Multi-Wavelength Photobiomodulation Ameliorates Sodium Iodate-Induced Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Rats.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a global health challenge. AMD causes visual impairment and blindness, particularly in older individuals. This multifaceted disease progresses through various stages, from asymptomatic dry to advanced wet AMD, driven by various factors including inflammation and oxidative stress. Current treatments are effective mainly for wet AMD; the therapeutic options for dry AMD are limited. Photobiomodulation (PBM) using low-energy light in the red-to-near-infrared range is a promising treatment for retinal diseases. This study investigated the effects of multi-wavelength PBM (680, 780, and 830 nm) on sodium iodate-induced oxidatively damaged retinal tissue. In an in vivo rat model of AMD induced by sodium iodate, multi-wavelength PBM effectively protected the retinal layers, reduced retinal apoptosis, and prevented rod bipolar cell depletion. Furthermore, PBM inhibited photoreceptor degeneration and reduced retinal pigment epithelium toxicity. These results suggest that multi-wavelength PBM may be a useful therapeutic strategy for AMD, mitigating oxidative stress, preserving retinal integrity, and preventing apoptosis.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Multi-Wavelength Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation Attenuates Dry Eye Symptoms in a Scopolamine-Induced Mouse Model of Dry Eye.

Dry eye disease is a common condition in patients of all ages, causing discomfort and potential visual problems. Current treatments, including artificial tears and anti-inflammatory drugs, have certain limitations, encouraging research into alternative therapies. We investigated the therapeutic potential of multi-wavelength light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation of mice with dry eye. First, we showed that multi-wavelength LED irradiation was non-toxic to human corneal epithelial cells and improved cell viability. We then used a scopolamine-induced mouse model of dry eye to assess the effects of multi-wavelength LED irradiation on various clinical parameters. This treatment increased the tear volume and reduced corneal irregularity, thus improving dry eye. Histological analysis revealed that multi-wavelength LED irradiation protected against corneal epithelial damage and the associated reduction in epithelial thickness and would thus improve the corneal health of dry eye patients. Multi-wavelength LED irradiation significantly reduced the corneal levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α; the treatment was thus anti-inflammatory. Our results suggest that multi-wavelength LED irradiation may serve as a safe and effective treatment for dry eye, alleviating symptoms, reducing inflammation, and promoting corneal health.

Myxobacterial metabolites enhance cell proliferation and reduce intracellular stress in cells from a Parkinson's disease mouse model.

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system and is regarded as one of the most common neurologic diseases. Myxobacterial metabolites have been shown to possess a wide range of beneficial physiological effects, including anti-fungal, antibiotic, and anti-tumor activities. We aimed to determine whether myxobacterial metabolites exhibit a potential therapeutic effect in cells from a Parkinson's disease mouse model. The screening process identified 4 compounds, which were found to increase cell growth rate by >1.3 times that observed on the vehicle. These compounds promoted regeneration of the cells from a Parkinson's mouse model following the appearance of acute lesions, and reduced the levels of proteins associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptotic cell death. These compounds could lead to the development of novel therapies for Parkinson's disease and provide insight into the mechanisms through which apoptotic cell death takes place in this disorder.