Optical Method And Device For Modulation Of Biochemical Processes In Adipose Tissue

Abstract

Optical methods and devices are provided for the reduction of the lipid content of adipocytes without significant heat or intolerable adverse effect on the cells and their surrounding tissues. The optical method and device can be used to irradiate adipose tissue through the skin with non-thermal and non-destructive effects by application of near infrared (NIR) irradiation at selected wave bands in selected ranges to affect modulation of innate enzymatic processes involved in lipolysis, lipogenesis, leptin secretion, adiponectin secretion, and/or glucose absorption.

1 . A method of reducing lipid level in an adipocyte without generating significant heat in, or significant damage to the adipocyte, comprising the step of irradiating a target site on an individual's skin above adipose tissue with an optical radiation having a first wavelength from about 850 nm to about 879 nm and/or a second wavelength of about 905 nm to about 945 nm at a dosimetry from about 0.015 W/cm̂2 to 1 W/cm̂2 to modulate at least one of the innate biochemical processes of adipocytes. 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the biochemical processes had already been initiated with exercise and/or by pharmacological means before the irradiation. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the biochemical processes of adipocytes is selected from lipolysis, lipogenesis, leptin production, adiponectin production, and glucose uptake. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the optical radiation has a wavelength from about 865 nm to about 875 nm and/or about 925 nm to about 935 nm. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the optical radiation is provided for a time of from about 10 to about 120 minutes. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the optical radiation is provided for a time of from about 15 to about 100 minutes. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the optical radiation is provided for a time of from about 20 to about 80 minutes 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the dosimetry provides an energy density from about 10 J/cm̂2 to about 10,000 J/cm̂2 at the skin surface above the adipose tissue. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the dosimetry provides an energy density from about 50 J/cm̂2 to about 8,000 J/cm̂2 at the skin surface above the adipose tissue. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the dosimetry provides an energy density from about 100 J/cm̂2 to about 5,000 J/cm̂2 at the skin surface above the adipose tissue. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising delivering the optical radiation to the target site by one or more LEDs or LED arrays with aspheric collimating lenses within an article of clothing or a wrap. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising delivering the optical radiation to the target site by one or more LED arrays with aspheric collimating lenses within an article of clothing or a wrap worn by the individual. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein different biochemical processes within the adipocytes that are normally antagonistic to each other will then function synergistically. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the biochemical processes that will then function synergistically can modulate alternative lipolytic or lipogenic pathways within the adipocytes. 
     
     
         15 . A device for reducing fat comprising at least one optical light source which emits an optical radiation having a wavelength from about 850 nm to about 879 nm and/or from about 905 nm to about 945 ran at a dosimetry from about 0.015 W/cm̂2 to 1 W/cm̂2, wherein said at least one optical light source is attached to an item of clothing. 
     
     
         16 . The device according to  claim 15  wherein the article of clothing is selected from a belt, a wrap, a bandage, pants, shorts, belt, wrap, arm band, leg band, and a shirt. 
     
     
         17 . The device according to  claim 15 , wherein it is incorporated into a piece of an exercise equipment or other apparatus as an accessory item. 
     
     
         18 . The device according to  claim 15 , wherein the wavelength band is between about 850 nm and about 879 nm and/or between about 900 nm and about 940 nm. 
     
     
         19 . The device according to  claim 15 , wherein the power density is between 0.015 W/cm̂2 to 1 W/cm̂2. 
     
     
         20 . The device according to  claim 15 , wherein the optical radiation is coherent. 
     
     
         21 - 44 . (canceled)