The Role of Photobiomodulation Therapy in Enhancing Neurogenesis: Mechanisms and Applications.

BACKGROUND

Adult neurogenesis, critical for neural repair and functional plasticity, is impaired in neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

OBJECTIVE

This review summarizes the physiological basis of adult neurogenesis and photobiomodulation (PBM) fundamentals, clarifies PBM-induced neurogenesis mechanisms, evaluates its pre-clinical/clinical efficacy and safety, and addresses translational challenges to support clinical translation.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We synthesized relevant literature, covering adult neurogenesis characteristics, PBM principles/mechanisms, pre-clinical studies in disorder models, clinical safety/efficacy data, and comparisons with conventional neurogenic therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

PBM promotes neurogenesis via regulating neural stem cell activity, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress. Pre-clinical/clinical evidence confirms its safety and efficacy; despite parameter and long-term safety challenges, it has great potential in neuroregenerative medicine.