Photobiomodulation Improves Ovarian Health
What Did the Study Explore?
Granulosa cells are the caregivers of your eggs, providing the nutrients, hormones, and protection needed to help them mature. One important part of their job is producing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a molecule that grows new blood vessels around the follicle, like building a highway system to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the egg.
This study looked at how PBM using 830nm wavelength—stimulates granulosa cells to produce more VEGF, making the environment more optimal for egg development.
How Does It Work?
When granulosa cells are exposed to PBM, it’s like flipping a switch on a power source inside the cells. The light energizes something called MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)—a signaling pathway that acts like a project manager. MAPK tells the granulosa cells to ramp up VEGF production, leading to more blood vessels and better follicular health.
The Key Findings
More VEGF Production: Granulosa cells exposed to PBM produced significantly more VEGF, like a garden flourishing under perfect sunlight.
Stronger Signals with FSH: When combined with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), PBM boosted the signaling even further, creating a double boost for cell activity.
Support for Ovulation: The increased VEGF helps prepare the follicle for ovulation by promoting blood flow, delivering nutrients, and softening the follicle wall to release the egg.
What Does This Mean for Fertility?
For women facing fertility challenges, this study suggests that PBM can:
Improve Blood Flow: Better vascularization means eggs get more oxygen and nutrients, essential for their growth and quality.
Support Ovulation: Enhanced VEGF production could help follicles release eggs more effectively, improving your chances of conception.
Complement Treatments: PBM is non-invasive and works well alongside traditional fertility therapies like IVF or IUI.
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