This research paper investigated the effects of far-infrared radiation (FIR) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Compared with long-term medication, FIRs are affordable and have minimal side effects.
This study utilized adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat models to assess the efficacy of FIR. Using various scoring parameters, such as the arthritis score, swelling, and spleen and thymus indices, this study evaluated the impact of FIR on inflammatory and autoimmune gene expression in the rat synovium.
The results revealed significant improvements in AIA symptoms in rats after 30 minutes of FIR treatment, with 27 out of 370 genes downregulated. Key transcription factors, such as AP-1, CEBPa, CEBPb, c-Fos, GR, HNF-3b, USF-1, and USF-2, were identified as regulators of these genes. Furthermore, major molecular pathways (including the MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and NF-κB pathways) were downregulated by FIR treatment.
In conclusion, FIR can beneficially impact RA by suppressing critical signaling pathways and downregulating inflammatory and immune genes. This therapy offers a safer, lower-cost, nonpharmacological, nonsurgical alternative for treating RA.
X. Chen et al., “Far infrared irradiation suppresses experimental arthritis in rats by down-regulation of genes involved inflammatory response and autoimmunity,” Journal of Advanced Research, vol. 38, pp. 107–118, May 2022, doi:
