Effect of Red Light-Emitting Diodes Irradiation on Hemoglobin for Potential Hypertension Treatment Based on Confocal Micro-Raman Spectroscopy

Operando spectroscopy investigations of the redox reactions in heme and heme-proteins

Operando spectroscopic investigations during molecular redox processes provide unique insights into complex molecular structures and their transformations. Herein, a combination of a potentiodynamic method with spectroscopy has been employed to holistically investigate the structural transformations during Fe-redox (Fe3+ ↔ Fe2+) of hemin vis á vis heme-proteins, e.g. myoglobin (Mb), hemoglobin (Hb) and cytochrome-C (Cyt-C). The UV-vis findings reveal the formation of hemozoin (≈heme-dimer), which can be selectively prevented via a high concentration of strongly interacting ligands, e.g. histidine (the fifth coordinating ligand in the heme-based protein). On the other hand, methionine does not prevent the formation of hemozoin. In Mb, Hb, and Cyt-C, as the fifth coordination site is occupied by histidine, hemozoin formation is inhibited. During Fe3+→ Fe2+, operando circular dichroism exhibits a decrease in the initial helical component in Hb from nearly 40% to 28%, which is close to the initial helix component of Mb (≈25%), strongly indicating denaturation of the protein in the redox pathway. The rate of change of the helices versus potential is almost identical for Mb and Hb, but comparatively faster than Cyt-C. In addition, from the Raman bands of M-N dynamics and protein agglomeration, it is concluded that Cyt-C prefers to agglomerate in the 2+ state, whereas Mb/Hb in the 3+ state. In this report, the power of operando spectroscopy is utilized to unearth the dynamics of hemin and heme-based proteins for comprehending the underlying complexities associated with the molecular redox, which have deep implications in electrocatalysis, energy storage, and sensing.

Quantification of glycated hemoglobin and glucose in vivo using Raman spectroscopy and artificial neural networks

Undiagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains a major public health concern. The global estimation of undiagnosed diabetes is about 46%, being this situation more critical in developing countries. Therefore, we proposed a non-invasive method to quantify glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and glucose in vivo. We developed a technique based on Raman spectroscopy, RReliefF as a feature selection method, and regression based on feed-forward artificial neural networks (FFNN). The spectra were obtained from the forearm, wrist, and index finger of 46 individuals. The use of FFNN allowed us to achieve an error in the predictive model of 0.69% for HbA1c and 30.12 mg/dL for glucose. Patients were classified according to HbA1c values into three categories: healthy, prediabetes, and T2D. The proposed method obtained a specificity and sensitivity of 87.50% and 80.77%, respectively. This work demonstrates the benefit of using artificial neural networks and feature selection techniques to enhance Raman spectra processing to determine glycated hemoglobin and glucose in patients with undiagnosed T2D.

Impact of Combined Photo-Biomodulation and Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Function and Quality-of-Life in Elderly Alzheimer Patients with Anemia: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Purpose

Few data are available on the positive impact of photo-biomodulation (PBM) using low-level laser therapy as a complementary treatment for improving the cognitive function and optimizing the hemoglobin (Hb) level and oxygen carrying capacity in anemic elderly patients and consequently improving the quality-of-life. The present study aimed to evaluate a new, safe, and easy therapeutic approach to improve Alzheimer’s disease-related symptoms that interfere with the whole life activities and social interaction of elderly patients.

Patients and Methods

In this placebo-controlled clinical trial, 60 elderly patients suffering from anemia and mild cognitive dysfunction were randomly assigned into two equal groups to receive active or placebo low-level laser in addition to a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise over a 12-week period. Hb level as well as cognitive and functional tests were reassessed for any change after 12 weeks of intervention.

Results

By the end of this study, both groups showed significant improvements in Hb level, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCa – B basic), Quality-of-Life for Alzheimer’s Disease scale, and Berg Balance scale scores along with significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) and waist–hip ratio (WHR) (P<0.0001). The experimental group which received active low-level laser in addition to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise showed more significant results compared to the control group which received placebo low-level laser in addition to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in all the measured outcomes (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Combined low-level laser therapy and moderate-intensity aerobic exercises are more effective in improving the cognitive function and quality-of-life of Alzheimer’s disease patients.

Clinical Trial Registration

www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04496778.