"Photobiomics": Can Light, Including Photobiomodulation, Alter the Microbiome?

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy
• Human health and disease

Background:

• The human microbiome plays a crucial role in numerous health conditions, including metabolic, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and neurological disorders.
• Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy utilizes low-level light to promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation, with emerging applications in brain diseases.
• Recent research highlights the intricate connection between the gut microbiome and overall health, prompting investigations into novel therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the dual impact of the microbiome and PBM on human health.
• To propose a novel mechanism linking PBM and the microbiome.
• To introduce the concept of "photobiomics" for therapeutic applications.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify studies on light's effects on the microbiome.
• Experimental data from studies involving PBM (red and near-infrared light) on mice and human subjects were reviewed.
• Analysis of PBM's known effects on metabolomics and its demonstrated influence on the microbiome.

Main Results:

• PBM therapy, when applied to the abdomen, has been shown to beneficially alter the gut microbiome in both mice and humans.
• Light exposure, including PBM, can modulate the microbiome and influence circadian rhythms.
• The study establishes a potential link between PBM and microbiome modulation.

Conclusions:

• PBM therapy offers a promising approach to positively influence the human microbiome.
• The newly proposed term "photobiomics" signifies the therapeutic potential of using PBM to modulate the microbiome.
• Further research into the mechanisms of photobiomics could lead to novel treatments for a range of diseases.