Before delving into a seemingly esoteric subject of intranasal photobiomodulation (iPBM), it makes sense to acknowledge the process of creative discovery.

Every invention started with an idea. Some ideas were products of lucky accidents, leading to a discovery. Ultimately, a few happy flukes ended up spearheading innovations, often very important ones. These serendipitous discoveries usually happened to those who were prepared to recognize and to understand them. For example, the principle of the microwave oven was discovered by accident. Thus, during an experiment a chocolate bar melted in the researcher’s pocket, triggering a series of scientific ideas and conclusions.

In some cases, time was critical in gaining knowledge of the subject matter to make the idea work. Consequently, some inventions took a long time to develop. From an idea to execution of a functional product, years, decades, sometimes centuries, could pass. Such was the case with the helicopter and sewing machine concepts, which Leonardo da Vinci envisioned during Renaissance.

However, what does it all have to do with intranasal photobiomodulation, you may ask? The only commonality is the principle of creative discovery. Interestingly, the idea of intranasal photobiomodulation concept came first, and the strongest support for that idea came years later.

Validating Intranasal Photobiomodulation Concept

In the summer of 2019, a group of French researchers from IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM U1194, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France, published an important research article. Entitled, “Blood contains circulating cell-free respiratory competent mitochondria”, this article presents important new findings. This research study drastically departs from the previous assumptions and confirms the presence of mitochondria in the blood.

Potentially numerous, implications and applications of this finding can have significant impact. Meanwhile, it answers an important question regarding the delivery and effects of the systemic iPBM technique. Furthermore, unintendedly, this study provided strong scientific explanation and validation of the systemic effects of intranasal photobiomodulation.

Notably, it is important not to confuse systemic intranasal photobiomodulation (iPBM) with brain-focused iPBM, which is a form of transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM). On the one hand, systemic intranasal photobiomodulation delivers visible red light to the systems of the body via blood. On the other hand, transcranial-intranasal PBM delivers a more powerful, invisible near infrared (NIR) light to the brain transcranially via the nasal passage. The principles of photobiomodulation applied to both of these processes are the same and based on mitochondrial and cellular functions. However, the effects of these two types of PBM on the body are different and variable.

Principles of Intranasal Photobiomodulation and Systemic Applications

The data from the previous years of research was pointing to the fact that the blood absorbed red light energy. This was the initial stage in the blood PBM process. Following the absorption, the blood delivered the energy of the light throughout the body. It is during this delivery stage that stimulation of and increase in mitochondrial activity happened. Consequently, following the latter stage, systemic effects of intranasal photobiomodulation presented themselves. Later studies supported the hypothesis of increased cellular functions and, ultimately, gene transcription.

Research Supports the Benefits of Photobiomodulation

Numerous research studies have been published over the last decade supporting the benefits of photobiomodulation in various applications. For example, in the paper published in the Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, by Ann Liebert et al, the authors state: “It is generally accepted that the single most important chromophore in the red and near infrared (NIR) regions of the spectrum is cytochrome c oxidase (CCO). CCO is unit IV of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. When CCO absorbs light, the enzyme activity increases. Consequently, it leads to increased electron transport, more oxygen consumption, higher mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased ATP production.¹ Signaling molecules are produced, including a brief burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide, cyclic AMP, and movements in intracellular calcium.

These signaling molecules result in activation of transcription factors. Furthermore, changes in the expression of a multitude of gene products, including structural proteins, enzymes, and mediators of cell division and cell migration occur.” (Ann Liebert et al, 2019 Nov 1; 37(11): 681–693. Published online 2019 Nov 12. doi: 10.1089/photob.2019.4628).

Furthermore, AMIS Press published an important paper entitled Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation (M. Hamblin 2017). There, Dr. Hamblin notes: “… One of the most reproducible effects of PBM is an overall reduction in inflammation, …”. Overall reduction in inflamation is a factor that speaks to general systemic effect that photobiomodulation can induce. This finding warrants more studies in order to examine further this systemic effect and its implications.

The Anatomy of Systemic iPBM

The hypothesis is that the blood is the primary carrier of the light energy absorbed during PBM sessions. This assumption triggered anatomic research to pinpoint areas with a good access to the bloodstream. The rational was that placement of a PBM source in such areas could provide the best setup for blood PBM to induce systemic effects.

One such area was the nasal passage with its dense capillary network. The capillaries provide the required access to the bloodstream. Thus, the nasal passage offered a good access point option for the light to enter the blood. However, the question regarding the placement of the light source and delivery method of the light remained.

At this point it makes sense to revisit the creative discovery principle. The process of new and imaginative thinking guided and helped to formulate the idea of a nasal applicator. Thus, the nasal applicator was a simple and elegant solution for the PBM delivery method and the light source placement.

Connecting more dots, the research by French scientists, who found free-floating mitochondria in the blood, validates the intranasal PBM concept. Putting aside the complexities of the science behind this discovery, its importance is undeniable. In terms of PBM, the free-floating mitochondria helps to explain the systemic effect nature of the intranasal photobiomodulation approach.

The post Intranasal Photobiomodulation: Basic Principles first appeared on Vielight Inc - Deutsch.

The post Intranasal Photobiomodulation: Basic Principles appeared first on Vielight Inc - Deutsch.

How does light energy from a Vielight intranasal device positioned inside the nose affect the inner systems? This concept could seem unbelievable to the uninitiated. However, those who have used the Vielight red light intranasal devices recognize (and have reported) these full-body effects. Many users experienced positive changes in remote parts of their body, which are attributed to the intranasal light treatment.

We have consistently observed the same phenomenon in our experience with intranasal photobiomodulation (PBM), consistent with literature on PBM research. Several terms have been used to express this effect. For example, one of the terms, “abscopal effects,” is commonly used in cancer therapy. Thus, cancer-fighting drugs applied at one part of the body affect other, remote parts of the body. Other terms describing this phenomenon include “remote PBM” and “circulating factors”. However, these terms are largely viewed as inadequate. Hypothetical explanations have covered the actions of stem cells, platelets, vasodilation, purinergic signaling – each hypothesis having its own merits.

Mechanism of Photobiomodulation

Traditional explanation usually starts with the fundamental mechanism, that is, the action of the mitochondria. Except for red blood cells, mitochondria are found in all cells in the human body. They are the powerhouses of those cells. Mitochondria absorb nutrients from our food and, in a series of biochemical reactions, produce energy-rich molecules. Consequently, these molecules are used to fuel all processes in our bodies.

What is of great interest to PBM, and largely unnoticed in conventional biology, is the ability of the mitochondria to absorb red and near infrared (NIR) light to improve body and brain functions. However, for PBM to take effect, the light in the red and NIR spectra must reach the mitochondria. When that happens, they turn on the gene activating proteins and release nitric oxide to relax blood vessel walls, which also improves blood circulation.

Free-floating Mitochondria and Its Role in Systemic Intranasal Photobiomodulation

Mitochondria have been commonly recognized as embedded inside eukaryotic cells, which are the most common type of human cells. That is now found to be NOT true. French scientists recently showed that numerous free-floating mitochondria are present in the blood circulatory system. They are not all embedded in our cells. This also means we can now potentially deliver therapeutic lights to mitochondria simply by lighting up the blood.

Furthermore, these free-floating mitochondria are considered “respiratory-competent” or ready for activation via PBM. Importantly, the effect of PBM can spread throughout the body via the circulatory system. Consequently, the intranasal photbiomodulation effect becomes systemic. This means that it can reach regions that are remote from the point of irradiation and deliver whole-body, systemic effects.

A Canadian study has found that platelets release these mitochondria to various parts of the body. Platelets, responsible for blood clotting, are mitochondria-rich cells present in the blood. The mitochondria of these cells can also be activated in the same way as in other eukaryotic cells when they are exposed to red or NIR light. The resulting respiratory-competent, energy-producing mitochondria could be released and be attributable for numerous free-floating or extracellular mitochondria in the blood system.

In summary, the presence of free-floating mitochondria in the blood is a credible explanation for the systemic effect of PBM when the blood is irradiated with red and NIR light. The Vielight intranasal devices, particularly the ones with the visible red light applicators, irradiate the blood and induce the systemic effect. The presence and activity of free-floating mitochondria help to explain why we experience systemic whole-body effects of PBM with the Vielight intranasal devices.

The above content was contributed by Dr. Lew Lim, PhD., Founder & CEO of Vielight.

Vielight to Participate in AAPB 2020

Biofeedback and neurofeedback researchers and practitioners will be gathering for their annual event at AAPB 2020 in La Jolla, California on April 1-4, 2020. Dr. Lew Lim is scheduled to deliver an oral presentation entitled, “Photobiomodulation as Adjunct Intervention for Neurofeedback”.
According to Dr. Lim, “Based on what we have learned over the last few years, we feel that neurofeedback practitioners are missing a lot, if they do not have an understanding of photobiomodulation (PBM). It is a safe and easy intervention that can potentially improve the outcomes significantly. I hope to help with the education with this presentation. In addition, Vielight will also have a booth to showcase the various ways to apply PBM.”

Last, but not least, a Vielight neuroscientist, Dr. Mahta Karimpoor, will showcase the capabilities of the Vielight Neuro Pro device. Representing the next step in Vielight’s transcranial PBM (tPBM) technology, this new device is expected to be ready for production by the end of 2020.

Dr. Lew Lim to speak at the online Brain Degeneration Summit

Take this opportunity to learn about Brain Degeneration Summit without physically attending a conference. It is an online summit held between April 6-12, 2020. A group of 33 knowledge leaders are expected to deliver education-rich material focused on support of brain health, and based on natural medicine.

Dr. Lew Lim of Vielight will be presenting his perspective on the use of transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), and its relevance to brain degeneration. Dr. Lim will cover the rationale for using tPBM in mitigating the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease, among other applications. His presentation is entitled “Light Therapy for Brain Degeneration”. More information and registration details can be found on Brain Degeneration Summit website by following this link.

Zara Abbaspour, MD, Joins Vielight as a Research Physician

Dr. Zara Abbaspour adds further to the deep multi-disciplinary research talent pool of Vielight. She will provide her knowledge and experience as a research medical doctor. Zara is a board-certified practicing family physician in Iran and served in Germany, prior to her relocation to Canada. She brings specialized experience in psychosomatic and gastrointestinal medicines, as well as emergency medicine. She has been involved in the applications of EEG at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, researching mood and anxiety disorders, and addiction.

Stacey Phelan Joins Vielight’s Customer Service

Vielight continues to prioritize effective customer service. It is a challenging area in view of responding to the information needs of customers by providing evidence-based support without overstating the therapeutic values of the Vielight technology. Originally from the Republic of Ireland, Stacey now resides in Toronto. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Public Administration.

The post Intranasal Photobiomodulation Effects: Systemic Nature and Free-Floating Mitochondria first appeared on Vielight Inc - Deutsch.

The post Intranasal Photobiomodulation Effects: Systemic Nature and Free-Floating Mitochondria appeared first on Vielight Inc - Deutsch.