Relationship between ambient light and glucose metabolism in healthy subjects

Abstract

BackgroundGiven the reported inverse association between light and depressive mood, ambient light may also be associated with some of the brain regions in healthy subjects. The present study aims to investigate the effects of ambient light on glucose metabolism in the brain. We used the data of 28 healthy participants of the no intervention group from our previous randomized controlled trial and analyzed the association between ambient light and [18F]-FDG uptake in the brain.ResultsA whole brain analysis revealed a cluster of [18F]-FDG uptake that was significantly and inversely associated with log-transformed ambient light in the left culmen of the left cerebellum vermis. After adjustment for age, gender and serum melatonin levels, there remained a significant cluster of [18F]-FDG uptake with log-transformed ambient light in the left cerebellar vermis.ConclusionsThe present findings suggest that the uptake of [18F]-FDG is significantly and inversely associated with ambient light in the left cerebellar vermis in healthy subjects. The cerebellar vermis may be involved in mood suppression which may be alleviated by light exposure where glucose uptake and metabolism in this area are decreased.Trial Registration This study is a secondary analysis of the previous randomized study which was registered as UMIN000007537. Retrospectively registered (March 20th, 2012).

Use of gray sunglasses to alleviate hypomanic state in two patients with bipolar II disorder

“…In other words, gray sunglasses nonspecifically block ambient light, while orange glasses specifically block blue light. Although blocking blue light has been shown to preserve melatonin production, blocking ambient light may increase the function of the cerebellar vermis because the uptake of [ 18 F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose in the left cerebellar vermis is significantly and inversely associated with ambient light in healthy subjects (i.e., ambient light decreases cerebellar vermis function and blocking ambient light increases cerebellar vermis function). Considering the fact that induction of transient sadness in healthy volunteers and depressive patients has been associated with increased cerebral blood flow in the cerebellar vermis, one of the functions of the cerebellar vermis may be to suppress mood.…”

Effect of Light on Cognitive Function During a Stroop Task Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

“…Consequently, light has been studied widely and is well demonstrated as an effective non-contact modulator of cognitive performance (Rao et al 2016 ; Daneault et al 2014 ; Hawes et al 2012 ). Furthermore, light therapy is regarded as a safe, effective, and inexpensive modality for several clinical applications, such as improving sleep (Burkhalter et al 2015 ), depression treatment (Terman and Terman 2014 ), mood disorder treatment (Maruani and Geoffroy 2019 ; Kuijsters et al 2015 ), appetite adjustment (AlBreiki et al 2015 ), glucose metabolism (Hirakawa et al 2018 ) and improving cognition (Fisk et al 2018 ; Forbes et al 2014 ). The most profound function is improving cognition, which is involved in daily human activities.…”