Photobiomodulation for the treatment of neuroinﬂammation: A systematic review of controlled laboratory animal studies

Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1006031 · Published: September 20, 2022

Simple Explanation

Neuroinflammation involves different cells in the central nervous system like neurons and glial cells. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is becoming popular as a non-drug way to treat neuroinflammation because it has shown positive effects in brain research. This review looked at how PBM affects lab animals to see if it could be a good anti-inflammatory treatment. The studies showed that PBM has anti-inflammatory properties in several conditions, such as traumatic brain injury, edema formation and hyperalgesia, ischemia, neurodegenerative conditions, aging, epilepsy, depression, and spinal cord injury.

Study Duration

Data search was limited from 2009 to June 2022

Participants

Laboratory animal models

Evidence Level

Systematic Review

Key Findings

1
PBM reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and microglia activation in traumatic brain injury animal models.
2
PBM reduces COX-2 mRNA expression in animals receiving carrageenan, important in inflammatory conditions and chronic pain.
3
PBM decreases iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels in the brain of transient global cerebral cortex ischemia model using artificially aged mice.

Research Summary

This systematic review investigated the neuroinflammatory effects of PBM therapy in animal models of brain pathological conditions. The reviewed studies showed that the therapeutic effects of transcranial PBM therapy in animal models of neurological and psychiatric diseases are related to the capacity to reduce levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and increase levels of anti-inflammatory mediators. The reviewed animal studies together with consistent human studies of PBM in the treatment of neuroinflammation can suggest that transcranial PBM is a promising strategy for the treatment of neuroinflammation-induced brain diseases.

Practical Implications

Treatment of Neurological Conditions

PBM may complement current treatments for conditions like traumatic brain injury, ischemia, neurodegenerative diseases, and depression.

Future Research Directions

Controlled human studies are needed to build on animal studies and bring new perspectives on PBM's anti-inflammatory property in brain disorders.

Spinal Cord Injury Treatment

PBM may be a useful tool for treating spinal cord injury, alongside antibody-based and pharmacological therapies.

Study Limitations

1
Varied brain conditions and methodologies.
2
Lack of details about PBM parameters makes replication difficult.
3
Standardization of protocols would facilitate comparison and improve translational application.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Immunology