ABSTRACT
Background: Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) can significantly reduce inflammation and relieve pain, including postoperative pain and edema. The study aimed to evaluate the performance of a photobiomodulation-based device that includes a static magnetic field (SMF) to treat laser- or intensive and fractional radiofrequency-related side effects, such as pain, redness, and edema in patients treated for different dermatological conditions. Methods: The study had a prospective, non-randomized, single-center design. Male and female patients aged 18 years or older underwent one or two PBMT-SMF (anti-inflammatory or anti-edematous) sessions on the same day, once or twice a week, after laser or radiofrequency facial treatments due to various dermatological disorders. Variables and efficacy assessments were pain, redness, edema, and their reduction from baseline to the last visit. Results: Twenty-seven patients were included, seven (25.9%) men and 20 (74.1%) women, with a mean (SD) age of 43.7 (14.1) years. Seven (25.9%) patients were treated with radiofrequency, and 20 (74.1%) patients with a vascular laser (three [15%] for angioma, two [10%] for scars, three [15%] for erythrosis, and 12 [60%] for rosacea). After the PBMT-SMF protocol, overall mean pain reduction was 40 percent, and redness and edema reduction were shown by the pictures taken before and after the PBMT-SMF procedure. Limitations: The primary limitations were the small number of patients and no quantitative variables for redness and edema. Conclusion: PBMT-SMF reduced edema and inflammation after treatment with lasers or intensive or fractional radiofrequency for facial conditions, and probably, analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs.
ABSTRACT
Despite a significant focus on the photochemical and photoelectrical mechanisms underlying photobiomodulation (PBM), its complex functions are yet to be fully elucidated. To date, there has been limited attention to the photophysical aspects of PBM. One effect of photobiomodulation relates to the non-visual phototransduction pathway, which involves mechanotransduction and modulation to cytoskeletal structures, biophotonic signaling, and micro-oscillatory cellular interactions. Herein, we propose a number of mechanisms of PBM that do not depend on cytochrome c oxidase. These include the photophysical aspects of PBM and the interactions with biophotons and mechanotransductive processes. These hypotheses are contingent on the effect of light on ion channels and the cytoskeleton, the production of biophotons, and the properties of light and biological molecules. Specifically, the processes we review are supported by the resonant recognition model (RRM). This previous research demonstrated that protein micro-oscillations act as a signature of their function that can be activated by resonant wavelengths of light. We extend this work by exploring the local oscillatory interactions of proteins and light because they may affect global body circuits and could explain the observed effect of PBM on neuro-cortical electroencephalogram (EEG) oscillations. In particular, since dysrhythmic gamma oscillations are associated with neurodegenerative diseases and pain syndromes, including migraine with aura and fibromyalgia, we suggest that transcranial PBM should target diseases where patients are affected by impaired neural oscillations and aberrant brain wave patterns. This review also highlights examples of disorders potentially treatable with precise wavelengths of light by mimicking protein activity in other tissues, such as the liver, with, for example, Crigler-Najjar syndrome and conditions involving the dysregulation of the cytoskeleton. PBM as a novel therapeutic modality may thus behave as "precision medicine" for the treatment of various neurological diseases and other morbidities. The perspectives presented herein offer a new understanding of the photophysical effects of PBM, which is important when considering the relevance of PBM therapy (PBMt) in clinical applications, including the treatment of diseases and the optimization of health outcomes and performance.
