Figure 1 Phototherapy and the underlying mechanisms. (IMAGE)
Caption
Figure 1 Phototherapy and the underlying mechanisms. a) Introduction of light. The electromagnetic spectrum illustrates the distribution of electromagnetic waves across various wavelengths. The enlarged section corresponds to the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared regions, which are the primary wavelengths used in phototherapy applications. b) Schematic representation of the main mechanisms involved in phototherapy, including optogenetics, photobiomodulation, photodynamic therapy, and blue light therapy. Optogenetics activates light-sensitive proteins, such as channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), allowing significant cation influx, particularly Na+, through ion channels, leading to depolarization and neuronal excitation. Photobiomodulation employs red and near infrared (NIR) light to activate cytochrome C oxidase (CCO) in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, enhancing ATP synthesis and reducing oxidative stress while upregulating signaling molecules such as nitric oxide (NO) and calcium ions (Ca2+). ATP, adenosine triphosphate. Photodynamic therapy uses light of specific wavelengths to activate photosensitizers (PSs), generating reactive oxygen species (•OH, •O2-, and 1O2) to eliminate cancers and pathogens. Blue light phototherapy enhances bilirubin absorption in the skin, converting it into water-soluble lumirubin, which is excreted from the body without hepatic metabolism. c) Representative applications of diseases treated with phototherapy.
Credit
Min Lu et al.
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