Press Release
4 March 2025
SYMBYX Biome has entered into a strategic collaboration with the University of Leeds, UK, to investigate how light therapy may change one’s gut health. This research could have far-reaching benefits, particularly in explaining how light therapy reduces Parkinson’s disease symptoms, as seen in clinical studies.
Emerging evidence suggests that many forms of Parkinson’s originate in the gut, not just the brain (1-2). Scientists believe that environmental factors — such as prolonged exposure to industrial chemicals, solvents, and pesticides, as well as the overuse of antibiotics — may trigger an autoimmune response resulting in chronic inflammation (3). This inflammation, especially in the gut, is thought to cause alpha-synuclein proteins to misfold into disease causing clumps. These clumps contribute to the damage of the gut barrier (resulting in ‘leaky gut’) and later impair dopamine production in the brain. Healthy alpha-synuclein proteins are normally found in nerve synapses, whereas misfolded clumps are typically a sign of the disease process (4-5).
This pioneering study, led by Professors Lijing Ke (Plant Biochemistry and Nutrition) and Kieran Tuohy (Energy Metabolism and Microbiome) from the University of Leeds, will explore the influence of light therapy on human cells and systems. It is believed that light therapy reduces oxidative stress and increases energy metabolism at a cellular level. These changes are then transmitted to surrounding cells, triggering sequential bioelectrical and metabolic changes. The study will employ co-culture cell models alongside an in vitro model of the human colonic microbiota.
Dr Wayne Markman, SYMBYX CEO, said, “The University of Leeds has replicated the human gut in a highly sophisticated lab setting. This study will hopefully highlight the central role of the gut-brain connection and its focus within our Parkinson’s light therapy protocol. This collaboration has enormous potential, and one further area to consider is how light therapy affects levodopa absorption in the gut.”
Professor Ke added, “Cells in the human gut are a gateway for nutrients and our first line of defence. Light is a natural element in life, and, working with SYMBX, we will explore how energy metabolism of intestinal cells and the gut microbiome is modulated to alter intercellular communication and transportation.”
“As humans, our own cells are outnumbered by the microbial ones in our gut,” said Professor Kieran Tuohy. “Trillions of them orchestrate the use of food components that our cells can’t digest, and at the same time, they whisper to our brain in the dark, anaerobic space of the gut. I’m mighty curious what would happen if we literally shone a light on them”.
The study will commence immediately, with results expected to be published in 2026.
About SYMBYX
SYMBYX Biome is a global med-tech company empowering individuals to enhance their health through targeted light therapy. With a customer-first approach, SYMBYX collaborates with world-class experts to develop clinically supported, next-generation light therapy devices. SYMBYX medical lasers are MDD-compliant and ARTG listed. The PDCare laser is a complementary therapy for reducing Parkinson’s symptoms, with users reporting improvements in certain motor and non-motor symptoms.
Interviews
Dr Markman, SYMBYX CEO is available for interview.
For media inquiries, contact marketing@symbyxbiome.com or +61 8066 9966.
