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Baldassarro VA, Alastra G, Lorenzini L, Giardino L, Calzà L. Photobiomodulation at Defined Wavelengths Regulates Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Redox Balance in Skin Fibroblasts. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2023; 2023:7638223. [PMID: 37663921 PMCID: PMC10471456 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7638223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Starting from the discovery of phototherapy in the beginning of the last century, photobiomodulation (PBM) has been defined in late 1960s and, since then, widely described in different in vitro models. Robust evidence indicates that the effect of light exposure on the oxidative state of the cells and on mitochondrial dynamics, suggesting a great therapeutic potential. The translational scale-up of PBM, however, has often given contrasting and confusing results, mainly due to light exposure protocols which fail to adequately control or define factors such as emitting device features, emitted light characteristics, exposure time, cell target, and readouts. In this in vitro study, we describe the effects of a strictly controlled light-emitting diode (LED)-based PBM protocol on human fibroblasts, one of the main cells involved in skin care, regeneration, and repair. We used six emitter probes at different wavelengths (440, 525, 645, 660, 780, and 900 nm) with the same irradiance value of 0.1 mW/cm2, evenly distributed over the entire surface of the cell culture well. The PBM was analyzed by three main readouts: (i) mitochondrial potential (MitoTracker Orange staining), (ii) reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (CellROX staining); and (iii) cell death (nuclear morphology). The assay was also implemented by cell-based high-content screening technology, further increasing the reliability of the data. Different exposure protocols were also tested (one, two, or three subsequent 20 s pulsed exposures at 24 hr intervals), and the 645 nm wavelength and single exposure chosen as the most efficient protocol based on the mitochondrial potential readout, further confirmed by mitochondrial fusion quantification. This protocol was then tested for its potential to prevent H2O2-induced oxidative stress, including modulation of the light wave frequency. Finally, we demonstrated that the controlled PBM induced by the LED light exposure generates a preconditioning stimulation of the mitochondrial potential, which protects the cell from oxidative stress damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Antonio Baldassarro
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna) 40064, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna) 40064, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alastra
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna) 40064, Italy
| | - Luca Lorenzini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna) 40064, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna) 40064, Italy
| | - Luciana Giardino
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna) 40064, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna) 40064, Italy
| | - Laura Calzà
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna) 40064, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, Bologna 40126, Italy
- IRET Fundation, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna) 40064, Italy
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Vieira WF, Gersten M, Caldieraro MAK, Cassano P. Photobiomodulation for Major Depressive Disorder: Linking Transcranial Infrared Light, Biophotons and Oxidative Stress. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2023; 31:124-141. [PMID: 37171473 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Incompletely treated major depressive disorder (MDD) poses an enormous global health burden. Conventional treatment for MDD consists of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, though a significant number of patients do not achieve remission with such treatments. Transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) is a promising novel therapy that uses extracranial light, especially in the near-infrared (NIR) and red spectra, for biological and therapeutic effects. The aims of this Review are to evaluate the current clinical and preclinical literature on t-PBM in MDD and to discuss candidate mechanisms for effects of t-PBM in MDD, with specific attention to biophotons and oxidative stress. A search on PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov identified clinical and preclinical studies using t-PBM for the treatment of MDD as a primary focus. After a systematic screening, only 19 studies containing original data were included in this review (9 clinical and 10 preclinical trials). Study results demonstrate consensus that t-PBM is a safe and potentially effective treatment; however, varying treatment parameters among studies complicate definitive conclusions about efficacy. Among other mechanisms of action, t-PBM stimulates the complex IV of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and induces an increase in cellular energy metabolism. We suggest that future trials include biological measures to better understand the mechanisms of action of t-PBM and to optimize treatment efficiency. Of particular interest going forward will be studying potential effects of t-PBM-an external light source on the NIR spectra-on neural circuitry implicated in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willians Fernando Vieira
- From Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (Drs. Vieira, Gersten, Cassano); Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Drs. Vieira, Cassano); Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil (Dr. Vieira); Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE) e Centro de Pesquisa Clínica (CPC), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil (Dr. Caldieraro); Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Psiquiatria e Medicina Legal, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil (Dr. Caldieraro)
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Changes in Drp1 Function and Mitochondrial Morphology Are Associated with the α-Synuclein Pathology in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040885. [PMID: 33924585 PMCID: PMC8070398 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in mitochondrial function and morphology are associated with many human diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondrial impairment is linked to Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis, and alterations in mitochondrial dynamics are seen in PD models. In particular, α-synuclein (αS) abnormalities are often associated with pathological changes to mitochondria. However, the relationship between αS pathology and mitochondrial dynamics remains poorly defined. Herein, we examined a mouse model of α-synucleinopathy for αS pathology-linked alterations in mitochondrial dynamics in vivo. We show that α-synucleinopathy in a transgenic (Tg) mouse model expressing familial PD-linked mutant A53T human αS (TgA53T) is associated with a decrease in Drp1 localization and activity in the mitochondria. In addition, we show that the loss of Drp1 function in the mitochondria is associated with two distinct phenotypes of enlarged neuronal mitochondria. Mitochondrial enlargement was only present in diseased animals and, apart from Drp1, other proteins involved in mitochondrial dynamics are unlikely to cause these changes, as their levels remained mostly unchanged. Further, the levels of Mfn1, a protein that facilitates mitochondrial fusion, was decreased nonspecifically with transgene expression. These results support the view that altered mitochondrial dynamics are a significant neuropathological factor in α-synucleinopathies.
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Askalsky P, Iosifescu DV. Transcranial Photobiomodulation For The Management Of Depression: Current Perspectives. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2019; 15:3255-3272. [PMID: 31819453 PMCID: PMC6878920 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s188906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent condition associated with high rates of disability, as well as suicidal ideation and behavior. Current treatments for MDD have significant limitations in efficacy and side effect burden. FDA-approved devices for MDD are burdensome (due to repeated in-office procedures) and are most suitable for severely ill subjects. There is a critical need for device-based treatments in MDD that are efficacious, well-tolerated, and easy to use. In this paper, we review a novel neuromodulation strategy, transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) with near-infrared light (NIR). The scope of our review includes the known biological mechanisms of t-PBM, as well as its efficacy in animal models of depression and in patients with MDD. Theoretically, t-PBM penetrates into the cerebral cortex, stimulating the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and also significantly increases cerebral blood flow. Animal and human studies, using a variety of t-PBM settings and experimental models, suggest that t-PBM may have significant efficacy and good tolerability in MDD. In aggregate, these data support the need for large confirmatory studies for t-PBM as a novel, likely safe, and easy-to-administer antidepressant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Askalsky
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dan V Iosifescu
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
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Diquigiovanni C, Bergamini C, Diaz R, Liparulo I, Bianco F, Masin L, Baldassarro VA, Rizzardi N, Tranchina A, Buscherini F, Wischmeijer A, Pippucci T, Scarano E, Cordelli DM, Fato R, Seri M, Paracchini S, Bonora E. A novel mutation in SPART gene causes a severe neurodevelopmental delay due to mitochondrial dysfunction with complex I impairments and altered pyruvate metabolism. FASEB J 2019; 33:11284-11302. [PMID: 31314595 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802722r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in the SPART gene cause Troyer syndrome, a recessive form of spastic paraplegia resulting in muscle weakness, short stature, and cognitive defects. SPART encodes for Spartin, a protein linked to endosomal trafficking and mitochondrial membrane potential maintenance. Here, we identified with whole exome sequencing (WES) a novel frameshift mutation in the SPART gene in 2 brothers presenting an uncharacterized developmental delay and short stature. Functional characterization in an SH-SY5Y cell model shows that this mutation is associated with increased neurite outgrowth. These cells also show a marked decrease in mitochondrial complex I (NADH dehydrogenase) activity, coupled to decreased ATP synthesis and defective mitochondrial membrane potential. The cells also presented an increase in reactive oxygen species, extracellular pyruvate, and NADH levels, consistent with impaired complex I activity. In concordance with a severe mitochondrial failure, Spartin loss also led to an altered intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis that was restored after transient expression of wild-type Spartin. Our data provide for the first time a thorough assessment of Spartin loss effects, including impaired complex I activity coupled to increased extracellular pyruvate. In summary, through a WES study we assign a diagnosis of Troyer syndrome to otherwise undiagnosed patients, and by functional characterization we show that the novel mutation in SPART leads to a profound bioenergetic imbalance.-Diquigiovanni, C., Bergamini, C., Diaz, R., Liparulo, I., Bianco, F., Masin, L., Baldassarro, V. A., Rizzardi, N., Tranchina, A., Buscherini, F., Wischmeijer, A., Pippucci, T., Scarano, E., Cordelli, D. M., Fato, R., Seri, M., Paracchini, S., Bonora, E. A novel mutation in SPART gene causes a severe neurodevelopmental delay due to mitochondrial dysfunction with complex I impairments and altered pyruvate metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Diquigiovanni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Christian Bergamini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rebeca Diaz
- School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Liparulo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Bianco
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Masin
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Rizzardi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonia Tranchina
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Buscherini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anita Wischmeijer
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Genetics Service, Regional Hospital of South Tyrol, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Tommaso Pippucci
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Emanuela Scarano
- Rare Disease Unit, Department of Pediatrics, St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Duccio Maria Cordelli
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Romana Fato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Seri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Paracchini
- School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Bonora
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Ultra-Low-Level Laser Therapy and Acupuncture Libralux: What Is so Special? MEDICINES 2019; 6:medicines6010040. [PMID: 30875856 PMCID: PMC6473762 DOI: 10.3390/medicines6010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Contrary to the most credited theories on laser therapy that see power/energy as the major factors to its effectiveness, a technique using an extremely low power/energy laser stimulation to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction is proposed. The stimulus consists of a 20 s train of modulated pulses with an average power below 0.02 mW and is applied on sequences of acupuncture points selected according to the impaired segment of the patient’s body. Methods: Modifications on the extracellular soft tissue matrix and on the “fascia” were sonographically demonstrated. Laboratory and clinical tests confirmed the effectiveness. Results: Responses similar to those experienced in acupuncture were observed. The device—a CE Class IIa certified medical device named Libralux—affords a clinically proven effectiveness exceeding 80% in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and associated motor dysfunctions. An average of just three application sessions was generally sufficient to overcome the dysfunction. Conclusions: The development of the method is supported by over 20 years of R&D activities, with a range of experiments discussed in several papers published in indexed peer-reviewed journals. A few considerations regarding the possible physiological action mechanisms involved are proposed in this paper.
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Houreld NN, Ayuk SM, Abrahamse H. Cell Adhesion Molecules are Mediated by Photobiomodulation at 660 nm in Diabetic Wounded Fibroblast Cells. Cells 2018; 7:cells7040030. [PMID: 29659538 PMCID: PMC5946107 DOI: 10.3390/cells7040030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes affects extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism, contributing to delayed wound healing and lower limb amputation. Application of light (photobiomodulation, PBM) has been shown to improve wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of PBM on cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in diabetic wound healing. Isolated human skin fibroblasts were grouped into a diabetic wounded model. A diode laser at 660 nm with a fluence of 5 J/cm2 was used for irradiation and cells were analysed 48 h post-irradiation. Controls consisted of sham-irradiated (0 J/cm2) cells. Real-time reverse transcription (RT) quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to determine the expression of CAM-related genes. Ten genes were up-regulated in diabetic wounded cells, while 25 genes were down-regulated. Genes were related to transmembrane molecules, cell–cell adhesion, and cell–matrix adhesion, and also included genes related to other CAM molecules. PBM at 660 nm modulated gene expression of various CAMs contributing to the increased healing seen in clinical practice. There is a need for new therapies to improve diabetic wound healing. The application of PBM alongside other clinical therapies may be very beneficial in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolette N Houreld
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa.
| | - Sandra M Ayuk
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa.
| | - Heidi Abrahamse
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa.
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Amblyopia: Can Laser Acupuncture be an Option? J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2016; 9:267-274. [PMID: 27776766 DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2016.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper describes the results of the treatment of amblyopia in young patients using an unconventional laser-acupuncture technique. After obtaining satisfactory results in the treatment of a 14-year-old amblyopic girl, the treatment was applied to 13 amblyopic children aged 3-11 years, with an encouraging outcome. An ultralow-light-intensity laser with a square-wave modulated emission was applied over a sequence of acupuncture points. Each session lasted < 15 minutes, and the treatment was performed once a week in 6-week cycles. Patients were followed for several years to evaluate the long-term results and/or to extend the treatment. All except two of the treated patients showed a rapid increase in visual acuity after several treatment sessions. Some required retreatment for regressions in visual acuity. The need for medium-term treatment cycles seems, however, to suggest that results may not be stable for all individuals. Although acupuncture has already been proved to be effective in the treatment of amblyopia, the results reported in this paper suggest that laser acupuncture at ultra-low-light-intensity levels can provide similar, if not better, results to conventional acupuncture stimulation, but with higher patient compliance.
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Baldassarro VA, Dolci LS, Mangano C, Giardino L, Gualandi C, Focarete ML, Calzà L. In Vitro Testing of Biomaterials for Neural Repair: Focus on Cellular Systems and High-Content Analysis. Biores Open Access 2016; 5:201-11. [PMID: 27588220 PMCID: PMC4991583 DOI: 10.1089/biores.2016.0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomimetic materials are designed to stimulate specific cellular responses at the molecular level. To improve the soundness of in vitro testing of the biological impact of new materials, appropriate cell systems and technologies must be standardized also taking regulatory issues into consideration. In this study, the biological and molecular effects of different scaffolds on three neural systems, that is, the neural cell line SH-SY5Y, primary cortical neurons, and neural stem cells, were compared. The effect of poly(L-lactic acid) scaffolds having different surface geometry (conventional two-dimensional seeding flat surface, random or aligned fibers as semi3D structure) and chemical functionalization (laminin or ECM extract) were studied. The endpoints were defined for efficacy (i.e., neural differentiation and neurite elongation) and for safety (i.e., cell death/survival) using high-content analysis. It is demonstrated that (i) the definition of the biological properties of biomaterials is profoundly influenced by the test system used; (ii) the definition of the in vitro safety profile of biomaterials for neural repair is also influenced by the test system; (iii) cell-based high-content screening may well be successfully used to characterize both the efficacy and safety of novel biomaterials, thus speeding up and improving the soundness of this critical step in material science having medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Antonio Baldassarro
- Health Sciences and Technologies-Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (HST-ICIR), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.; Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luisa Stella Dolci
- Health Sciences and Technologies-Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (HST-ICIR), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.; Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Mangano
- Health Sciences and Technologies-Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (HST-ICIR), University of Bologna , Bologna, Italy
| | - Luciana Giardino
- Health Sciences and Technologies-Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (HST-ICIR), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.; Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Gualandi
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician" and National Consortium of Materials, Science, and Technology (INSTM, Bologna RU), University of Bologna , Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Focarete
- Health Sciences and Technologies-Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (HST-ICIR), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.; Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician" and National Consortium of Materials, Science, and Technology (INSTM, Bologna RU), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Calzà
- Health Sciences and Technologies-Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (HST-ICIR), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.; Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Gallamini M, D'Angelo G, Belloni G. Biolite: A Patented Ultra-Low-Level Laser-Therapy Device for Treating Musculoskeletal Pain and Associated Impairments. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2015; 8:167-74. [PMID: 26276452 DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
After an excursus on state-of-the-art knowledge for low-level laser therapy (LLLT), Biolite, a patented ultra-low-level laser therapy device used to treat musculoskeletal pain and associated impairments, is presented. The application protocols include short stimulation of sequences of acupuncture points. The observed effects seem, however, to be far from those that might be expected after acupuncture. The primary effect seems more likely to be an extracellular soft-tissue matrix reaction. The development of the technique, the studies performed, and the evidence collected over > 10 years suggest that specifically modulated laser light can interact with human tissues at light fluences well under those previously considered as being capable of having any effect. Musculoskeletal pain very often becomes an autonomous dysfunction that is independent of the original injury and that can be effectively treated using specific peripheral acupuncture-like stimulation. Because such acupuncture is capable of reducing motor control "interferences" from noxious stimuli, it can improve motor control performance, thereby reducing the risk of falls in the elderly individuals. The proposal of acupuncture-derived protocols to be applied by Western physiotherapists using an ultra-low-level laser therapy device is a further "bridge" between two different, and sometimes very different, clinical worlds to better serve our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giovanni D'Angelo
- Classical Western Physiotherapy Practitioner, Fisiolab Sas, Chieti, Italy
| | - Gabriele Belloni
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach Physiotherapy Practitioner, Freelance, Rome, Italy
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