Light therapy, also known as Photobiomodulation (PBM), has been explored and shown beneficial effects in a number of neurologic and neurodegenerative disease studies. Could it be a useful strategy in Sanfilippo Syndrome?
Researchers leading research to explore this question, Dr. Paul Austin (University of Sydney, Australia), Dr. Adeline Lau (Flinders University, Australia), Prof. Kim Hemsley (Flinders Univ., Australia) and Prof. John Mitrofanis (Université Grenoble Alpes International, France), presented thier work via a webinar with the Sanfilippo community on April 25, 2023. The scientists discuss their research in depth, including results, followed by a Q&A period.
The study tested two different types of light – an LED-emitting device and a laser that emits an infra-red spectrum – on a mouse model of Sanfilippo Type A. Each provided a different wavelength of light.
There are biological proteins and molecules within the body that respond to wavelengths of light. The belief is that photons from the different wavelengths of light increase the ATP production of the cell’s mitochondria. ATP is the primary energy source of all cells. If photobiomodulation can increase the production of ATP, then there are generalized beneficial effects to all cells, including neurons and other cells in the brain.
This research is being funded thanks to the donors and supporters of Cure Sanfilippo Foundation and Save Mickey Foundation.
Learn more about Sanfilippo Syndrome.