Neurometabolite Changes After Transcranial Photobiomodulation in Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating Dose-Dependent Effects
Abstract
Background: Transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) is a promising non-invasive therapy for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). MDD is associated with altered brain metabolism, including changes in N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), and creatine (Cr). This study assessed the effects of varying t-PBM doses on neurometabolite levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and their correlations with clinical outcomes. Methods: In this randomized, sham-controlled, cross-over study, 33 adults with MDD received one session of t-PBM at low, medium, and high doses and a sham treatment. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) measured NAA, Cho, and Cr pre- and post-treatment. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Symptoms of Depression Questionnaire (SDQ). Statistical analyses included paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for neurometabolite changes, and linear mixed-effects regression models for t-PBM dose, neurometabolites, and time effects. Results: NAA levels increased significantly (7.52 ± 0.777 to 8.12 ± 1.05 mmol/L for one session; 7.36 ± 0.85 to 7.85 ± 0.68 mmol/L across all sessions); however, these changes were not associated with specific t-PBM doses or sham. No significant changes were observed for Cho and Cr levels. Positive correlations were found between Cho levels and MADRS scores (r = 0.59, p = 0.017), and negative correlations between Cr levels and SDQ scores at the medium dose (r…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 33 participants or records.
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