Condition Focus: Endothelial Function — eNOS/Akt Pathway Activation Across NIR Wavelengths
This study from Yokomizo and colleagues, published in the FASEB Journal (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology), identified the specific molecular pathway through which NIR PBM activates nitric oxide production in endothelial cells — the cells lining blood vessel walls.
The pathway is precise: NIR light triggers phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473, which in turn phosphorylates eNOS at Ser1177. Phosphorylated eNOS produces NO, which diffuses to surrounding smooth muscle cells and triggers vasodilation. The researchers also demonstrated enhanced endothelial cell migration — relevant to angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) and vascular repair.
Three NIR wavelengths were tested — 808 nm, 1064 nm, and 1270 nm — and all activated the eNOS/Akt pathway. This wavelength-independence within the NIR range suggests that the mechanism is robust and not dependent on hitting one narrow wavelength window, giving confidence that the G.O.A.T.’s 850 nm output will activate this pathway effectively.
The FASEB Journal publication adds credibility: this is a premier biomedical research journal with rigorous peer review standards, and publication here indicates the findings meet the highest experimental standards.
G.O.A.T. for Gout Alignment:
The G.O.A.T.’s 850 nm wavelength sits between the 808 nm and 1064 nm tested here, both of which activated eNOS/Akt. The wavelength-independence within NIR confirms that the G.O.A.T.’s output will trigger this vasodilatory pathway for improved joint perfusion.
Link to original research here
Editor’s note: The eNOS/Akt pathway mapped here is the molecular mechanism underlying the capillary flow increase demonstrated in Gavish et al 2020. The human in vivo NO release confirming deep tissue effects is in Barolet et al 2024. The complementary CCO nitrite reductase pathway is described in Poyton & Ball 2011. The comprehensive NO signalling review integrating all pathways is Keszler et al 2023.
Related Articles
- Microcirculatory Response to PBM: RCT – Gavish et al 2020
- In Vivo NO Release from Human Skin Post PBM – Barolet et al 2024
- CCO as Nitrite Reductase: Novel PBM Function – Poyton & Ball 2011
- PBM and Nitric Oxide Signaling – Keszler et al 2023
- PBM Stimulates Lymphatic Contractility and Flow – 2020
Key Takeaways
- eNOS/Akt pathway identified: Akt-P (Ser473) → eNOS-P (Ser1177) → NO release
- All tested NIR wavelengths (808, 1064, 1270 nm) activated the pathway — wavelength-independent within NIR
- Enhanced endothelial migration — supports vascular repair and angiogenesis
- Published in FASEB Journal — premier biomedical research standard
Study Overview
| Study Type: | Mechanistic (in vitro) |
| Wavelength(s): | 808 nm; 1064 nm; 1270 nm |
| Treatment Protocol: | Endothelial cell cultures with pathway analysis |
| Sample Size: | Endothelial cell cultures |
| Primary Outcome: | Akt-P↑; eNOS-P↑; NO↑; endothelial migration↑ |
Full Citation
Yokomizo S, et al. (2022). Near-infrared II photobiomodulation augments nitric oxide bioavailability via phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. FASEB Journal, 36(3), e22490. View Publication
