The therapeutic method of photobiomodulation has the ability to improve visual function and protect the retina
The study showed that photobiomodulation (PBM) stimulates mitochondria in photoreceptors to produce specific protective proteins that reduce cellular stress, protect against oxidative damage and promote cell survival. These defence mechanisms are key to the neuroprotective effects of PBM, which not only prevent retinal damage but also improve the eye’s ability to process visual information.
Complex I and II were found to be additional targets of photobiomodulation along with complex IV of the respiratory chain.
In addition to the already known target of photobiomodulation, complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase), light treatment also leads to an increase in the activity of complexes I and II in the inner and outer segments of photoreceptors. Especially in the outer segments, where mitochondria are often absent, light therapy has been found to stimulate extramitochondrial proteins. These findings suggest that complex IV may not be the main or even only target of photobiomodulation. The observed improvement in respiratory function, both mitochondrial and extramitochondrial, is linked to lower levels of oxidative stress and a reduction in mitochondria-induced cell death (apoptosis). This suggests that photobiomodulation may be beneficial in the prevention or treatment of degenerative eye diseases.
