Transcranial Near-Infrared Therapy (tNIR)
Transcranial Near-Infrared Therapy (tNIR)
Transcranial near-infrared therapy (tNIR), also known as transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique that uses low-level near-infrared (NIR) light to penetrate the scalp and skull, modulating brain function at cellular and systemic levels. It has shown promise in treating neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive disorders by enhancing mitochondrial function, reducing inflammation, and promoting neuroprotection.
Mechanisms of Action
- Mitochondrial Stimulation: NIR light stimulates cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, increasing ATP production and improving cellular energy metabolism.
- Oxidative Stress Management: tNIR reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promotes nitric oxide release, leading to vasodilation and improved blood flow.
- Neuroprotection and Neurogenesis: It supports synaptogenesis, neuronal growth, and stem cell activation via pathways involving brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and ERK/CREB signaling.
- Glymphatic System Activation: Enhances clearance of metabolic waste and protein aggregates, supporting brain homeostasis.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Modulates immune responses to reduce chronic brain inflammation.
Functional and Clinical Effects
- Improved Functional Connectivity: Functional MRI studies show increased brain network connectivity, particularly in stimulated hemispheres, without thermal effects.
- Modulation of Brain Oscillations: EEG recordings demonstrate increased alpha, beta, and gamma power with decreased slower wave activity, correlating with enhanced cognitive function.
- Enhanced Cerebral Blood Flow and Oxygenation: Laser stimulation increases regional blood perfusion and cortical oxygen availability.
- Potential Therapeutic Benefits: Positive impacts on neurodegenerative disease progression, traumatic brain injury recovery, cognitive enhancement, and mood regulation.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Technique | Noninvasive application of near-infrared light (typically 800-1100 nm) transcranially |
| Primary Mechanisms | Mitochondrial ATP production, oxidative stress reduction, nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation, neurogenesis |
| Brain Effects | Increased functional connectivity, modulation of neural oscillations, improved cerebral blood flow |
| Clinical Applications | Neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic brain injury, cognitive disorders, mood disorders |
| Safety | Nonthermal, well-tolerated, minimal side effects |
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At DrStemCellsThailand (DRSCT)‘s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center of Thailand, we emphasize comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cells for managing various health conditions. If you have questions about Transcranial Near-Infrared Therapy (tNIR) or would like more information on our services, consult with our experts today!
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Key References
- Hamblin MR. Transcranial near-infrared light in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases: mechanisms and clinical applications. Neural Regen Res. 2022 Aug;17(8):1640-1653.
https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.337053
PMC Article - Wang J, et al. Near-Infrared Light Increases Functional Connectivity with a Nonthermal Mechanism. J Neurosci. 2020 Mar 19;40(12):2447-2457.
https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2459-19.2020
PMC Article - Blanco NJ, et al. Pulsed Near Infrared Transcranial and Intranasal Photobiomodulation Increase Power of Brain Oscillations: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Study. Sci Rep. 2019 Apr 19;9(1):6309.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-42693-x
Nature Article - Nizamutdinov D, et al. Transcranial Photobiomodulation with Near-Infrared Light: A Promising Therapeutic Approach for Brain Disorders. Neural Regen Res. 2023 Sep;18(9):1991-1999.
https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.367836
LWW Article
Transcranial near-infrared therapy is an emerging, safe, and promising modality that modulates brain metabolism and connectivity, offering potential benefits for a range of neurological and psychiatric conditions through noninvasive photobiomodulation.
