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    2026, 35(2): 1-2.
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  • Laser Biomodulation: from Nonspecific to Specific Modulation
    YU Qiao, HE Hao
    2026, 35(2): 97-110.
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    Abstract: As a non-invasive method, laser biological modulation technology can manipulate specific molecular processes and functions of cells or organisms at both in vitro and in vivo levels through different mechanisms. This review analyzes the light absorption spectrum of distinct intracellular endogenous photosensitive molecules, elaborates on the main physical mechanisms of laser-tissue interaction, including the photothermal effect and photochemical effect by linear absorption, as well as the multiphoton excitation and weak ionization effect driven by high photon density. This review discusses the possibility of direct specific interactions between laser and different molecules in cells. Based on this, the regulatory mechanisms, applications, technical characteristics and limitations of low-level laser therapy and femtosecond-laser specific modulation technology are derived. This paper further analyzes the biological modulation strategies, technical advantages and limitations of optogenetics and optical uncaging technology, and conducts a detailed comparison of these four technologies. Finally, aiming at the current challenges such as penetration depth limitations caused by tissue scattering, lack of molecular specificity and poor biocompatibility, the causes and potential solutions are specifically elaborated.
    Key words: laser modulation; photobiomodulation; optogenetics; photo-uncaging; femtosecond laser
    （Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2026, 35(2): 097-110）

  • Research Progress in Phototherapy Modulation of Depression
    LIN Huiling, GUO Haoyun, SHEN Qi
    2026, 35(2): 111-120.
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    Abstract: The number of patients with depression across the country is large, leading to significant loss of social labor and high medical costs, which together impose a substantial public health burden. Against the background of high relapse rates and frequent side effects associated with traditional pharmacological interventions, phototherapy modulation technology stands out due to its precision and non-invasive nature. In this review, we explore the multi-level mechanisms of phototherapy modulation in depression from various research perspectives. We also summarize findings from two physical intervention methods—bright light therapy (BLT) and photobiomodulation (PBM)—regarding their effects on non-seasonal depression and related clinical evidence. Finally, we look ahead to a future closed-loop precise photomedicine paradigm based on biofeedback, addressing issues such as standardization of the dose-response relationship and biosafety assessment. This perspective aims to provide theoretical support for the use of phototherapy modulation in treating depression.
    Key words: phototherapy; depression; photobiomodulation; bright light therapy; neural circuit
    （Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2026, 35(2): 111-120）

  • Glymphatic Modulation by 40 Hz Light Therapy: Novel Mechanisms and Therapeutic Prospects in Alzheimer’s Disease
    CHEN Junyu, ZHANG Wenbo, LIU Qiang, ZHANG Zhan
    2026, 35(2): 121-129.
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    Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a major neurodegenerative disorder, involves multiple pathological processes including amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, and neuroinflammation. Although current pharmacotherapies have made some progress, they remain limited by inadequate efficacy, significant side effects, and high costs, which hinder their utility in long-term clinical management. In recent years, physical intervention strategies, particularly non-invasive neuromodulation approaches, have gained increasing research interest. Among these, 40 Hz gamma-frequency light stimulation has attracted considerable attention due to its ability to specifically modulate neural oscillations and its demonstrated potential to mitigate AD pathology and cognitive impairment. Emerging evidence indicates that this therapy may restore glymphatic system function, thereby enhancing metabolic waste clearance in the brain and slowing disease progression. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in 40 Hz light therapy for AD via glymphatic system modulation, examining its mechanisms, animal study findings, current translational status, and future directions, with the aim of laying a theoretical foundation for further research and clinical application in this field.
    Key words: 40 Hz light therapy; non-invasive treatment; Alzheimer’s disease; glymphatic system; aquaporin 4
    （Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2026, 35(2): 121-129）

  • Photobiomodulation for Alzheimer’s Disease: Modulating Neural Cell Functions
    WANG Rong, WU Xiaolei
    2026, 35(2): 130-140.
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    Abstract: Photobiomodulation (PBM), as a rapidly developing branch of translational medicine research, possesses characteristics such as being non-invasive, safe, painless, and biomodulating. PBM has been widely used in the treatment of diseases such as wound healing, chronic pain relieving, and skeletal muscle regeneration. In recent years, it has received special attention in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, there is currently a lack of systematic summaries of the molecular mechanisms and clinical research on PBM’s regulation of different types of nerve cell functions in the treatment of AD. Given this situation, this article reviews the potential mechanisms of action and clinical research progress of PBM in the treatment of AD, starting from the regulation of different cell types, including neurons, astrocytes, microglia and neural stem cells, providing a theoretical basis for the development of non-invasive, non-toxic new AD treatment technologies and their clinical translational applications.
    Key words: photobiomodulation; Alzheimer’s disease; neurodegenerative diseases; different neural cell functions; clinical application
    （Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2026, 35(2): 130-140）

  • Research Progress in Non-invasive Modulation of Brain Lymphatic Function
    SHI Wenbin, GUO Haoyun, MA Wenjing, SHEN Qi
    2026, 35(2): 141-148.
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    Abstract: With the rapid advancement of non-invasive techniques for modulating brain lymphatic function, their critical role in treating neurodegenerative diseases has garnered significant attention. The regulation of the brain lymphatic system, a central pathway for waste clearance in the central nervous system, remains a key research focus in neuroscience. The anatomical complexity of this system such as the interplay between meningeal lymphatic vessels and glymphatic pathways, leads to varied responses under different regulatory technologies. This review aims to summarize recent progress in non-invasive modulation of brain lymphatics, elucidate underlying mechanisms, evaluate clinical applications, and discuss current protective measures along with future research directions. Clarifying the biological effects and mechanisms of lymphatic regulation will help optimize neural repair strategies and establish efficient safety protocols. Specific objectives include: analyzing the physiological basis and target mechanisms of the glymphatic system; assessing optimized approaches using multi-sensory stimulation, low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), and transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) to enhance metabolic waste clearance; evaluating their therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative disease; examining safety standards and protective measures such as energy parameter thresholds and tissue thermal effects; and proposing innovative directions including multi-modal regulation and closed-loop feedback systems. This review provides a theoretical foundation for developing safe and precise targeted interventions for brain lymphatic function.
    Key words: brain lymphatic; photobiomodulation; multi-sensory stimulation; brain clearance; neurodegenerative diseases
    （Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2026, 35(2): 141-148）

  • Transcranial Photobiomodulation for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review of Clinical Evidence
    FU Jie, GAO Zhibing, JIA Hai, LIU Siqi, LI Huabai, ZHANG Long, LI Zhilin, ZHAO Chenguang
    2026, 35(2): 149-161.
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    Abstract: As a complex neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) urgently requires multi-targeted and personalized treatment strategies. Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), a non-invasive neuromodulation technique, utilizes near-infrared light to penetrate the cranium and to target multiple pathological processes, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, neurovascular unit impairment, and glymphatic system dysregulation. Possessing dual properties of metabolic regulation and neuromodulation, tPBM demonstrates significant potential for multi-target intervention, aligning with mainstream drug development strategies, e.g., amyloid β-protein (Aβ) clearance and inflammation modulation. This review provides an analysis of 42 included clinical studies, specifically focusing on sample characteristics, intervention parameters and clinical outcomes, and comprehensively synthesizes mechanistic evidence, clinical advancements, and dosing dosimetric methods of tPBM in AD intervention, emphasizing its applicability in home-based and wearable device trends, while proposing a translational framework that links transcranial optical dosimetry with biological effects. Future advancements may enable tPBM to evolve from population-wide effectiveness to individualized therapy through constructing personalized photon dose-response models integrated with real-time physiological feedback and brain-imaging navigation, thereby positioning tPBM as a pivotal non-pharmacological intervention for AD synergistic treatment and long-term management.
    Key words: Alzheimer’s disease; transcranial photobiomodulation; dosimetry; multitarget therapy; neuromodulation
    （Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2026, 35(2): 149-161）

  • Progress in the Application of PBM Combined with Tissue Engineering in the Treatment of Bone Defec
    CHEN Yufei, HAN Ruiling, JI Shuli
    2026, 35(2): 162-167.
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    Abstract: Bone defects are a serious medical problem in the field of orthopedics that urgently needs to be addressed. Their causes include traumatic fractures, congenital bone developmental abnormalities, and various other conditions, and they usually cannot heal through the body’s own repair mechanisms. Therefore, exploring strategies to efficiently accelerate the repair of bone defects has always been one of the core goals of orthopedic research. Tissue engineering provides critical physical support and a microenvironment for bone defect repair and has become an important direction in bone defect treatment. How to further enhance scaffold-mediated bone regeneration efficiency and optimize repair outcomes is currently a research hotspot in this field. Studies have shown that photobiomodulation (PBM), as a non-invasive physical therapy method, can significantly promote bone tissue regeneration through biological stimulation. Based on this, this paper will systematically analyze the biostimulation mechanism of photobiomodulation and its application practice in the treatment of clinical bone defects, and expound the advantages and clinical application prospects of photobiomodulation, in order to provide new ideas and technical references for the clinical treatment of bone defects.
    Key words: photobiomodulation; tissue engineering; bone defects; mechanism of action; clinical application
    （Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2026, 35(2): 162-167）

  • 40 Hz Light and Sound Sensory Stimulation: An Emerging Strategy for Neurological Disorder Treatment
    WANG Juan, ZHANG Qian, HUANG Zhenyan, CHANG Haocai
    2026, 35(2): 168-178.
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    Abstract: Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) pose serious threats to human health due to the lack of effective treatments. Recent studies on modulating abnormal gamma oscillations, particularly at 40 Hz, offer new therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes the advances in 40 Hz sensory stimulation involving light and sound for improving neuropathology and cognitive function in AD, PD, major depressive disorder (MDD), and epilepsy, explores the mechanisms underlying neural synchronization, and evaluates its potential as a non-invasive treatment. Challenges such as optimizing stimulation parameters, addressing individual variability, and ensuring safety are also discussed, along with the necessity for further mechanistic studies and large-scale clinical validation. In conclusion, 40 Hz sensory stimulation shows promise for treating neurological disorders and provides a foundation for advancements in precision medicine and neuromodulation technology.
    Key words: 40 Hz light and sound sensory stimulation; gamma oscillations; neural synchronization; neurodegenerative diseases; non-invasive treatment
    （Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2026, 35(2): 168-178）

  • The Effects and Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation in the Alleviation of Skin Aging
    LIANG Xuanxi, ZHONG Meiyan, TAN Yongci, AN Xiaorui, CHANG Haocai
    2026, 35(2): 179-184.
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    Abstract: Skin aging is characterized by dermal atrophy, degeneration of elastic fibers, collagen depletion, and attenuated epidermal turnover. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), particularly red light irradiation, has demonstrated promising anti-aging potential; however, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. In this study, we established a natural aging mouse model (18～20 months) to investigate the rejuvenating effects and mechanisms of red light treatment with parameter of 630～635 nm, fluence 8 J/cm2, power density 6.67 mW/cm2, 20 min per session for 28 consecutive days. Our results demonstrated that red light significantly increased dermal thickness and enhanced type I collagen deposition in aged mice. Mechanistic investigations revealed that red light promoted collagen synthesis in fibroblasts via activation of the AKT signaling pathway; concurrently, AKT activation stimulated keratinocyte proliferation with elevated Ki67 expression, and differentiation with increased cytokeratin 10 expression, effects that were abrogated by the AKT inhibitor API-2. These findings collectively indicate that red light mediates coordinated dermal-epidermal remodeling through AKT signaling, providing a theoretical foundation for the application of photobiomodulation therapy in the prevention and treatment of skin aging.
    Key words: photobiomodulation; red light; skin aging; AKT signaling pathway; collagen; keratinocyte
    （Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2026, 35(2): 179-184）

  • Photobiomodulation Attenuates Form-Deprivation Myopia Progression in Mice through a Dopamine-Signaling Cascade
    LI Junyu, GUO Haoyun, SHEN Qi
    2026, 35(2): 185-192.
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    Abstract: Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological physical intervention for myopia control. However, the optimal irradiation parameters and the underlying mechanisms remain to be further clarified. In this study, a form-deprivation myopia (FDM) mouse model was established, and 650 nm PBMT protocols with different power densities were applied to systematically evaluate the inhibitory effect of PBMT on myopia-associated axial elongation. Changes in dopamine (DA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the retinal were quantified, and the efficacy and safety of long-term PBMT were further assessed. In addition, ex vivo cell experiments were performed to investigate downstream molecular responses to DA. The results showed that PBMT significantly suppressed abnormal axial elongation in FDM mice (P<0.05), with the most prominent effect observed at a power density of 0.25 mW/cm2. PBMT also markedly increased DA and NO secretion in the retinal (P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Long-term PBMT stably inhibited axial elongation during myopia development without significantly affecting axial length in normal mice, suggesting a favorable safety profile. Furthermore, DA upregulated cellular FBJ osteosarcoma oncogene (c-Fos) expression and promoted tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP2) gene expression in retinal pigment epithelial cells, and these effects were attenuated by D1R inhibition, indicating that the DA-D1R-mediated c-Fos/TIMP2 pathway may contribute to PBMT-induced suppression of axial elongation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that PBMT effectively alleviates myopia progression in FDM mice, potentially by activating retinal DA/NO signaling and modulating molecular networks associated with tissue remodeling, thereby providing experimental evidence for parameter optimization and mechanistic exploration of red-light-based myopia interventions.
    Key words: photobiomodulation therapy; dopamine; myopia; sclera; retinal pigment epithelium
    （Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2026, 35(2): 185-192）