which could be attributed to chiroptical effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Mamani
- Institute for Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Lasers, Department of Physics, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, New York
| | - Lingyan Shi
- Institute for Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Lasers, Department of Physics, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, New York
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Tahmid Ahmed
- Brooklyn Technical High School, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Romir Karnik
- The Bronx High School of Science, Bronx, New York
| | | | - Daniel Nolan
- Corning Research and Development Corporation, Sullivan Park, Corning, NY, USA
| | - Robert Alfano
- Institute for Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Lasers, Department of Physics, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Amaroli A, Marcoli M, Venturini A, Passalacqua M, Agnati LF, Signore A, Raffetto M, Maura G, Benedicenti S, Cervetto C. Near-infrared laser photons induce glutamate release from cerebrocortical nerve terminals. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2018; 11:e201800102. [PMID: 29931754 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201800102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Although photons have been repeatedly shown to affect the functioning of the nervous system, their effects on neurotransmitter release have never been investigated. We exploited in vitro models that allow effects involving neuron-astrocyte network functioning to be detected (mouse cerebrocortical slices) and dissected these effects at cerebrocortical nerve endings and astrocyte processes. Infrared light proved able to induce glutamate release by stimulating glutamatergic nerve endings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Amaroli
- Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Mario Passalacqua
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Luigi F Agnati
- Department of Diagnostics, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Signore
- Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Mirco Raffetto
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Stefano Benedicenti
- Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Barvitenko N, Lawen A, Aslam M, Pantaleo A, Saldanha C, Skverchinskaya E, Regolini M, Tuszynski JA. Integration of intracellular signaling: Biological analogues of wires, processors and memories organized by a centrosome 3D reference system. Biosystems 2018; 173:191-206. [PMID: 30142359 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myriads of signaling pathways in a single cell function to achieve the highest spatio-temporal integration. Data are accumulating on the role of electromechanical soliton-like waves in signal transduction processes. Theoretical studies strongly suggest feasibility of both classical and quantum computing involving microtubules. AIM A theoretical study of the role of the complex composed of the plasma membrane and the microtubule-based cytoskeleton as a system that transmits, stores and processes information. METHODS Theoretical analysis presented here refers to (i) the Penrose-Hameroff theory of consciousness (Orchestrated Objective Reduction; Orch OR), (ii) the description of the centrosome as a reference system for construction of the 3D map of the cell proposed by Regolini, (iii) the Heimburg-Jackson model of the nerve pulse propagation along axons' lipid bilayer as soliton-like electro-mechanical waves. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The ideas presented in this paper provide a qualitative model for the decision-making processes in a living cell undergoing a differentiation process. OUTLOOK This paper paves the way for the real-time live-cell observation of information processing by microtubule-based cytoskeleton and cell fate decision making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alfons Lawen
- Monash University, School of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Muhammad Aslam
- Medical Clininc I, Cardiology/Angiology, University Hospital, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Antonella Pantaleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Carlota Saldanha
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Instituto de Bioquimica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Marco Regolini
- Department of Bioengineering and Mathematical Modeling, AudioLogic, Milan, Italy
| | - Jack A Tuszynski
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, IT-10128, Torino, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Tonello L, Gashi B, Scuotto A, Cappello G, Cocchi M, Gabrielli F, Tuszynski JA. The gastrointestinal-brain axis in humans as an evolutionary advance of the root-leaf axis in plants: A hypothesis linking quantum effects of light on serotonin and auxin. J Integr Neurosci 2018. [DOI: 10.3233/jin-170048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bekim Gashi
- Department of Biology, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Prishtina, 10000, Kosovo
| | | | | | | | | | - Jack A. Tuszynski
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2J1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Zangari A, Micheli D, Galeazzi R, Tozzi A. Node of Ranvier as an Array of Bio-Nanoantennas for Infrared Communication in Nerve Tissue. Sci Rep 2018; 8:539. [PMID: 29323217 PMCID: PMC5764955 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18866-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Electromagnetic radiation, in the visible and infrared spectrum, is increasingly being investigated for its possible role in the most evolved brain capabilities. Beside experimental evidence of electromagnetic cellular interactions, the possibility of light propagation in the axon has been recently demonstrated using computational modelling, although an explanation of its source is still not completely understood. We studied electromagnetic radiation onset and propagation at optical frequencies in myelinated axons, under the assumption that ion channel currents in the node of Ranvier behave like an array of nanoantennas emitting in the wavelength range from 300 to 2500 nm. Our results suggest that the wavelengths below 1600 nm are most likely to propagate throughout myelinated segments. Therefore, a broad wavelength window exists where both generation and propagation could happen, which in turn raises the possibility that such a radiation may play some role in neurotransmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Zangari
- Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Pediatric Surgery and Urology Unit, Circonvallazione Gianicolense 87-00152, Roma, Italy
| | - Davide Micheli
- TIM S.P.A., Wireless Access Engineering Department, Viale Parco de' Medici, 61 - 00148, Roma, Italy.
| | - Roberta Galeazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Tozzi
- UOC Fisica Sanitaria, Azienda USL Toscana Sud Est, via Senese 161, 58100, Grosseto, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Kurian P, Obisesan TO, Craddock TJA. Oxidative species-induced excitonic transport in tubulin aromatic networks: Potential implications for neurodegenerative disease. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2017; 175:109-124. [PMID: 28865316 PMCID: PMC5610651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative tauopathic disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease-related dementia, which are characterized by altered forms of the microtubule-associated protein (MAP) tau. MAP tau is a key protein in stabilizing the microtubule architecture that regulates neuron morphology and synaptic strength. When MAP tau is degraded in tauopathic disorders, neuron dysfunction results. The precise role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the tauopathic disease process, however, is poorly understood. Classically, mitochondrial dysfunction has been viewed as the major source of oxidative stress and has been shown to precede tau and amyloid pathology in various dementias, but the exact mechanisms are not clear. It is known that the production of ROS by mitochondria can result in ultraweak photon emission (UPE) within cells. While of low intensity, surrounding proteins within the cytosol can still absorb these energetic photons via aromatic amino acids (e.g., tryptophan and tyrosine). One likely absorber of these photons is the microtubule cytoskeleton, as it forms a vast network spanning neurons, is highly co-localized with mitochondria, and shows a high density of aromatic amino acids. Functional microtubule networks may traffic this ROS-generated endogenous photon energy for cellular signaling, or they may serve as dissipaters/conduits of such energy to protect the cell from potentially harmful effects. Experimentally, after in vitro exposure to exogenous photons, microtubules have been shown to reorient and reorganize in a dose-dependent manner with the greatest effect being observed around 280nm, in the tryptophan and tyrosine absorption range. In this paper, recent modeling efforts based on ambient temperature experiment are presented, showing that tubulin polymers can feasibly absorb and channel these photoexcitations via resonance energy transfer, on the order of dendritic length scales and neuronal fine structure. Since microtubule networks are compromised in tauopathic diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's dementias, patients with these illnesses would be unable to support effective channeling of these photons for signaling or dissipation. Consequent emission surplus due to increased UPE production or decreased ability to absorb and transfer may lead to increased cellular oxidative damage, thus hastening the neurodegenerative process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Kurian
- National Human Genome Center, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20060, USA; Department of Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20060, USA; Computational Physics Laboratory, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA.
| | - T O Obisesan
- Georgetown-Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science Clinical Research Unit, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20060, USA
| | - T J A Craddock
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA; Department of Computer Science, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA; Department of Clinical Immunology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA; Clinical Systems Biology Group, Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Salari V, Scholkmann F, Vimal RLP, Császár N, Aslani M, Bókkon I. Phosphenes, retinal discrete dark noise, negative afterimages and retinogeniculate projections: A new explanatory framework based on endogenous ocular luminescence. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 60:101-119. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|