Protective potentials of far-infrared ray against neuropsychotoxic conditions

Compelling evidence suggests that far-infrared ray (FIR) possesses beneficial effects on emotional disorders. However, the underlying mechanism conveyed by FIR remains unclear. Recently, we demonstrated that exposure to FIR induces antioxidant potentials via up-regulation of glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-1 gene. The antioxidant potentials might be important for the modulation on the neuropsychotoxic conditions. Exposure to FIR protects from methamphetamine (MA)-induced memory impairments via phosphorylation of ERK _1/2 signaling by positive modulation of protein kinase C δ (PKCδ), M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M1 mAChR), and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor. In addition, exposure to FIR positively modulates MA-induced behavioral sensitization via attenuating mitochondrial dysfunction by down-regulation of dopamine D1 receptor. In this mini-review, we have discussed with the protective potentials mediated by FIR against MA-induced psychotoxic burdens.