Intense Light Therapy Shows Promise in Protecting Heart Post-Surgery

Research conducted by scientists at CU Anschutz indicates that intense light therapy administered after surgery may significantly enhance heart protection. Published in the Annals of Translational Medicine this week, the study reveals that this therapy can elevate levels of a critical protein while simultaneously reducing troponin levels, a marker associated with heart damage. Elevated troponin levels are linked to increased mortality in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.

The study highlights the prevalence of myocardial injuries, known as MINS, occurring in approximately 20% of patients undergoing non-cardiac surgeries. This condition notably raises the risk of mortality within one year. Researchers found that the risk of such injuries escalates after specific surgeries, particularly for patients over the age of 45.

In both human and animal models, the researchers discovered that intense light therapy significantly decreases troponin release. As Tobias de la Garza Eckle, MD, PhD, FASA, the study’s senior author and a professor of anesthesiology at CU Anschutz School of Medicine, stated, “High levels of troponin following non-cardiac surgery can lead to death. Blocking it could be a very novel therapy for MINS – a disease without therapy.”

The Mechanism of Protection

Previous research by Eckle and his team using rodent models demonstrated that bright light could strengthen the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels. The protective mechanism involves a protein called PER2, which interacts with another protein, HIF1A, to increase levels of yet another protein, ANGPTL4. This protein plays a crucial role in maintaining vascular health.

In the study, patients undergoing routine spine surgery were exposed to intense light therapy for 30 minutes at sunrise over five consecutive days. The findings indicated that this therapy led to increased levels of ANGPTL4 and a reduction in troponin levels. In contrast, those who did not receive the therapy exhibited an increase in troponin levels.

Eckle explained that bright light therapy enhances the circadian rhythm amplitude and provides heart protection before and after myocardial injury. Notably, even in the absence of the PER2 protein, the presence of ANGPTL4 can still confer cardiac protection. “This ANGPTL4 protein therapy could be a promising strategy to reduce myocardial injury to patients one day,” Eckle added.

Next Steps in Research

The researchers have begun implementing intense light therapy in clinical settings and observed similar pathways activated in humans as seen in animal models. A comprehensive clinical trial is deemed necessary to ascertain the full impact of intense light therapy on myocardial injury in non-cardiac surgery.

This research has received funding from an R56 grant from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. As the medical community continues to explore innovative therapies, the potential for light therapy to improve patient outcomes in surgical settings remains a promising avenue for future investigation.

The findings underscore the importance of ongoing research in the pursuit of effective treatments for conditions like MINS, which currently lack established therapies. The study serves as a significant contribution to the growing body of evidence surrounding the healing effects of intense light on the heart and blood vessels.