Emerging Therapies · Light Therapy
Eghbaldoost A et al., 2023 · Journal of lasers in medical sciences
The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of photobiomodulation (PBM) in the treatment of male infertility. We searched Google Scholar, PubMed, and the reference sections of relevant papers published from January 1, 2000 to September 23, 2022. We retrieved all publications related to the impact of PBM on male infertility. After reviewing the titles, abstracts, and full texts, we included fifteen papers in the research. The studies involved 477 semen samples (in vitro studies) and 70 male participants (randomized clinical trials). All 14 in vitro studies that evaluated effectiveness reported that PBM was successful in increasing the proportion of progressive sperms in semen samples. Various methods were used to evaluate the safety. One study with a sample size of 58 concluded that PBM was not a safe treatment, whereas the other ten studies confirmed its safety. Only one clinical trial evaluated the effect of laser acupuncture on male infertility and found improvements in sperm progressive motility without any serious adverse effects. All 15 studies evaluating effectiveness reported that the low-level laser was effective for increasing the proportion of progressive sperm in semen samples and that it was safe to use. However, due to the heterogeneity of population characteristics, source characteristics, duration of exposure, sample size, and instruments for measuring safety and efficacy, we cannot conclude that the positive results obtained from the reviewed studies are solely attributable to the low-level laser on the sperm samples.
Emerging Therapies · Light Therapy
Saylan A et al., 2023 · Revista internacional de andrologia
Sperm motility is a crucial factor in male infertility and it depends on mitochondrial tail movements. Photobiomodulation light therapy allows the cells to produce their energy through activation of the mitochondria. The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of photobiomodulation on sperm motility in astenozoospermic individuals. Following semen analyses of 20 astenozoospermic individuals, collected semen samples were centrifuged. Pellet was obtained and homogenized through mixing with culture media in 1:1 ratio. Each semen samples were divided into 3 groups. In the first group, control samples were not exposed to laser irradiation. The Group 2 and Group 3 were exposed to 650nm wavelength of photobiomodulation from 10cm distance in dark environment via a 36cm2 aperture sizer with 200mW output power for 30 and 60min duration, respectively. Sperm motilities were evaluated and chromatin condensation of sperms was determined. Sperm motilities were significantly increased in photobiomodulation groups compared with the controls. Sperm motilities tended to be different between the 30 and 60min red light exposure groups; however, it was not statistically significant. When the motility grades were compared, no significant difference was observed in non-progressive motility sperms. While immotile sperms decreased significantly in the photobiomodulation groups compared to the control group, progressive sperms increased. The results of the present study demonstrated that the photobiomodulation is an efficient method to increase the sperm motility of astenozoospermic individuals independent of the duration of exposure.
Emerging Therapies · Light Therapy
Poorhassan M et al., 2022 · Journal of lasers in medical sciences
About 50% of infertility problems are related to male factors and reduced sperm motility. The important factor that affects the structure and function of sperm is reactive oxygen species (ROS), and over-concentration of ROS reduces the quality and motility of sperm. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) using red to near-infrared (NIR) light is useful in oxidative stress restoration. It plays a therapeutic role in disorders such as asthenospermia, oligospermia cases, and cryopreserved sperm. It also enhances the metabolic capacity of sperm and increases the low-level and non-harmful intracellular content of Ca2+, nitric oxide (NO), and ROS in the stressed cells. Likewise, it modulates survival intracellular pathways and maintains the motility, viability, DNA, and acrosome integrity of sperm. This article reviews the state-of-the-art preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the efficacy of semen PBMT.
Male Factor Treatment · Medical Management
Tajalli H et al., 2026 · BioImpacts : BI
Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples worldwide, with male factors accounting for approximately half of the cases. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been increasingly considered in modern medicine due to its high efficacy, ease of use, and lack of side effects. Evidence suggests that this method can prevent DNA damage in cells and activate key genes related to fertility. This study aimed to investigate the effects of LLLT on sperm production in azoospermic mice using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Adult male NMRI mice (8-9 weeks old, 30-35 g) were divided into the negative control (healthy), positive control (azoospermia via intraperitoneal busulfan, 30 mg/kg), and experimental (azoospermia with 808 nm LLLT at 8 J/cm2) groups (8 mice per group) for in vivo experiments. For the in vitro part, spermatogonial stem cells were cultured from 6 azoospermic mice under control conditions or treated with laser (808 nm LLLT at 4 J/cm2). Morphological examination and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to assess testicular structure and expression of several genes, such as deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL), G protein-coupled receptor 125 (GPR125), synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SYCP3), DEAD-box helicase 4 (VASA/DDX4), protamine (PRM), acrosin (ACR), and tripartite motif containing 36 (Haprin/TRIM36). In vivo, LLLT increased VASA expression, improved germ cell activity, and increased sperm production compared with untreated azoospermic control groups, although these changes were not statistically significant. In vitro, 4 J/cm2 radiation modulated several genes related to spermatogenesis, supporting its role in germ cell differentiation. LLLT with a wavelength of 808 nm could improve spermatogenesis and sperm production in a mouse model of busulfan-induced azoospermia in vivo and in vitro. These results demonstrated its potential as a supportive treatment for male infertility.