Red Light Therapy and Mitochondrial Rejuvenation in Age-Related Disorders

Aging is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired ATP production, and a decline in tissue regenerative capacity, leading to the development of age-related diseases. This review summarizes current evidence regarding the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on mitochondrial function and age-related disorders. PBM using red and near-infrared light may enhance proper mitochondrial function by acting on cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) and other signaling pathways, including the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel, leading to increased ATP production, modulation of ROS signaling, and improved cellular homeostasis. We review in vitro, animal, and clinical studies investigating PBM in metabolic, neurodegenerative, hepatic, cardiovascular, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and skeletal muscle disorders associated with aging, as well as its application in the management of cancer therapy-related oral mucositis. Current studies demonstrate beneficial effects on glucose metabolism, cardiovascular function, neuronal function, lipid metabolism, liver function, muscle regeneration, and visual function in AMD, as well as the safety and efficacy of PBM in the management of cancer therapy-induced oral mucositis. The therapeutic effects of PBM appear to be dose-dependent and influenced by treatment parameters including wavelength, fluence, irradiance, and exposure protocol. Although photobiomodulation still lacks standardized treatment protocols and differences exist in the wavelengths used, dosage, and frequency among studies, it represents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of age-related diseases.