New Laser Study - Power, ATP & Oxidative Stress
A recent study on different power levels and their effect on ATP production and oxidative stress had some surprising results.
We always want to increase ATP to help cells heal, or do whatever they need to do, better. Concurrently, we want to diminish oxidative stress, i.e., reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals. The problem lies in the fact that when mitochondria make ATP, ROS are a byproduct.
In this study ATP production and ROS are measured when cells are treated with a laser with 980 nm wavelength with power levels of 0.1W to 1.1W in 0.1 increments. Watch the video below to see the results, you may be surprised!
MORE ON LASER
We have known for a long time the effects of therapeutic laser (photobiomodultion) on tissues. Laser treatment can reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. We know that wavelengths from 400-1064nm can affect tissues. We know the overall mechanisms of how lasers work but in some cases we are still figuring out the specific details for each wavelength.
Mitochondria
As we know, mitochondria generate ATP, which is then used by the cell as a source of energy. Oxidative stress from ROS, which are generated during the metabolism of the mitochondria, is a by-product that cannot be avoided.
These ROS will uncouple the mitochondria, increasing the oxygen consumption. Overall, this makes the mitochondria work harder but not increase ATP production. A normal cell will have a balance of ROS and ATP production that will keep the ROS from further damaging the cell. However, a cell that has been affected by local trauma will become out of balance, the ROS production will go up and there will not be enough ATP to prevent further damage to the cell. By increasing the ATP production in a cell, balance, homeostasis, is returned to the cell.
The 980 nm wavelength is commonly used in several of the lasers we use in veterinary medicine. We know these lasers work, and as we can see from this study, we know we will need higher levels of power at our target tissue to have beneficial effects. With laser therapy we can definitely create those beneficial effects. By increasing the energy metabolism of the mitochondria, and therefore the ATP level, the oxidative stress is reduced and an unhealthy, out-of-balance cell can be moved back to health and homeostasis.
For the full article, see: Photobiomodulation and Oxidative Stress: 980nm Diode Laser Light Regulates Mitochondrial Activity and Reactive Oxygen Species Production