The Effects of Red-Light Therapy on Human Brain Cells and Depression
Sunghee Chang
Seoul Scholars International Art & Design, Seoul, South Korea
Publication date: January 30, 2025
Seoul Scholars International Art & Design, Seoul, South Korea
Publication date: January 30, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC202433
ABSTRACT
This research aims to determine the side effects of red-light laser therapy that may affect the human brain and a specific focus on depression. Even though red-light therapy has been applied in the treatment of various conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorders (SAD), there is limited information on the effects of prolonged exposure to light on the brain cells. This study investigates the effects of seven days of red laser (660 nm) on cellular morphology and genes related to depression in A172 human-derived brain cells. Several tests were carried out, and the results depicted a noticeable metamorphosis in the morphology of treated cells, which may lead to cell damage. Moreover, the present study showed that five depression-related genes, including BDNF, SLC6A4, NR3C1, CRH, and IL6, were significantly upregulated in the laser groups detected by RT-qPCR. Such accumulation of red-light exposure may negatively impact the brain cells and raise questions on the safety level of red-light therapy, thereby recommending further study for finding safe exposure to red-light therapy.
This research aims to determine the side effects of red-light laser therapy that may affect the human brain and a specific focus on depression. Even though red-light therapy has been applied in the treatment of various conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorders (SAD), there is limited information on the effects of prolonged exposure to light on the brain cells. This study investigates the effects of seven days of red laser (660 nm) on cellular morphology and genes related to depression in A172 human-derived brain cells. Several tests were carried out, and the results depicted a noticeable metamorphosis in the morphology of treated cells, which may lead to cell damage. Moreover, the present study showed that five depression-related genes, including BDNF, SLC6A4, NR3C1, CRH, and IL6, were significantly upregulated in the laser groups detected by RT-qPCR. Such accumulation of red-light exposure may negatively impact the brain cells and raise questions on the safety level of red-light therapy, thereby recommending further study for finding safe exposure to red-light therapy.
