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Low-level light therapy of the eye and brain

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Low-level light therapy of the eye and brain ( low-level-light-therapy-eye-and-brain )

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Eye and Brain Dovepress open access to scientific and medical research Open Access Full Text Article Low-level light therapy of the eye and brain REviEw Julio C Rojas1,2 F Gonzalez-Lima1 1Departments of Psychology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX; 2Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, US A Abstract: Low-level light therapy (LLLT) using red to near-infrared light energy has gained attention in recent years as a new scientific approach with therapeutic applications in ophthal- mology, neurology, and psychiatry. The ongoing therapeutic revolution spearheaded by LLLT is largely propelled by progress in the basic science fields of photobiology and bioenergetics. This paper describes the mechanisms of action of LLLT at the molecular, cellular, and nervous tissue levels. Photoneuromodulation of cytochrome oxidase activity is the most important primary mechanism of action of LLLT. Cytochrome oxidase is the primary photoacceptor of light in the red to near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is also a key mitochondrial enzyme for cellular bioenergetics, especially for nerve cells in the retina and the brain. Evidence shows that LLLT can secondarily enhance neural metabolism by regulating mitochondrial function, intraneuronal signaling systems, and redox states. Current knowledge about LLLT dosimetry relevant for its hormetic effects on nervous tissue, including noninvasive in vivo retinal and transcranial effects, is also presented. Recent research is reviewed that supports LLLT potential benefits in retinal disease, stroke, neurotrauma, neurodegeneration, and memory and mood disorders. Since mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in neurodegeneration, LLLT has potential significant applications against retinal and brain damage by counteracting the con- sequences of mitochondrial failure. Upon transcranial delivery in vivo, LLLT induces brain metabolic and antioxidant beneficial effects, as measured by increases in cytochrome oxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. Increases in cerebral blood flow and cognitive functions induced by LLLT have also been observed in humans. Importantly, LLLT given at energy densities that exert beneficial effects does not induce adverse effects. This highlights the value of LLLT as a novel paradigm to treat visual, neurological, and psychological conditions, and supports that neuronal energy metabolism could constitute a major target for neurotherapeutics of the eye and brain. Keywords: photobiomodulation, cytochrome oxidase, neurotherapeutics, retinal disease, neurological disease, cognitive and mood disorders Introduction Low-level light therapy (LLLT) has gained attention in recent years as a novel tool for experimental therapeutic applications in a variety of medical conditions. The cur- rent paradigm shift in the field of neurotherapeutics has allowed consideration of this innovative approach in attempts to modify the function of the nervous system. Patients, research laboratories, the media, and industry around the world are devoting attention to the potential therapeutic applications of LLLT in neurology and other medical fields that have traditionally had a limited therapeutic contribution to patient care. In recent years, the use of LLLT has extended beyond the realms of pain and wound healing, 49 Correspondence: F Gonzalez-Lima University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station A8000, Austin, TX 78712, USA Tel +1 512 471 5895 Fax +1 512 471 5935 Email gonzalez-lima@mail.utexas.edu submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.com Dovepress http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/EB.S21391 Eye and Brain 2011:3 49–67 © 2011 Rojas and Gonzalez-Lima, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd. This is an Open Access article which permits unrestricted noncommercial use, provided the original work is properly cited.

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