Photobiomodulation and Regenerative Medicine

PBM, Phototherapy or Light therapy is uniquely effective for use in regenerative medicine techniques, as it produces a wide range of benefits that are often dictated by the output energy of the laser wavelengths, which frequently include one or more of the following red and infrared spectrums: 635-650nm, 810nm, 905-915nm, 980nm and 1064nm wavelengths. Stem cell injections, platelet rich plasma (PRP), prolotherapy, and cartilage regeneration therapies are more successful when done in conjunction with photomedicine (laser therapy). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23140266/  

Photobiomics is a new term coined from the discovery that treating the microbiome of the body with laser light or Photobiomodulation (PBM) can have a beneficial effect. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31596658/

A significant amount of attention is being given to the importance of the microbiome and recently it was shown that applying laser therapy may have positive benefits

Objective: The objective of this review is to consider the dual effects of microbiome and photobiomodulation (PBM) on human health and to suggest a relationship between these two as a novel mechanism. 

Background: PBM describes the use of low levels of visible or near-infrared (NIR) light to heal and stimulate tissue, and to relieve pain and inflammation. In recent years, PBM has been applied to the head as an investigative approach to treat diverse brain diseases such as stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and psychiatric disorders. Also, in recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the total microbial population that colonizes the human body, chiefly in the gut and the mouth, called the microbiome. It is known that the composition and health of the gut microbiome affects many diseases related to metabolism, obesity, cardiovascular disorders, autoimmunity, and even brain disorders. 

Materials and methods: A literature search was conducted for published reports on the effect of light on the microbiome. 

Results: Recent work by our research group has demonstrated that PBM (red and NIR light) delivered to the abdomen in mice, can alter the gut microbiome in a potentially beneficial way. This has also now been demonstrated in human subjects. 

Conclusions: In consideration of the known effects of PBM on metabolomics, and the now demonstrated effects of PBM on the microbiome, as well as other effects of light on the microbiome, including modulating circadian rhythms, the present perspective introduces a new term “photobiomics” and looks forward to the application of PBM to influence the microbiome in humans. Some mechanisms by which this phenomenon might occur are considered.

Keywords: bacteria; metabolome; microbiome; photobiomodulation.

A BETTER LABEL FOR LASER THERAPY

No matter what it is called, LASER THERAPY, or PHOTOMEDICINE THERAPY, is highly effective in resolving a plethora of disorders in the human body; some of the many terms used to describe laser therapy are: 

Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT); 

Photobiostimulation Therapy (PBST); 

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT); 

High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT); 

Laser Therapy

LED Therapy

SLED Therapy

Light Therapy

Cold Laser Therapy

and more

Many of the above terms are outmoded and represent  outdated research and technology – most of their research is based on In Vitro studies that have no application in real-world environments. We propose that these terms and the thinking behind them be replaced by more inclusive, updated, and applicable science and terminology. 

There is really no such thing as LLLT, HILT, PBMT, PBST and so on. There is only Biomedical Photonics, or Photomedicine, in all its formats, dosage levels, and applications. Laser Therapy is also a very important part of integrative medicine.

For ease of use, because it describes applied medicine using medical lasers in a much wider range of applications, and because “Laser Therapy” and all the other associated decades-old terminology are still struggling to gain widespread acceptance in the broader medical community, we propose the more relevant and widely accepted terms PHOTOMEDICINE, and PHOTOMEDICINE THERAPY be used in place of Laser Therapy and the other terms listed above.

What is Photomedicine Therapy?

Otherwise known as Laser Therapy, Photomedicine, or Photomedicine Therapy is used for the relief of pain, to accelerate healing, decrease inflammation, to reverse autoimmune disorders, and more. When laser energy is directed to targeted tissues, the energy penetrates deeply and are absorbed by  mitochondria, the energy- producing part of a cell. This energy fuels many beneficial physiological responses resulting in the restoration of optimal cell morphology and function. 

PHOTOMEDICINE THERAPY IS: LASER THERAPY, COMBINED WITH SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE

Photomedicine Therapy has been successfully used to treat a broad range of medical conditions, including musculoskeletal problems, arthritis, sports injuries, post-surgical wounds, diabetic ulcers, malfunctioning immune systems, dermatological conditions, and more.  

The Primary Goal of Photomedicine Therapy is to stimulate targeted cells to perform natural functions at an enhanced rate. Targeted in chromophores, including hemoglobin and cytochrome c oxidase within the mitochondria, photomedicine treatments will aid in cellular respiration and reduce oxidative stress. In sharp contrast to so-called cold lasers which provide no feeling or sensation, appropriately-powered diode laser therapy will provide a warm and soothing feeling during and after treatments.  

Unlike many pharmacological treatments that mask pain or only address the symptoms of disease, photomedicine treats the underlying condition or pathology to promote healing. This means that photomedicine treatments can be more effective than pharmacology, include no side effects and include longer lasting benefits. 

Other terms for Photomedicine also include Phototherapy and Biomedical Photonics

Biomedical Photonics is a new branch of physics that examines the behavior and properties of light and the interaction of light with organic matter. This emerging medical paradigm holds great promise for the future of medicine, and is poised to experience explosive growth due to the noninvasive or minimally invasive nature and cost-effectiveness of photonic modalities in medical diagnostics and therapy.

Biomedical applications: 

• Therapeutic 
• Medical Imaging (Tissue Clearing)  

Shaped by Quantum Theory, Technology, and the Genomics Revolution 

The integration of photonics, electronics, biomaterials, and nanotechnology holds great promise for the future of medicine. This topic has recently experienced an explosive growth due to the noninvasive or minimally invasive nature and the cost-effectiveness of photonic modalities in medical diagnostics and therapy.