Web Crawling and mRNA Sequencing Analyze Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation

A systematic review of the effect of photobiomodulation on the neuroinflammatory response in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases

This systematic review examines the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM), the application of red to near infrared light on body tissues, on the neuroinflammatory response and oxidative stress in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. The research question and search protocol were prospectively registered on the PROSPERO database. Neurodegenerative diseases are becoming ever more prevalent in the ageing populations across the Western world, with no disease-modifying or neuroprotective treatment options being available. Hence there is a real need for the development of effective treatment options for patients. Inflammatory responses and oxidative stress within the central nervous system have a strong correlation with neuronal cell death. PBM is a non-invasive therapeutic option that has shown efficacy and promising effects in animal models of neurodegenerative disease; many studies have reported neuroprotection and improved behavioural outcomes. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no previous study that has reviewed the anti-inflammatory and the antioxidant effect of PBM in the context of neurodegeneration. This review has examined this relationship in animal models of a range of neurodegenerative diseases. We found that PBM can effectively reduce glial activation, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and oxidative stress, whilst increasing anti-inflammatory glial responses and cytokines, and antioxidant capacity. These positive outcomes accompanied the neuroprotection evident after PBM treatment. Our review provides further indication that PBM can be developed into an effective non-pharmacological intervention for neurodegenerative diseases.

Protocol for randomized controlled trial to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a novel helmet to deliver transcranial light emitting diodes photobiomodulation therapy to patients with Parkinson’s disease

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common, progressive, and debilitating neurodegenerative disease associated with aging and the most common movement disorder. Photobiomodulation (PBM), the use of non-thermal light for therapeutic purposes using laser or light emitting diodes (LED) is an emerging non-invasive treatment for a diverse range of neurological conditions. The main objectives of this clinical trial are to investigate the feasibility, safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a novel transcranial LED helmet device (the “PDNeuro”) in the alleviation of symptoms of PD.

Methods and analysis

This is a 24-week, two-arm, triple-blinded randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial of a novel transcranial “PDNeuro” LED Helmet, comparing an active helmet to a sham helmet device. In a survey, 40 PD participants with Hoehn and Yahr Stage I–III during ON periods will be enrolled and randomly assigned into two groups. Both groups will be monitored weekly for the safety and tolerability of the “PDNeuro” LED Helmet. Clinical signs and symptoms assessed will include mobility, fine motor skills and cognition, with data collected at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Assessment tools include the TUG, UPDRS, and MoCA all validated for use in PD patients. Patient’s adherence to the device usage and participant drop out will be monitored weekly. At 12 weeks both placebo and treatment groups will crossover and placebo participants offered the treatment. The main indicator for clinical efficacy of the “PDneuro” Helmet is evidence of sustained improvements in motor and non-motor symptoms obtained from participant self-reported changes, carer reporting of changes and objective reassessment by the investigators. The outcomes will assist in a future larger randomized trial design.

Clinical Trial Registration

[https://www.anzctr.org.au], identifier [12621001722886].