The Effect of Far Infrared Treatment on Changes in Biomarkers in the Arteriovenous Fistula

INTRODUCTION: Far infrared radiation may improve arteriovenous fistula maturation and patency rates in patients on hemodialysis (HD). The mechanism is proposed to involve anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects in the arteriovenous fistula. This study examined the impact of far infrared radiation on plasma changes and dialysate excretion of biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and vasodilation in the arteriovenous fistula during a single HD.

METHODS: The study was a randomized, controlled, single-blinded study involving 44 participants on HD with an arteriovenous fistula. Participants were randomized to far infrared radiation or no far infrared radiation (control). Blood samples and dialysate water were drawn before, during, and after 4 h of HD. The change and elimination of biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and vasodilation was explored in blood and dialysate water, respectively. Changes in plasma levels from the start to the end of HD and the area under the curve for the biomarker concentration were compared between groups by ANCOVA.

RESULTS: There was no difference in the change of biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and vasodilation between the two groups after and during 4 h of HD. There was a minimal excretion of the biomarkers in the dialysate water. Regardless of the treatment group, 4 h of HD caused a significant decrease in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (-1.30 [-1.70; -1.03] pg/mL, p < 0.001), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (-32.50 [-50.50; -8.25] pg/mL, p < 0.001), nitrite and nitrate (-20.00 [-27.75; -14.00] µmol/L, p < 0.001) as well as asymmetric dimethylarginine (-0.24 [-0.28; -0.18] µmol/L, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Overall, the study is not supportive of a beneficial effect of far infrared radiation on the arteriovenous fistula on biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, or vasodilation during one HD treatment.