Pre-conditioning with low-level laser (light) therapy: Light before the storm

Tanupriya Agrawal, Gaurav K. Gupta, Vikrant Rai, James D. Carroll, Michael R. Hamblin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

68 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Pre-conditioning by ischemia, hyperthermia, hypothermia, hyperbaric oxygen (and numerous other modalities) is a rapidly growing area of investigation that is used in pathological conditions where tissue damage may be expected. The damage caused by surgery, heart attack, or stroke can be mitigated by pre-treating the local or distant tissue with low levels of a stress-inducing stimulus, that can induce a protective response against subsequent major damage. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) has been used for nearly 50 years to enhance tissue healing and to relieve pain, inflammation and swelling. The photons are absorbed in cytochrome(c) oxidase (unit four in the mitochondrial respiratory chain), and this enzyme activation increases electron transport, respiration, oxygen consumption and ATP production. A complex signaling cascade is initiated leading to activation of transcription factors and up- and down-regulation of numerous genes. Recently it has become apparent that LLLT can also be effective if delivered to normal cells or tissue before the actual insult or trauma, in a pre-conditioning mode. Muscles are protected, nerves feel less pain, and LLLT can protect against a subsequent heart attack. These examples point the way to wider use of LLLT as a pre-conditioning modality to prevent pain and increase healing after surgical/medical procedures and possibly to increase athletic performance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)619-649
Number of pages31
JournalDose-Response
Volume12
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • LLLT
  • Mitochondria
  • Photobiomodulation
  • Pre-conditioning
  • Reactive oxygen species
  • Remote ischemic pre-conditioning

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Toxicology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
  • Chemical Health and Safety

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