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Review
. 2020 Jun 3;9(6):1724.
doi: 10.3390/jcm9061724.

Photobiomodulation-Underlying Mechanism and Clinical Applications

Claudia Dompe  1   2 , Lisa Moncrieff  1   2 , Jacek Matys  3 , Kinga Grzech-Leśniak  3   4 , Ievgeniia Kocherova  5 , Artur Bryja  5 , Małgorzata Bruska  5 , Marzena Dominiak  3 , Paul Mozdziak  6 , Tarcio Hiroshi Ishimine Skiba  7 , Jamil A Shibli  7 , Ana Angelova Volponi  8 , Bartosz Kempisty  2   5   9   10 , Marta Dyszkiewicz-Konwińska  5   11
Affiliations
Review

Photobiomodulation-Underlying Mechanism and Clinical Applications

Claudia Dompe et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the possibilities for the application of laser therapy in medicine and dentistry by analyzing lasers' underlying mechanism of action on different cells, with a special focus on stem cells and mechanisms of repair. The interest in the application of laser therapy in medicine and dentistry has remarkably increased in the last decade. There are different types of lasers available and their usage is well defined by different parameters, such as: wavelength, energy density, power output, and duration of radiation. Laser irradiation can induce a photobiomodulatory (PBM) effect on cells and tissues, contributing to a directed modulation of cell behaviors, enhancing the processes of tissue repair. Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), can induce cell proliferation and enhance stem cell differentiation. Laser therapy is a non-invasive method that contributes to pain relief and reduces inflammation, parallel to the enhanced healing and tissue repair processes. The application of these properties was employed and observed in the treatment of various diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, brain injury, spinal cord damage, dermatological conditions, oral irritation, and in different areas of dentistry.

Keywords: laser; low-level laser therapy; photobiomodulation; stem cells; tissue regeneration.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The application of red light (600–810 nm) is absorbed by the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase, which is located in the unit IV respiratory chain of the mitochondria. Nitric oxide (NO) is then displaced and activates the enzyme and this leads to a proton gradient. Consequently, calcium ions (Ca2+), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and ATP production levels are increased. On the other hand, the application of near-infrared light (810–1064 nm) activates light-sensitive ion channels, and increases the levels of Ca2+. ROS and cyclic AMP (cAMP)then interact with the calcium ions. All of these activities increase cell differentiation, proliferation and migration, among other things. Created with BioRender.
Figure 2
Figure 2
In hypoxic conditions, HIF-α undergoes dimerization with HIF-β. Laser therapy could possibly induce this affect further. The dimer then binds to VEGF; therefore, the gene expression is promoted and leads to angiogenesis and osteogenic differentiation. Created with BioRender.
Figure 3
Figure 3
In the application of PBM, photon are absorbed by chromophores which activates ROS. As a secondary messenger, ROS results in the activation and stimulation of various pathways including p38 MAPK and PRKD2. Oxidative stress can also stimulate p38 MAPK by the presence of cytokines. The two pathways stimulate the hormone activity of melatonin, which induces osteoblast differentiation. However, p38 MAPK also increases p-ATF2 levels, which can result in decline of chondrocytes. Created with BioRender.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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