Photobiomodulation
Understanding Photobiomodulation
Energy is essential for cell regeneration, and the mitochondria, known as the powerhouses of cells, are responsible for this process. Photobiomodulation (PBM) refers to the process in which light of specific wavelengths stimulates ATP production in the mitochondria. Since 2016, PBM has been listed as a key term for future therapies in the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) classification system of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
A significant feature of PBM technology is the activation of capillaries and the production of nitric oxide in cellular mitochondria. This enhances the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the cells, promoting active cell regeneration. Healthy cells are the beginning and the end of overcoming disease.
Mitochondria generate ATP by utilizing nutrients and oxygen that originate from the intestines and lungs. Recent studies have discovered that light within specific wavelength ranges stimulates the enzyme Cytochrome c Oxidase (CCO), enhancing ATP production. CCO plays a crucial role in the mitochondria’s ATP generation process.
*Cytochrome c Oxidase (CCO): An enzyme in the mitochondria that plays the most critical role in ATP production.
Photobiology is the study of the effects of non-ionizing radiation on biological systems. Photobiological effects vary depending on the wavelength, intensity, and frequency of the radiation. The radiation is absorbed by the DNA, proteins in the skin, or specific drug molecules, converting into substances that trigger chemical and biochemical reactions within the cells.
Non-ionizing radiation includes visible light and near-infrared, referring to radiation that does not ionize. Ionizing radiation includes ultraviolet rays, alpha rays, beta rays, X-rays, and gamma rays.
Photochemical reactions to light in biological systems are not new. One example is the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin, where ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation converts 7-dehydrocholesterol (a cholesterol precursor) into vitamin D3 when it hits the skin.
Mechanism
According to medical research, when low-level red visible light and near-infrared energy are absorbed by mitochondria, ATP production is activated. This process leads to gene transcription, which promotes the repair and healing of cells by generating a balanced amount of ROS (reactive oxygen species).
Nitric oxide (NO) opens neural chains and is released into the system, aiding in intercellular signaling and communication. Additionally, it dilates blood vessels, improving blood circulation, and when nitric oxide acts on vascular endothelial cells, it enhances the elasticity of blood vessels.
– NO (Nitric Oxide): Aids in intercellular signaling and communication, and improves blood circulation by dilating blood vessels.
– ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) → PKD (Gene) → IkB (Inhibitor κB) + NF-κB (Nuclear Factor κB)
NF-κB stimulates gene transcription.
– ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) → cAMP (Catabolite Activator Protein) → Jun/Fos (Oncogenic Transcription Factors) → AP-1 (Activator Protein Transcription Factor, which stimulates gene transcription).
NO: Nitric Oxide (•NO; also known as nitrogen oxide or nitrogen monoxide)
Nitric oxide is a colorless gas and a compound in which nitrogen is oxidized. Essentially, nitric oxide is a free radical, containing an unpaired electron within its chemical structure (the dot in •NO represents this).
Additionally, as a heteronuclear diatomic molecule, nitric oxide has played a significant role in the development of modern chemical bonding theories. In cells, it is formed from the amino acid arginine and acts as a signaling molecule in various physiological activities, such as immune responses, vasodilation, and signal transmission.
ROS: Reactive Oxygen Species
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) include hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide ion (O2-), singlet oxygen (¹O2), and hydroxyl radicals (•OH). These species play a role in attacking pathogens in the body, but if produced excessively, they can also damage normal cells.
The production of ROS can increase due to exposure to specific light spectrums. In this case, ROS can activate redox-sensitive transcription factors such as NF-kB and AP1, which are triggered during inflammation or bacterial invasion. These transcription factors promote the transcription of genes that induce protective responses against oxidative stress.
In other words, ROS generated through light exposure can act as antioxidants through this process. The appropriate wavelength, light intensity, and accurate targeting of cells or chromophores are crucial in this process. This principle is based on the first and second laws of photobiology.
If these two conditions are not met precisely, optimal absorption will not occur, and according to the first law of photobiology, the Grotthus-Draper law, if absorption does not occur, there will be no reaction. Additionally, photon intensity, or spectral irradiance/output density (W/cm²), must be sufficiently high. Otherwise, it may not be enough to achieve the desired outcome.
However, if the intensity is too high, the photon energy can be excessively converted into heat within the target tissue, leading to undesirable effects.
Secondly, the dose or fluence (J/cm²) must be sufficient, but if the output is too low, it is not ideal to extend the exposure time to achieve the ideal energy density or dose. This is because the Bunsen-Roscoe reciprocity law, the second law of photobiology, does not apply at low output densities.
Basic Knowledge of Phototherapy
Three renowned doctors have mentioned phototherapy.
Dr. Len Saputo, MD
John Muir Medical Center in the San Francisco Bay Area
Clinical research on LLLT (Low-Level Light Therapy)
“I have treated many patients with modern medicine for over 30 years, but to be honest, my medical skills did not advance, nor did they significantly impact my patients’ health. However, phototherapy was exceptional in many ways. It can be said to be a future treatment that addresses the root causes of diseases without side effects.”
Dr. Harry Whelan, MD
Professor of Neurology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine
Neuro-Oncology, American Cancer Society
– Recipient of the Clinical Oncology Research and Development Award for the treatment of brain tumors and neurofibromatosis using near-infrared photodynamic therapy. NASA phototherapy research grant recipient.
“By utilizing light energy within specific wavelength ranges, cells can actually trigger biochemical reactions, significantly increasing ATP production in the mitochondria, which promotes active cell regeneration.
During this process, cells produce nitric oxide, enhancing the elasticity of blood vessels, and ROS aids in the treatment of various pathogens.”
Dr. Gabriel Cousens
Gabriel Cousens is a holistic physician, homeopath, psychiatrist, family therapist, Ayurvedic doctor, and acupuncturist.
– He is also one of the world’s leading diabetes researchers, an eco-leader, a spiritual master, and the founder and director of the Tree of Life Foundation and the Tree of Life Center.
“Humans, like plants, survive through light, water, and air. Most living organisms can be considered photobiotic, and the ultimate biological nutrient is light. Light fundamentally operates as electrical energy within our biological systems.
Therefore, since all diseases are influenced by light, water, and air, managing these well can lead to healing.”
Aging and Mitochondria
The theory of aging has primarily focused on mitochondrial function within cells.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is effective in slowing down or recovering mitochondrial dysfunction. Supporting this, more than 5,000 clinical research papers have been published globally. Light sources with specific wavelengths reduce errors in the cell regeneration process and increase ATP and NO production, improving blood circulation and generating more energy to promote health recovery.
Light is life itself.
Sunlight governs the life and death of all living things on Earth. The planet is bathed in light across a range of wavelengths invisible to the human eye, as well as visible light from violet to red in the spectrum. Life is sustained through these vibrations. All living organisms rely on this entire spectrum of light (waves) for survival.
Light Spectrum
The visible portion of the solar spectrum, which the human eye can see, consists of visible light and is made up of the seven colors of the rainbow. Other parts of the spectrum, such as ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), and X-rays, are invisible to the human eye. Although humans have utilized electromagnetic waves from different spectrums in various fields, the scope of their application remains quite limited.
This article focuses on near-infrared (NIR) and visible light within the light spectrum, which are relevant to health and therapy. In the past, sunlight was directly used for therapeutic purposes, but after the adverse effects of UV radiation were discovered, infrared therapy devices using halogen lamps and water were introduced in Germany about 30 years ago. However, these devices emitted minimal near-infrared light, resulting in limited therapeutic effects, leading to their replacement by low-level light therapy (LLLT) devices using LEDs.
In recent technologies, near-infrared light ranging from 800nm to 1,060nm and visible light from 430nm to 750nm are primarily used for therapeutic purposes. However, the therapeutic effects of each spectrum can vary, and even within the same spectrum, factors like light intensity, power, and pulse can significantly affect the outcome. If used incorrectly, there may be no therapeutic effect, and in some cases, side effects may occur depending on the amount of light and usage time.
Plant Photosynthesis
Plants sustain life through photosynthesis, using sunlight. In this process, plants utilize water and nutrients absorbed from the soil, as well as carbon dioxide from the air, to release oxygen and produce various nutrients such as chlorophyll, minerals, and vitamins.
Animals are also influenced by light through photochemical processes. It has long been known that light plays an important role in the body’s circulatory processes and in combating diseases.
In 2002, Dr. Harry Whelan of NASA presented a study on LED light. This research, supported by the Medical College of Wisconsin and NASA, focused on how light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be used to enhance health.
The study revealed that serious burns, wounds that are difficult to heal, muscle and tendon sprains, damaged nerves, and even eye injuries could heal much faster. NASA announced that the powerful LEDs, originally developed for commercial plant growth research, were found to be effective in treating various diseases.
In particular, the study discovered that cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), a protein enzyme in the mitochondria, absorbs light of specific wavelengths, promoting the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy source for living organisms. This is a significant biological discovery showing that life depends on light.
Animals, including humans, absorb light through their eyes and skin, maintaining life processes in this way.
History of Modern LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy) Treatments
Professor Endre Mester
In 1965, shortly after the first laser was developed, Professor Endre Mester at Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary, began pioneering research using laser light. His initial project aimed to determine whether lasers could induce cancer, but instead, the treated group did not develop cancer, and a rapid growth of hair on their backs was observed. This finding sparked research into the healing effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT).
In 1971, Professor Mester published the first paper demonstrating that laser light was effective in wound healing. By 1984, he had treated more than 1,300 patients suffering from wounds or ulcers that traditional drug treatments or plastic surgeries had failed to heal, using low-level laser therapy.
Meanwhile, research on low-level laser therapy also progressed significantly in the Soviet Union. During the 1980s, Soviet forces used LLLT to accelerate wound healing with great success during the Afghanistan war.
Professor Tiina I. Karu, Russian Academy of Sciences
Professor Tiina I. Karu is a world-renowned authority in the field of low-level laser and LED research and was awarded the Contribution Award by the North American Association for Laser Therapy (NAALT) in 2011. While laser devices require professional training for safe use, LED light therapy technology offers the advantage of being easily used at home to treat various conditions.
One of the key factors in low-level laser and LED light therapy is the wavelength spectrum of the LED. Wavelengths are measured in nanometers (nm), and the visible light spectrum ranges from approximately 380nm (violet) to 750nm (red). Ultraviolet (below 380nm) and infrared (above 750nm) light lie outside this range and are invisible to the human eye.
Infrared light is further divided into near-infrared and far-infrared, with near-infrared being widely used for therapeutic purposes due to its ability to penetrate deeply into skin tissues. While LEDs were initially designed for industrial purposes, researchers have applied them to medical research. However, not all LED spectra measured in nanometers are equally effective for therapy. It is crucial to use the exact spectrum that has proven therapeutic effects.
For example, within the red spectrum between 610nm and 750nm and the near-infrared spectrum between 780nm and 1,100nm, specific wavelengths have greater therapeutic efficacy. On the other hand, some spectra may have no therapeutic effects or may even cause side effects depending on the light intensity and usage duration. Therefore, it is important to apply a range of effective wavelengths rather than relying on a single wavelength or color.
Additionally, the appropriate spectrum and light intensity must be tailored to specific body parts and medical conditions.
Further precise research in this area is still needed.
About Light Penetration Depth in PBM Therapy
The depth to which light penetrates the human body varies significantly depending on the wavelength. For example, red visible light (620-750nm) penetrates deeper than blue or green visible light. According to NASA research, near-infrared light with a wavelength of 940nm can penetrate up to approximately 23 cm into the skin. This penetration depth is closely related to the healing effects.
Dr. Pankratov’s team discovered that meridians cause stiffness in the body, and when light of a specific spectrum is applied to the skin, it can travel along the meridians to a point about 10 cm away under the skin. They were surprised to find that the path the light traveled matched acupuncture points.
Dr. Pankratov concluded, “Our body has a ‘light distribution system’ similar to a fiber optic system, and when visible or near-infrared light is exposed to certain parts of the body, the light can travel long distances along the meridians.”
Scientific Basis for the Healing Effects of Photobiomodulation (PBM) Therapy
PBM therapy supports the body’s cellular regeneration functions, and its effects persist for a certain period even after light stimulation is removed. According to the research of Professor Tiina Karu from Russia, PBM therapy improves metabolism significantly by explaining the chemical and biological processes through which light-absorbing enzymes in mitochondria promote ATP production.
The primary effects of PBM therapy include:
– Promotion of cellular regeneration
– Improved blood circulation
– Efficient waste removal
Metabolism is a crucial process for maintaining health, and when activated, it can lead to widespread healing effects. PBM therapy accelerates these healing processes at the cellular level.
Cytochrome c Oxidase Enzyme
When light sources of specific wavelengths, such as visible and near-infrared light, are applied to tissue cells, they are strongly absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase, a light-absorbing enzyme in mitochondria. This absorption increases electron transport within the mitochondria, promoting ATP synthesis, which is the energy required for healing. Mitochondria play a critical role in converting oxygen, light, and nutrients into energy within cells.
ATP
ATP (Adenosine-Tri-Phosphate) is the primary source of energy for the body, and increased activation of the cytochrome c enzyme promotes more ATP production. A high level of ATP means that the body has abundant energy, which accelerates the healing process and plays a crucial role in maintaining immune balance.
Dr. Whelan’s research, supported by NASA, highlights the following key point:
“Near-infrared light is optimal for increasing cellular energy, supplying energy to tissues, and accelerating healing.”
Similarly, Dr. Tiina Karu emphasizes the importance of ATP, explaining, “ATP is not only the energy source within cells but also an important signaling molecule that facilitates communication between cells and tissues throughout the body.”
DNA
The growth and death of cells are determined by DNA. Each cell maintains a flawless signaling program through communication with DNA. Dr. Whelan explained how specific wavelengths of visible light and near-infrared light interact with cells and DNA, presenting the following results:
“Using the red and near-infrared spectrum of visible light at NASA, studies on DNA synthesis in fibroblast and muscle cells showed a fivefold increase in muscle cell formation compared to usual.”
This research demonstrates that specific light spectra can have a positive effect on cell regeneration and tissue formation.
참고 문헌LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy), PBM요법
Here is the English translation of the references you provided:
—
1. “Light Therapy: Light that Excels at Treating Pain,” Len Saputo, MD, Alternative Medicine Magazine, January/February 2003
2. NASA Press Release: “NASA Space Technology Shines Light on Healing,” December 18, 2000
www.photonicenergetics.com/NASA%20Light%20Healing.pdf
3. “THOR Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for Wound Healing,” www.thorlaser.com/wound/clinical-research.htm
4. “Light Coherence,” Tiina I. Karu, www.photobiology.info/Coherence.html
5. “Effects of NASA LED Irradiation on Wound Healing,” Harry T. Whelan, MD, et al, Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine & Surgery, Volume 19, Number 6, 2001
6. Two references:
– “Photobiology of Low Power Laser Therapy Effects,” Tiina Karu, Health Physics Vol. 56 No. 5, 1989
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2651364
– “Cellular Mechanisms of Low Power Laser Therapy: New Questions,” Tiina I. Karu
7. Three references:
– “NASA Space Technology Shines Light on Healing,” www.laserthera.com/press_release_3.htm or
http://www.photonicenergetics.com/NASA%20Light%20Healing.pdf
– “NASA’s LED Technology Brings Relief in Clinical Trials,”
www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2003/nov/HQ_03366_clinical_trials.html
8. “NASA LEDs Prevent Oral Mucositis in Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Patients,” Harry T. Whelan, MD, et al, Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine and Surgery, Volume 20, Number 6, 2002
9. “Laser Research: Abstracts and Studies on Oral Mucositis,”
http://www.rj-laser.com/laser_therapy_oral_mucositis.htm
10. “Increased Fibroblast Proliferation Induced by Light Emitting Diode and Low Power Laser Irradiation,”
Vinck EM, Cagnie BJ, Cornelissen MJ, Declercq HA, Cambier, DC, L, Lasers Med Sci, 2003,
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/10605217_Increased_fibroblast_proliferation_induced_by_light_emitting_diode_and_low_power_laser_irradiation
11. Four references:
– “Light Therapy Tackles Eye Injuries,”
https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn2525-light-therapy-tackles-eye-injuries/
– “Light Therapy Prevents Eye Damage in Rats and Treats Injuries and Blindness,” Medical College of Wisconsin Release, March 04, 2003 (No longer available online)
– “Therapeutic Photobiomodulation for Methanol-Induced Retinal Toxicity,” J.T. Ells, et al, PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences), March 18, 2003, vol. 100, no. 6, 3439–3444
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC152311/
– “NASA Can Reverse Blindness with Light Therapy,” July 10, 2002
12. “Healing with Light,” Dr. Sherry Roger, Total Wellness, January 2005
13. “Results of Near-Infrared LED Light Therapy —Nikken’s New Kenko Wave,” Bipin Deshpande, MBBS, DVD, 20th World Congress of Dermatology, Paris, July 2002
14. “Pain and Disability Reduction in Degenerative Knee Osteoarthritis Patients Treated with Light Therapy,” Jean Stelian, MD, Israel Gil, MD, Beni Habot, MD, Michal Rosenthal, MD, Julian Abromovici, MD, Nathalia Kutok, MD, and Auni Khahil, MD, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 40, 23–26, 1992
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1727843
15. “LED Light Therapy Smooths Wrinkles and Increases Collagen without Pain, Heat, or Risk,” Jane Schwanke, Cosmetic Surgery Times Special Reports, May 1, 2004
16. “Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism in Vitro Using 660 nm Visible LED Light Source: Clinical Correlation with a Single-Blinded Study,” Daniel Barolet, et al, The Society for Investigative Dermatology, 2009
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15341749
17. “Multiple Roles of Cytochrome c Oxidase in Mammalian Cells Induced by Red and Near-Infrared Radiation,” Tinna I. Karu, Life, 62(8): 607–610, August 2010
18. “NASA’s LED Medical Program – Advancements for Space Flight and Terrestrial Applications,” Whelan et al., AIP Conference Proceedings Vol 504 (1) pp. 37–43, January 19, 2000
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/832f/e1bc78de63b5612831e2cf5980c88faceb78.pdf
Nogier Frequencies:
1. “Heat and Light Energy,” Charles T. McGee, MD, 2000 ISBN #0–9636979–6–X (Also a reference for the applications of specific Nogier Frequencies)
2. “Auriculotherapy Manual,” Terry Oleson, 3rd edition, 2003 ISBN #0 443 07162 4
Color Therapy:
1. “Compulsory Vaccination, A Menace to Personal Liberty,” J.M. Peebles, MD 1900
– “LED Gives a Big Gift to Young Cancer Patients: NASA Technology Used in Clinical Trials to Aid Plant Growth,” NASA News Release, November 05, 2003
www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/news/news/releases/2003/03-199.html
