A collection of light therapy research articles on the benefits of light therapy use for increasing the production of Nitric Oxide (NO).
NOTE: Researchers use several terms to describe “light therapy”. Photobiomodulation, low level light therapy (LLLT), phototherapy, photon therapy, photo energy, heliotherapy, and sometimes red, blue or (near) infrared radiation are synonymous; they all refer to light therapy.
Light therapy independently increases Nitric Oxide levels
Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin (Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine), knowing the critical role of nitric oxide in angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth/collateral circulation), and understanding low level light’s influence (670nm) on increasing nitric oxide levels, decided to perform a study to see if low level light therapy was able to independently effect nitric oxide levels and angiogenesis. As expected, the study concludes with supporting light therapy’s ability to independently increase nitric oxide levels and increase new blood vessel growth in oxygen-deficient areas. This study is now published in the journal of molecular and cellular cardiology.
Enhancement of Nitric Oxide release from hemoglobin and myoglobin by Red and Near Infrared Light
2009, Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology Original Article
Nitric oxide is an important messenger in numerous biological processes, such as angiogenesis, hypoxic vasodilation, and cardioprotection. Interventions that can increase NO bioavailability have significant therapeutic potential. This study shows that Red and Near Infrared light can release NO, and that this released NO may enhance the cardioprotective effects of nitrite.
Nitric Oxide has analgesic effects and is similar in molecular mechanism of action to morphine
1991, European Journal of Pharmacology Article
This article tests and measures the analgesic effect of Nitric Oxide and compares it the analgesic effects of morphine.
The Role of Nitric Oxide in the Modulation of Pain
2008, Clinical Journal of Pain, Review Article
Pain reduction is a primary goal for people with chronic pain, including patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Progressive loss of movement function and disability, which are directly related to the pain associated with OA, are major reasons for lost work time, eventual exit from the workplace, permanent disability, and large medical costs. Many pain-relieving medications are either not effective and/or have significant side effects. Nitric oxide (NO)-based intervention seems at this time to produce substantial pain relief without undesirable side effects.
Blue Light Releases Nitric Oxide from Hemoglobin
2007, Journal of Molecular Medicine, Research Article
This study demonstrates that blue laser irradiation improves local tissue perfusion in a controlled manner stimulating NO release from NO-Hb complexes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic value of blue laser irradiation for local tissue perfusion after surgical intervention.
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