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Qin B, Fu SJ, Xu XF, Yang JJ, Wang Y, Wang LN, Huang BX, Zhong J, Wu WY, Lu HA, Law BYK, Wang N, Wong IN, Wong VKW. Far-infrared radiation and its therapeutic parameters: A superior alternative for future regenerative medicine? Pharmacol Res 2024; 208:107349. [PMID: 39151679 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
In future regenerative medicine, far-infrared radiation (FIR) may be an essential component of optical therapy. Many studies have confirmed or validated the efficacy and safety of FIR in various diseases, benefiting from new insights into FIR mechanisms and the excellent performance of many applications. However, the lack of consensus on the biological effects and therapeutic parameters of FIR limits its practical applications in the clinic. In this review, the definition, characteristics, and underlying principles of the FIR are systematically illustrated. We outline the therapeutic parameters of FIR, including the wavelength range, power density, irradiation time, and distance. In addition, the biological effects, potential molecular mechanisms, and preclinical and clinical applications of FIR are discussed. Furthermore, the future development and applications of FIR are described in this review. By applying optimal therapeutic parameters, FIR can influence various cells, animal models, and patients, eliciting diverse underlying mechanisms and offering therapeutic potential for many diseases. FIR could represent a superior alternative with broad prospects for application in future regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Qin
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao; Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646600, China
| | - Shi-Jie Fu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao; Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646600, China
| | - Xiong-Fei Xu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao; Department of Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646600, China
| | - Jiu-Jie Yang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao
| | - Yuping Wang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao; Department of Breast, Thyroid and Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646600, China
| | - Lin-Na Wang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao
| | - Bai-Xiong Huang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao
| | - Jing Zhong
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao
| | - Wan-Yu Wu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao
| | - Heng-Ao Lu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao
| | - Betty Yuen Kwan Law
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao
| | - Nick Wang
- New Age Technology (Asia) Limited, TML Tower, 3 Hoi Shing Road, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong
| | - Io Nam Wong
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macao.
| | - Vincent Kam Wai Wong
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao.
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Zhang J, He J, Shuang S, Shi Y, Han L, Hui X, Ouyang X, Zhu J, Wang Z, Zhao B, He R. Analysis of infrared radiation emitted by moxibustion devices made of different materials using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33221. [PMID: 39005893 PMCID: PMC11239693 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33221] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Moxibustion has a long history of use as a traditional Chinese medicine therapy. Infrared radiation is an important and effective factor in moxibustion. Instead of the time-consuming and laborious process of holding moxa sticks in the hand, moxibustion devices are commonly used as moxibustion methods and tools in modern times. With the publication of the international standard of moxibustion devices (ISO18666:2021, Traditional Chinese Medicine - General requirements of moxibustion devices) published, moxibustion devices of various materials are now sold in the pharmacies and online stores. However, the influence of moxibustion devices on the therapeutic effect of moxibustion has not been studied. Therefore, this research was aimed to evaluate the infrared radiation of moxibustion devices, in order to select the moxibustion device that delivered infrared radiation closest to that of moxa stick combustion. The combination of combustion stability and infrared radiation intensity showed that cardboard tubes and silicone were better materials for moxibustion devices. In the mid-far infrared wave band, the moxibustion devices made from cardboard tubes and silica gels can better maintain the thermal effect generated by moxibustion and enable it to be more easily absorbed by the human body. The infrared radiation intensity of the cardboard moxibustion devices increased rapidly and steadily and could be maintained for the longest time. In conclusion, cardboard tubes are the better material for moxibustion devices with respect to infrared radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen Zhang
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jing He
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Shuang Shuang
- National Institute of Clean-and-Low-Carbon Energy, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yuqing Shi
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Li Han
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xin Hui
- Beijing Aerospace General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiali Ouyang
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jingyi Zhu
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhongyu Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Baixiao Zhao
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, PR China
| | - Rui He
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, PR China
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Wen J, Pan J, Ma J, Ge X, Xu Z, Wang X, Lv Z. Advances in far-infrared research: therapeutic mechanisms of disease and application in cancer detection. Lasers Med Sci 2024; 39:41. [PMID: 38240851 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-024-03994-4] [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: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Far infrared (FIR) irradiation is commonly used as a convenient, non-contact, non-invasive treatment for diseases such as myocardial ischemia, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. In this review, we focus on reviewing the potential therapeutic mechanisms of FIR and its cutting-edge applications in cancer detection. Firstly, we searched the relevant literature in the last decade for systematic screening and briefly summarized the biophysical properties of FIR. We then focused on the possible mechanisms of FIR in wound healing, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic diseases. In addition, we review recent applications of FIR in cancer detection, where Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and infrared thermography provide additional diagnostic methods for the medical diagnosis of cancer. Finally, we conclude and look into the future development of FIR for disease treatment and cancer detection. As a high-frequency non-ionizing wave, FIR has the advantages of safety, convenience, and low cost. We hope that this review can provide biological information reference and relevant data support for those who are interested in FIR and related high-frequency non-ionizing waves, to promote the further application of FIR in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianming Wen
- College of Mathematical Medicine, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
- The Institute of Precision Machinery and Smart Structure, College of Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Junrun Pan
- College of Physics and Electronic Information Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Jijie Ma
- The Institute of Precision Machinery and Smart Structure, College of Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Xinyang Ge
- College of Mathematical Medicine, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Zisheng Xu
- Technology & Equipment of Zhejiang Province, College of Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- College of Mathematical Medicine, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China.
- Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Jinhua, China.
| | - Zhong Lv
- Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Jinhua, China.
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Fukui K, Kimura S, Kato Y, Kohno M. Effects of far infrared light on Alzheimer's disease-transgenic mice. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253320. [PMID: 34138944 PMCID: PMC8211253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Far infrared light has been used in many medical procedures. However, the detailed biological mechanisms of infrared light's effects have not yet been elucidated. Many researchers have pointed out the thermal effects of treatments such as infrared saunas, which are known to increase blood flow. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with gradual decreases in brain blood flow and resulting dementia. In this study, we attempted to clarify the beneficial effects of far infrared light using the 5xFAD mouse, a transgenic model of AD. We exposed 5xFAD mice to far infrared light for 5 months. Among the far infrared-exposed AD mice, body weights were significantly decreased, and the levels of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein were significantly increased in selected brain areas (compared to those in non-irradiated AD mice). However, cognition and motor function (as assessed by Morris water maze and Rota Rod tests, respectively) did not differ significantly between the irradiated and non-irradiated AD mouse groups. These results indicated that exposure to far infrared light may have beneficial biological effects in AD mice. However, the experimental schedule and methods may need to be modified to obtain clearer results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Fukui
- Department of Bioscience and Engineering, Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, College of Systems Engineering and Sciences, Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), Minato, Japan
- Department of Functional Control Systems, Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Graduate School of Engineering and Science, SIT, Minato, Japan
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Meguro, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kimura
- Department of Bioscience and Engineering, Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, College of Systems Engineering and Sciences, Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), Minato, Japan
| | - Yugo Kato
- Department of Functional Control Systems, Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Graduate School of Engineering and Science, SIT, Minato, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kohno
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Meguro, Japan
- SIT Research Laboratories, The Brain Science & Life Technology Research Center, SIT, Minato, Japan
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STAT3 in the dorsal raphe gates behavioural reactivity and regulates gene networks associated with psychopathology. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:2886-2899. [PMID: 33046834 PMCID: PMC8505245 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00904-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signalling pathway is activated through phosphorylation by Janus kinases in response to a diverse set of immunogenic and non-immunogenic triggers. Several distinct lines of evidence propose an intricate involvement of STAT3 in neural function relevant to behaviour in health and disease. However, in part due to the pleiotropic effects resulting from its DNA binding activity and the consequent regulation of expression of a variety of genes with context-dependent cellular consequences, the precise nature of STAT3 involvement in the neural mechanisms underlying psychopathology remains incompletely understood. Here, we focused on the midbrain serotonergic system, a central hub for the regulation of emotions, to examine the relevance of STAT3 signalling for emotional behaviour in mice by selectively knocking down raphe STAT3 expression using germline genetic (STAT3 KO) and viral-mediated approaches. Mice lacking serotonergic STAT3 presented with reduced negative behavioural reactivity and a blunted response to the sensitising effects of amphetamine, alongside alterations in midbrain neuronal firing activity of serotonergic neurons and transcriptional control of gene networks relevant for neuropsychiatric disorders. Viral knockdown of dorsal raphe (DR) STAT3 phenocopied the behavioural alterations of STAT3 KO mice, excluding a developmentally determined effect and suggesting that disruption of STAT3 signalling in the DR of adult mice is sufficient for the manifestation of behavioural traits relevant to psychopathology. Collectively, these results suggest DR STAT3 as a molecular gate for the control of behavioural reactivity, constituting a mechanistic link between the upstream activators of STAT3, serotonergic neurotransmission and psychopathology.
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