Condition focus: Inherited Retinal Degeneration & Genetic Disease
Inherited retinal degenerations represent a genetically heterogeneous group of progressive blinding diseases with limited therapeutic options. This study investigated whether photobiomodulation could slow disease progression in animal models of inherited retinal degeneration, specifically examining effects in rhodopsin P23H transgenic rats that model autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. Animals received 670 nm near-infrared LED treatment from early disease stages, with retinal function and structure assessed longitudinally through electroretinography and histological analysis.
Results demonstrated that 670 nm treatment significantly preserved photoreceptor function and slowed structural degeneration in P23H rats compared to untreated controls. Electroretinography showed maintained a-wave and b-wave amplitudes in treated animals at timepoints where controls exhibited severe functional decline. Histological examination revealed increased outer nuclear layer thickness preservation and reduced photoreceptor apoptosis. The protective effects were sustained over extended treatment periods. These findings establish proof-of-concept that photobiomodulation can modify disease progression in genetic retinal degenerations, likely through enhanced mitochondrial function, reduced oxidative stress, and improved protein handling in stressed photoreceptors carrying mutant rhodopsin.
WaveFront Alignment:
Gopalakrishnan’s demonstration that 670 nm slows inherited retinal degeneration validates the Spectral WaveFront’s potential for genetic retinal diseases, supporting applications beyond age-related conditions to include patients with progressive hereditary retinal dystrophies.
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Editor’s note: Gopalakrishnan 2012 establishes 670 nm efficacy in inherited retinal degeneration models. For related photoreceptor protection, see Albarracin 2011 and Chu-Tan 2016. Clinical applications in retinitis pigmentosa appear in Ivandic 2014 and Koev 2015. Broader mechanistic context in Beirne 2017 and Fitzgerald 2010.
Related Articles
- PBM Protects Photoreceptors from Light-Induced Degeneration – Albarracin 2011
- Efficacy of 670 nm Light Therapy Depends on Damage Severity – Chu-Tan 2016
- Low-Level Laser Therapy in Retinitis Pigmentosa – Ivandic 2014
- Application of LLLT in Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa – Koev 2015
- Photostimulation of Mitochondria for Retinal Neurodegeneration – Beirne 2017
Key Takeaways
- 670 nm treatment preserved photoreceptor function and slowed degeneration in P23H retinitis pigmentosa model
- Electroretinography showed maintained amplitudes at timepoints with severe functional decline in controls
- Increased outer nuclear layer preservation and reduced photoreceptor apoptosis in treated animals
- Establishes proof-of-concept for disease-modifying photobiomodulation in genetic retinal degenerations
Study Overview
| Study Type: | Animal model (inherited retinal degeneration) |
| Wavelength(s): | 670 nm (near-infrared) |
| Treatment Protocol: | LED treatment from early disease stages in P23H transgenic rats |
| Sample Size: | P23H rat models with longitudinal electrophysiology and histology |
| Primary Outcome: | Preserved photoreceptor function and slowed structural degeneration versus controls |
Full Citation
Gopalakrishnan S, et al. (2012). Photobiomodulation preserves mitochondrial redox state and is retinoprotective in a rodent model of retinitis pigmentosa. Sci Rep, 2:558. View Publication
