Clinical applications and molecular mechanisms for intravenous laser blood irradiation: a systematic review.

Abstract

Intravenous Laser Irradiation of Blood (ILIB) is a therapeutic approach that utilizes low-level laser energy to irradiate blood, showing potential clinical value in treating various diseases in recent years. This systematic review aims to comprehensively examine the basic principles, technological developments, biological effects, and clinical applications of ILIB, while analyzing the level of evidence and limitations of existing research. Through searching relevant literature in databases such as PubMed, this study collected research on ILIB applications in musculoskeletal diseases, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. Results indicate that ILIB exhibits multiple biological effects, including improved blood rheological properties, enhanced erythrocyte oxygen-carrying capacity, immune regulation, and reduction of inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. Clinical studies suggest that ILIB has positive therapeutic effects on musculoskeletal pain, sleep disorders, pulmonary diseases, and long COVID-related cognitive impairments. However, existing research still has limitations such as small sample sizes, lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials, and non-standardized dosage parameters. Future research should focus on developing standardized treatment protocols, exploring mechanisms of action in depth, and strategies for combining with conventional therapies to further establish ILIB's position in clinical practice.