Janus, the ancient Roman god depicted with two faces is an appropriate metaphor for light therapy. In the right photodynamic therapy conditions, light is able to kill nearly anything that is living such as cancers, microorganisms, parasites, and more. On the opposite face, light of the correct wavelength and proper dose (photobiomodulation) can heal, regenerate, protect, revitalize and restore any kind of dead, damaged, stressed, dying, degenerating cells, tissue, or organ system. This book discusses both sides of Janus' face in regards to light therapy.

Janus, the ancient Roman god depicted with two faces is an appropriate metaphor for light therapy. In the right photodynamic therapy conditions, light is able to kill nearly anything that is living such as cancers, microorganisms, parasites, and more. On the opposite face, light of the correct wavelength and proper dose (photobiomodulation) can heal, regenerate, protect, revitalize and restore any kind of dead, damaged, stressed, dying, degenerating cells, tissue, or organ system. This book discusses both sides of Janus' face in regards to light therapy.

Wound healing is a complex procedure involving a variety of cells, cytokines and growth factors. Disregulation of this procedure leads to chronic, slow-to-heal wounds, a complication commonly found in diabetes. Diabetes results in hyperglycemia which in turn damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to delayed wound healing that often requires lower limb amputation. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), commonly known as phototherapy, has emerged as an alternative treatment; it abates the inflammatory reaction and stimulates wound healing. Despite the advocacy of this treatment, there has been a reluctance to accept it due to a lack of an understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action. The effect of wavelength, beam type, energy output, energy level, energy intensity and exposure regime remain unexplained, and no therapeutic window for dosimetry and mechanism of action has been determined at the level of individual cells types. Both clinicians and researchers will find this book helpful as it provides a basic understanding of the cellular and molecular effects of laser irradiation on diabetic wounded cells in vitro.