Systemic glucose levels are modulated by specific wavelengths in the solar light spectrum that shift mitochondrial metabolism

Abstract

Systemic glucose levels can be modulated with specific solar wavelengths that influence mitochondrial metabolism. Mitochondrial respiration can be modulated using light that shifts ATP production with exceptional conservation of effect across species, from insects to humans. Known wavelengths have opposing effects of photobiomodulation, with longer wavelengths (660–900 nm red/infrared) increasing ATP production, and 420 nm (blue) light suppressing metabolism. Increasing mitochondrial respiration should result in a greater demand for glucose, and a decrease should result in a reduced demand for glucose. Here we have tested the hypothesis that these wavelengths alter circulating glucose concentration. We first established an oral glucose tolerance test curve in a bumblebee model, which showed sustained increase in systemic glucose beyond that seen in mammals, with a gradual normalisation over eight hours. This extended period of increased systemic glucose provided a stable model for glucose manipulation. Bees were starved overnight and given a glucose load in the morning. In the first group glucose levels were examined at hourly intervals. In the second group, bees were additionally exposed to either 670 nm or 420 nm light and their blood glucose examined. Increasing mitochondrial activity with 670 nm light at the peak of circulating glucose, resulted in a significant 50% reduction in concentration measured. Exposure to 420nm light that retards mitochondrial respiration elevated systemic glucose levels by over 50%. The impact of 670 nm and 420 nm on mitochondria is highly conserved. Hence, different wavelengths of visible light may be used to modulate systemic metabolism bidirectionally and may prove an effective agent in mammals.

Exposure to short wavelength light absorbed by mitochondria is associated with weight gain, shifts in cytokine expression and anxiety-like behaviours.

“…In bees 420nm light dysregulates blood sugars resulting in their elevation in a standard blood glucose tolerance test, while 670nm signi cantly improves glucose tolerance. Glucose was not monitored in this study, but in light of previous work it is possible that 420nm and 450nm both reduced mitochondrial function resulting in reduced demand for serum glucose 13 . Although similar experiments have not been undertaken in humans, it is established that 670nm light that increases mitochondrial activity results in increased oxygen consumption and tighter regulation of serum glucose 9 .…”

Light stimulation of mitochondria reduces blood glucose levels

“…Hence, we test the hypotheses that this may be detectable in changes in plasma glucose levels. Evidence in favour of this hypothesis comes from the finding that light can regulate circulating glucose concentrations in insects [19]. We address this hypothesis by examining the effect that 670 nm PBM has upon human circulating plasma glucose levels over the course of a standard oral glucose tolerance test.…”

Glucose Improves the Efficacy of Photobiomodulation in Changing ATP and ROS Levels in Mouse Fibroblast Cell Cultures

“…In this study, we tested the idea that, without glucose, the effectiveness of photobiomodulation in influencing cellular metabolism is compromised severely (e.g., [28,29]). To this end, we explored the impact of photobiomodulation on mouse fibroblasts in cell cultures, with and without the availability of glucose.…”