Visible light modulation of mitochondrial function in hypoxia and disease

Abstract

The present invention provides methods of using electromagnetic radiation in the visible portion of the spectrum to modulate mitochondrial function in the treatment of various conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, other dementias, hypoxia and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and sensory disorders of the extremities.

1 . A method of treating hypoxia in a tissue of a mammalian subject, said method comprising exposing the hypoxic tissue of the mammal to electromagnetic radiation in the visible portion of the spectrum. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  , wherein response to the treatment is assessed by measuring the blood flow of the affected tissue. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  , wherein blood or tissue levels of NO or a NO-induced vasodilator or VEGF is monitored to assess the response to the treatment. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the light increases NO production by mitochondria of the exposed tissue. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  , wherein blood flow in the exposed tissue increases. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein mitochondrial oxygen efficiency in the exposed tissue is increased by the exposure. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the hypoxia is due to poor circulation of the extremities. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject has diabetes. 
     
     
         9 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A method of reducing oxidative stress in a tissue of a mammal, said method comprising exposing the tissue to electromagnetic radiation in the visible portion of the spectrum. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein there is a reduction in any one or more of induced oxidative stress genes, levels of lipid peroxides, oxidized nucleosides and oxidized amino acids or polypeptides in the tissue. 
     
     
         13 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An in vivo or in vitro method of modulating NO production by neurons or endothelial cells in a mammalian tissue capable of producing NO under hypoxic conditions and/or high concentrations of glucose by cytochrome c nitrite reductase activity, said method comprising exposing the neurons or endothelial cells to electromagnetic radiation in the visible portion of the spectrum. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein an extremity is irradiated with the electromagnetic radiation in the visible portion of the spectrum. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the extremity is the foot or hand. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the extremity is a lower limb. 
     
     
         25 . The method of any one of the above claims wherein the radiation comprises wavelengths from about 500 to 625 nm. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the radiation comprises wavelengths from about 550 to 625 nm. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the radiation comprises wavelengths from 575 to 600 nm. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the radiation principally comprises wavelength less than 625 nm. 
     
     
         29 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein 1 to 20 joules/cm 2  of the radiation is applied. 
     
     
         32 - 33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . The method of claim  33 , wherein the tissue is brain tissue or spinal cord tissue. 
     
     
         35 - 50 . (canceled)