Blueprint pro unit for red light therapy
Low-intensity light research has revealed that specific wavelengths of light in the visible and near visible spectrum (at the correct dose, intensity, and pulse frequency) can induce a variety of cellular effects in some nonphotosynthetic cells. In this way, visible and near visible light provides the energy for the production of high-energy molecules and influences the reduction/oxidation (redox) state of the cell. This electron transport also influences the reduction and oxidation of biomolecules associated with the electron transport chain (i.e., the production of associated ROS). This electron transport is used to create the proton motive force and thus generates energy for the cell. Subsequent photoexcitation is tightly linked to biomolecular electron transport, which in essence involves the oxidation and reduction of biomolecules in the chain. Plant life utilizes biomolecular photoacceptors to absorb this energy. Photosynthesis is dependent upon the absorption of photon energies from the visible and near visible spectrum. 2 In plants, the chloroplast is a major source of ROS, produced by photostimulation of the chloroplast electron transport chain. In certain cell types, they have demonstrated their effect on cellular function, in particular as growth regulators. In higher concentrations they can be cytotoxic however, in lower concentrations they are now being appreciated as important signaling molecules. These ROS alter the cellular redox state. 1 ROS are largely produced as oxidative metabolism byproducts of the mitochondria. Understanding the role of redox state and signaling in LILT may be useful in guiding future therapies, particularly in conditions associated with pro-oxidant conditions.Ĭ ellular redox state is the delicate balance between the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during metabolism and ROS scavenged by the antioxidant system. In this manner, LILT may act to promote proliferation and/or cellular homeostasis. It seems that visible and near visible low-intensity light can be used to modulate cellular physiology in some nonphotosynthetic cells, acting through existing redox mechanisms of cellular physiology. In gene therapy research, ultraviolet lasers are being used to photostimulate cells through a process that also appears to involve redox signaling. In plants, photostimulation of the analogous photosynthetic electron transport chain leads to redox signaling known to be integral to cellular function. Redox mechanisms are known to be involved in cellular homeostasis and proliferative control. In some cells, this process appears to participate in reduction/oxidation (redox) signaling. Although the underlying mechanisms have not yet been clearly elucidated, mitochondrial photostimulation has been shown to increase ATP production and cause transient increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS). The mitochondrial electron transport chain has been shown to be photosensitive to red and near-infrared (NIR) light. Low-intensity light therapy (LILT) appears to be working through newly recognized photoacceptor systems.