Current Applications and Future Perspectives of Fluorescence Light Energy Biomodulation in Veterinary Medicine

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to determine the state of the art of the mode of action and potential applications of fluorescence photobiomodulation in veterinary medicine. After a summary of the assets that have led the translation of such light-based therapies from bench side into clinical use, recent advances in canine dermatology using this brand-new approach are presented, and future scenarios where this type of care may provide benefits over the current standard care are highlighted.

Fluorescent Light Energy in the Management of Multi Drug Resistant Canine Pyoderma: A Prospective Exploratory Study

“…In the context of topical therapies, photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-pharmacological procedure explored in canine dermatology in which different wavelengths of visible light, produced by a dedicated device (chromophore gel and LED lamp) are administered to interfere with cellular activity to enhance healing [ 18 ]. Fluorescent light energy (FLE) is a pioneering form of PBM that uses fluorescence to decrease the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and increase epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta), platelet-delivered growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), collagen I and III, Ki67, factor VIII, and decorin (DCN) levels, in addition to causing an increase in both number and size of mitochondria [ 19 , 20 ].…”

“…Fluorescent light energy (FLE) is a pioneering form of PBM that uses fluorescence to decrease the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and increase epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta), platelet-delivered growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), collagen I and III, Ki67, factor VIII, and decorin (DCN) levels, in addition to causing an increase in both number and size of mitochondria [ 19 , 20 ]. FLE has been demonstrated to ameliorate and cure superficial bacterial folliculitis [ 18 ], deep pyoderma [ 21 ], canine interdigital furunculosis (CIF) [ 22 ], canine perianal fistulas [ 23 ], and cutaneous calcinosis [ 24 ]. In such instances, FLE was responsible for a lessening in the length of antibiotic therapy (and time needed for healing) when administered as add-on therapy, especially in deep and interdigital pyoderma.…”

Treatment of canine periocular dermatitis with rhytidectomy (surgical face‐lift) and fluorescence photobiomodulation: A case report

“…Fluorescence photobiomodulation (FBM) (Phovia; Vetoquinol) is an effective adjunct to therapy of canine pyoderma, interdigital furunculosis, perianal fistulae and wound healing (including surgical incisions). [8][9][10][11] With FBM, blue light (440-460 nm) from a light-emitting diode (LED) activates a photoconverter gel applied to the skin. Specialised chromophores in the gel generate fluorescence with localised effects: downregulated tumour necrosis factor α; upregulated epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factors, transforming growth factor beta, collagens I and III, Ki67, factor VIII and decorin; and increased mitochondrial size and number.…”

Fluorescence Biomodulation for Canine Interdigital Furunculosis: Updates for Once-Weekly Schedule

“…Historically, the condition has been generally treated with prolonged courses of antibiotics and topical or systemic anti-inflammatory drugs to manage both the infection and the inflammation ( 4 ). Among non-pharmacological procedures explored in canine dermatology, promising results have been obtained using different forms of photobiomodulation, in which photons (mainly produced by light-emitting Diodes, LED) are administered at different wavelengths to influence biological activity and enhance cutaneous restoration from diseases ( 5 ). Photobiomodulation has been successfully applied in a variety of dermatological disorders such as pyotraumatic dermatitis, otitis externa, licking granulomas ( 6 ), pruritus ( 7 ), non-inflammatory alopecia ( 8 ), and pododermatitis ( 9 ).…”

“…FBM has been demonstrated to be able to statistically downregulate the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha and upregulate epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factors, transforming growth factor beta, collagen I and III, Ki67, factor VIII, and decorin (DCN), in addition to determine an increase in both number and size of mitochondria ( 10 , 11 ). Such novel technique has been successfully applied to manage various canine dermatological conditions as superficial bacterial folliculitis ( 5 ), deep pyoderma ( 12 ), canine perianal fistulas ( 13 ), and cutaneous calcinosis ( 14 ). In addition to these, FBM has been explored as adjunct care to systemic antibiotic in a clinical trial regarding CIF ( 15 ).…”