Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, happens when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing irreversible damage to the heart muscle.

Despite many advances in medicine, acute myocardial infarction remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality, making the development of new therapies an urgent need. This is where the illuminating power of light comes into the picture.

What is Photobiomodulation

Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level light therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive therapeutic approach that involves the use of low-power lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate cells and tissues, promoting healing, and reducing inflammation and pain.

Research has shown that PBM can have beneficial effects on various tissues, including skin, muscle, bone, and nervous system. Moreover, recent studies suggest that PBM might have a protective effect against myocardial infarction.

Light for Heart Health – Acute Myocardial Infarction

A study published in the Journal of Biomedical Optics investigated the effect of PBM on the heart function of rats with acute myocardial infarction.

The researchers treated the animals with PBM using a 670-nm laser for 14 days and assessed the cardiac function using echocardiography.

The results showed that PBM treatment significantly improved the cardiac function in rats with myocardial infarction.

The authors proposed that the beneficial effect of PBM could be attributed to the activation of cellular pathways involved in the protection of the heart against ischemia and reperfusion injury.

Light for Heart Health – Chronic Heart Failure

Another study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B investigated the potential of PBM to improve the cardiac function in rats with chronic heart failure.

The researchers used a 635-nm LED for 30 minutes a day for 12 weeks and assessed the cardiac function using echocardiography and histopathology.

The results showed that PBM treatment significantly improved the cardiac function in rats with chronic heart failure.

The authors suggested that the beneficial effect of PBM could be attributed to the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation in the heart tissue.

Light for Heart Health – Cardiac Tissue Engineering

The potential of PBM for cardiac tissue engineering has also been investigated.

A study published in Scientific Reports evaluated the effect of PBM on the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into cardiomyocytes, the cells responsible for the contractile function of the heart.

The researchers treated the hiPSCs with PBM using a 810-nm laser for 10 minutes a day for 10 days and assessed the expression of genes involved in cardiomyocyte differentiation using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

The results showed that PBM treatment significantly increased the expression of genes involved in cardiomyocyte differentiation, suggesting that PBM could be a promising tool for cardiac tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Light for Heart Health – Clinical Applications

Although the evidence supporting the beneficial effects of PBM on the heart is promising, more research is needed to validate its therapeutic potential and to determine the optimal parameters for its clinical application.

Several clinical studies have investigated the use of PBM for the treatment of various cardiovascular conditions, including myocardial infarction, chronic heart failure, and angina pectoris.

A randomized controlled trial published in Lasers in Medical Science evaluated the effect of PBM on the functional capacity and quality of life of patients with chronic heart failure.

The authors treated the patients with PBM using a 905-nm LED for 30 minutes a day for 6 weeks and assessed the functional capacity and quality of life using various questionnaires and tests.

The results showed that PBM treatment significantly improved the functional capacity and quality of life of the patients, suggesting that PBM could be a safe and effective therapy for chronic heart failure.

The Power of Light – Conclusion

The use of PBM for cardiovascular diseases is a promising therapeutic approach that could offer a safe and effective alternative to traditional treatments.

The results of preclinical studies suggest that PBM could have a protective effect against myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and promoting tissue repair. Moreover, the potential of PBM for cardiac tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is an exciting avenue that warrants further investigation.

Overall, the power of light to promote cardioprotection is an emerging field that could shed light on novel therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases.