Abstract

Abstract Summary

Overview

Blue light (BL) is increasingly prevalent in artificial illumination. Studies show its potential health hazards, impacting even humans. Chronic exposure to blue light can lead to oxidative stress and even death of retinal cells that are crucial for vision.

Findings

• Chronic blue light exposure accelerates aging in Drosophila, reducing lifespan and causing brain neurodegeneration.
• This effect occurs even in flies that genetically lack eyes, indicating that BL affects cells beyond those specialized for light perception.
• Chronic BL impacts mitochondrial function and alters metabolic pathways, analyzed using techniques like LC-MS and GC-MS.
• Significant changes include high succinate levels but lower pyruvate and citrate, implying disruptions in energy production.
• Neurotransmitters like glutamate and GABA are notably reduced, signifying potential disruptions in brain homeostasis.

Conclusion

The findings underscore blue light's perturbative effect on essential metabolic pathways, hinting at similar disruptive potentials in humans. This underscores the need for caution and further research on blue light exposure.