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Harnessing Photobiomodulation Light for Therapeutic or Prevention of Human Diseases
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Harnessing Photobiomodulation Light for Therapeutic or Prevention of Human Diseases

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2025 | Viewed by 8305

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Reem Hanna

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Guest Editor
1. Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, UCL-Eastman Dental Institute, Medical Faculty, London WC1E 6DE, UK
2. Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, Laser Centre Therapy, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
Interests: laser therapy; photobiomodulation; laser–tissue/matter interaction; oral surgery; oral medicine and pathology; orofacial and neuropathic pain; bone regeneration; suppotive care for cancer; neurorehabilitation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The human antioxidant system works as a complex unit to regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cellular antioxidant defenses usually maintain ROS/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) at a concentration level that prevents an excess oxidation of cellular molecules. Mitochondrial dysfunction can result in a reduction in thesynthesis of high-energy molecules such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Given the fundamental role of the mitochondrial organelle, organs and tissues require effective antioxidant therapy to illuminate the mitochondria, augment ATP production, and regulate ROS and nitric oxide to restore mitochondrial function. This is crucial in the management of several diseases. In this context, photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy has emerged as a non-invasive treatment modality in the management of pain, accelerating tissue repair and regeneration, due to its significant biomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this Special Issue is to underline the advances of PBM in the management of diseases, as well as the advanced research on regenerative biomaterials and their interactions with the PBM light to optimise clinical performance and ultimately enhance patients’ quality of life. Both original research and review papers are welcomed.

Prof. Dr. Reem Hanna
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Clinical Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • neurorehabilitation
  • supportive care for cancer
  • reproductive health
  • dental and oral diseases
  • viral and bacterial diseases
  • wound care
  • dermatology
  • sports rehabilitation
  • bone and musculoskeletal diseases
  • PBM mechanism
  • ophthalmology
  • stem cells and regenerative medicine
  • pain and addiction management
  • PBM-tissue interaction

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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15 pages, 2346 KiB  
Article
Neurometabolite Changes After Transcranial Photobiomodulation in Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating Dose-Dependent Effects
by David R. A. Coelho, Ümit Tural, Aura Maria Hurtado Puerto, Katherine Anne Collins, Maia Beth Gersten, Zamfira Parincu, Kari Siu, Dan Vlad Iosifescu, Eva-Maria Ratai, Paolo Cassano and Akila Weerasekera
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(10), 3402; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14103402 - 13 May 2025
Viewed by 174
Abstract
Background: Transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) is a promising non-invasive therapy for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). MDD is associated with altered brain metabolism, including changes in N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), and creatine (Cr). This study assessed the effects of varying t-PBM doses on neurometabolite levels [...] Read more.
Background: Transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) is a promising non-invasive therapy for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). MDD is associated with altered brain metabolism, including changes in N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), and creatine (Cr). This study assessed the effects of varying t-PBM doses on neurometabolite levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and their correlations with clinical outcomes. Methods: In this randomized, sham-controlled, cross-over study, 33 adults with MDD received one session of t-PBM at low, medium, and high doses and a sham treatment. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) measured NAA, Cho, and Cr pre- and post-treatment. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Symptoms of Depression Questionnaire (SDQ). Statistical analyses included paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for neurometabolite changes, and linear mixed-effects regression models for t-PBM dose, neurometabolites, and time effects. Results: NAA levels increased significantly (7.52 ± 0.777 to 8.12 ± 1.05 mmol/L for one session; 7.36 ± 0.85 to 7.85 ± 0.68 mmol/L across all sessions); however, these changes were not associated with specific t-PBM doses or sham. No significant changes were observed for Cho and Cr levels. Positive correlations were found between Cho levels and MADRS scores (r = 0.59, p = 0.017), and negative correlations between Cr levels and SDQ scores at the medium dose (r = −0.91, p = 0.011). Conclusions: While NAA levels increased, and correlations between neurometabolites and clinical outcomes were observed, these findings do not suggest a specific effect of t-PBM. Larger randomized controlled trials with optimized dosing protocols, extended follow-up, and advanced spectroscopy are needed to clarify the neurometabolic therapeutic potential of t-PBM in MDD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Harnessing Photobiomodulation Light for Therapeutic or Prevention of Human Diseases)
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15 pages, 3258 KiB  
Article
Health-Related Quality of Life with Iatrogenic Inferior Alveolar Nerve Injuries Treated with Photobiomodulation: A Comparative Study
by João Mendes de Abreu, Tiago Nunes, Pedro A. Almiro, José Figueiredo and Ana Corte-Real
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(23), 7237; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13237237 - 28 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1054
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) creates a biostimulatory or modulatory effect, promoting tissue regeneration and improving patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). PBM has shown promise as an effective treatment and management strategy for peripheral nerve injuries, including inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) damage. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) creates a biostimulatory or modulatory effect, promoting tissue regeneration and improving patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). PBM has shown promise as an effective treatment and management strategy for peripheral nerve injuries, including inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) damage. This study aims to assess the impact of PBM on HRQoL in patients with iatrogenic IAN injuries. Methods: A prospective study was implemented to investigate the research question. PBM treatments were administered weekly, with patient discharge contingent upon either complete recovery or stabilization of associated signs and symptoms. HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire at the initial and final appointments. Results: The study included 71 participants, divided into 3 groups based on etiology: inferior third molar surgery, mandibular orthognathic surgery, and dental implant surgery. The results showed a widespread reduction of symptoms along with a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001) across four of the five dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, as well as in patients’ perceived health levels in both Groups I and II. Group III patients also demonstrated a notable improvement; however, due to the small sample size, statistical analysis was not conducted for this group. Conclusions: PBM demonstrated a comparable ability to enhance HRQoL and alleviate symptoms in patients with IAN injuries within different etiologies. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the protocol used in this study and highlight potential avenues for expanding research in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Harnessing Photobiomodulation Light for Therapeutic or Prevention of Human Diseases)
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25 pages, 2650 KiB  
Article
The Efficacy of Multiwavelength Red and Near-Infrared Transdermal Photobiomodulation Light Therapy in Enhancing Female Fertility Outcomes and Improving Reproductive Health: A Prospective Case Series with 9-Month Follow-Up
by Ruth Phypers, Venera Berisha-Muharremi and Reem Hanna
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(23), 7101; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13237101 - 24 Nov 2024
Viewed by 4984
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Female infertility due to unexpected causes exhibits a great challenge for both clinicians and women who are trying to conceive. The present clinical case series study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of multiple wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) laser photobiomodulation [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Female infertility due to unexpected causes exhibits a great challenge for both clinicians and women who are trying to conceive. The present clinical case series study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of multiple wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) laser photobiomodulation (PBM) for increasing the potential of fertility in women and improving reproductive health in unexplained infertility issues. The objectives were to assess the following: (1) any adverse effects; (2) the possibility of producing an effective PBM protocol; (3) and healthy live birth. The inclusion criteria were to related to females who failed to conceive naturally beyond two years, multiple miscarriages, molar pregnancy, non-viable embryos from in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles, and failure to complete successful implantation of viable pre-implantation genetic tested (PGT-A) embryos. Methods: Case series of three female subjects with unexplained age-related infertility issues, which included a failure to conceive naturally beyond two years, multiple miscarriages, molar pregnancy, non-viable embryos from IVF cycles, and failure to complete successful implantation of viable pre-implantation genetic tested (PGT-A) embryos. In each case, previous conditions were recorded and then compared with outcomes after the patient received a course of PBM treatments. In every case, fertility outcomes improved. Three cases resulted in a full-term pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby. PBM treatments were given at weekly and/or at two-week intervals using IR and NIR wavelengths between 600 nm and 1000 nm in the lead up to natural conception, IVF oocyte retrieval, blastocyst/embryo implantation, and/or the production of viable embryos. Results: In every case, fertility outcomes improved. Improvements in reproductive health outcomes in each case give reason to suggest that PBM may help to improve unexplained age-related infertility. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that multiwavelength of red and NIR PBM with either an LED or laser, or a combination, improved female fertility and reproductive health and contributed to healthy live births in females diagnosed with unexplained age-related infertility. Extensive studies with robust data are warranted to validate our PBM dosimetry and treatment protocols. Moreover, understanding the genetic and phenotype biomarkers is important to standardise a range of PBM light dosimetry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Harnessing Photobiomodulation Light for Therapeutic or Prevention of Human Diseases)
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12 pages, 547 KiB  
Study Protocol
A Pilot Study Comparing Intraoral and Transcutaneous Photobiomodulation for Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy or Chemoradiotherapy
by Jordan Eber, Anna Schohn, Hélène Carinato, Youssef Brahimi, Martin Schmitt and Georges Noël
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(7), 2430; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14072430 - 2 Apr 2025
Viewed by 449
Abstract
Background: Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy has shown potential in managing oral mucositis (OM), a frequent and painful side effect of radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients. Although PBM is increasingly used in clinical settings, the optimal delivery method—transcutaneous or intraoral—remains [...] Read more.
Background: Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy has shown potential in managing oral mucositis (OM), a frequent and painful side effect of radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients. Although PBM is increasingly used in clinical settings, the optimal delivery method—transcutaneous or intraoral—remains undetermined. Methods: This prospective, single-center, randomized pilot study (clinicaltrials.gov NCT06458517) aims to compare the efficacy of transcutaneous versus intraoral PBM in preventing and managing OM in patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for cancers of the oral cavity or oropharynx. Participants will be randomized into two groups: one receiving intraoral PBM with the CareMin650™ device, and the other receiving transcutaneous PBM with the ATP38® device. Results: Primary and secondary outcomes will include the incidence and severity of OM, treatment interruptions, patient-reported pain levels, and quality of life, assessed using validated tools. Conclusions: This study will provide comparative data on two PBM modalities, contributing to the development of standardized PBM protocols in supportive oncology care and informing future multicenter trials aimed at improving patient outcomes during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Harnessing Photobiomodulation Light for Therapeutic or Prevention of Human Diseases)
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14 pages, 495 KiB  
Protocol
Efficacy and Safety of Photobiomodulation in MELAS: Protocol for a Series of N-of-1 Trials
by E-Liisa Laakso, Tatjana Ewais, Katie McMahon, Josephine Forbes and Liza Phillips
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(6), 2047; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14062047 - 17 Mar 2025
Viewed by 845
Abstract
Background: There is no cure for mitochondrial diseases which manifest in numerous ways including fatigue, muscle weakness, and exercise intolerance. Medical treatment varies and focuses on managing symptoms. Photobiomodulation (PBM) can decrease mitochondrial damage thereby increasing energy production and decreasing cell death. [...] Read more.
Background: There is no cure for mitochondrial diseases which manifest in numerous ways including fatigue, muscle weakness, and exercise intolerance. Medical treatment varies and focuses on managing symptoms. Photobiomodulation (PBM) can decrease mitochondrial damage thereby increasing energy production and decreasing cell death. This pilot study will apply PBM to people with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) to examine the safety of application, and if changes occur in symptoms and signs after cross-over application/withdrawal of a sham or active PBM treatment including a two-week period of washout. Methods: This study is an exploratory, prospective series N-of-1 (single patient) studies. The protocol is guided by the CONSORT extension for reporting N-of-1 trials (CENT 2015), chosen due to the rarity of mitochondrial diseases, the fluctuating symptomology, and heterogeneity of the clinical presentation. The primary outcome is patient-reported fatigue assessed using the Checklist of Individual Strength and with concomitant evaluation of safety. Secondary measures are of depression, anxiety and stress, sleepiness, physical activity, blood lactate and creatine kinase, physical measures of sit-to-stand, and heel raise capability. Mitochondrial function will be evaluated using hydrogen magnetic resonance spectroscopy for lactate. PBM will be a participant-administered, home-based therapy using a multiple diode flexible array (BeniLight iLED-Pro Multi-Wave Multi-Pulse belt; 465 nm, 660 nm, 850 nm; average irradiance 5.23 mW/cm2; total joules: 770.1 J/treatment, all sites; 5 KHz; 20% duty ratio) over the anterior thigh muscles, posterior calf muscles and abdomen for 10 min to each site, three times/week. The safety of the intervention will be assessed. Descriptive statistics, causal analyses of time series data and dynamic modelling will be applied as relevant to the variables collected. Hydrogen magnetic resonance spectra will be acquired and averaged to obtain the content of the targeted hydrogen levels. Discussion: The study will provide guidance on whether and how to progress to a larger, randomised cohort study with sham control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Harnessing Photobiomodulation Light for Therapeutic or Prevention of Human Diseases)
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