Far infrared therapy improves vascular function by enhancing endothelial function and decreasing arterial stiffness via cytoprotective pathways

Background

Far-infrared radiation (FIR), an invisible part of the electromagnetic spectrum, is recognised for its potential therapeutic effects, particularly in promoting cardiovascular health. It has been proposed that FIR therapy enhances endothelial function and reduces arterial stiffness—both key markers of cardiovascular integrity. This study aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which FIR therapy influences vascular function, specifically examining its impact on redox-associated gene expression and vascular responses in healthy subjects.

Methods

In this single-blinded, pilot study, 50 healthy participants were subjected to receive either FIR radiation, heat treatment or a placebo treatment to the upper back. Vascular function was assessed by measuring endothelial function using laser Doppler imaging with iontophoresis and assessing arterial stiffness via SphygmoCor. Gene expression analysis was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), focusing on redox-associated cytoprotective genes and nitric oxide synthase (NOS).

Results

FIR radiation led to a significant enhancement in endothelial function and a reduction in arterial stiffness in healthy individuals. Gene expression analyses demonstrated an upregulation of cytoprotective genes, including NOS3, TXNRD1 and HSP70, post-FIR radiation.

Conclusions

FIR radiation has been shown to effectively enhance vascular function by improving endothelial function and decreasing arterial stiffness, which likely occurs through activation of cytoprotective pathways. This study suggests that FIR therapy could serve as a non-invasive modality to support cardiovascular health. These results offer valuable biochemical insights into the vascular protective effects of FIR and highlight its potential as a therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Objective

Aim: The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effect of localised FIR radiation on vascular function, in particular, endothelial function and arterial stiffness in healthy subjects. Endothelial function was examined using LDI combined with the iontophoresis of ACh and SNP, and using circulatory biomarkers for endothelial cells function and oxidation, while arterial stiffness was assessed through the AI@75 %. Hypothesis: The hypothesis of this study is that FIR confers beneficial effects on endothelial function and arterial stiffness through antioxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, mediated in part by the upregulation of cytoprotective genes.