Cellular and molecular mechanisms of photobiomodulation: A scoping review on therapeutic potential for multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-driven inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has emerged as a promising non-invasive therapeutic strategy for MS; however, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aimed to synthesize preclinical and clinical evidence to delineate the mechanistic pathways of photobiomodulation for multiple sclerosis, while defining the boundaries of this research field, mapping the current literature landscape, and identifying critical knowledge gaps and key unresolved issues.

STUDY

DESIGN

A scoping review conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

METHODS

Database searches were conducted to identify relevant peer-reviewed preclinical and clinical studies. Evidence on the mechanistic pathways, biological activities, and therapeutic effects of photobiomodulation for multiple sclerosis was synthesized and coordinated across in animal and human clinical models.

RESULTS

Photobiomodulation markedly enhances mitochondrial bioenergetics, exerts potent antioxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects, modulates neuroimmune-glial crosstalk, and strengthens cellular neuroprotective plasticity.

CONCLUSION

The synthesized evidence confirms the remarkable therapeutic potential of PBM in multiple sclerosis. The mechanistic insights derived from this review provide a rational basis for optimizing PBM therapeutic regimens and accelerating its clinical translation for the management of MS.