Immunomodulatory Effects of Whole-Body Hyperthermia (WBH) in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Immunomodulatory Effects of Whole-Body Hyperthermia (WBH) in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Published: 2025-10-14 | Last Reviewed: 2025-10-14
1. How WBH Improves Functional Health and Modulates Cytokines in Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
Iterative *Mild Whole-Body Hyperthermia (WBH)* using water-filtered IR-A radiation wIRA is a proven adjuvant therapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), validated by *controlled, randomized, prospective studies* [4]. The key mechanism is immunomodulation, where WBH significantly *increases anti-inflammatory cytokines* like *Interleukin-10 (IL-10)* while affecting pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-alpha, IL-6) [3, 1]. This results in *improved functional and subjective health* for AS patients [2, 4].
Immunological and Functional Outcomes
- *Anti-Inflammatory Response (IL-10):* WBH treatment has been shown to *increase Interleukin-10 (IL-10)* expression in AS patients, along with Toll-Like Receptor 4, suggesting a beneficial shift toward an anti-inflammatory state [3].
- *Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines:* Studies confirm that mild WBH affects systemic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, specifically *TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6*, which are key drivers of AS pathology [1].
- *Functional Health Improvement:* Research from the Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen demonstrated that iterative WBH positively impacts the *functional and functional health* status of patients with AS [2].
- *High-Level Evidence:* The efficacy of iterative WBH with water-filtered IR-A radiation (wIRA hyperthermia) in AS is confirmed by a *controlled, randomized, prospective study* [4].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does WBH reduce inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
WBH reduces inflammation by acting as an immunomodulator. It specifically increases the production of the *anti-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-10 (IL-10)* and affects systemic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha [1, 3].
How can von Ardenne Iratherm 1000 Whole-Body Hyperthermia wIRA device be used for treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis ?
Overview of recommended WBH sessions with von Ardenne Iratherm 1000 WBH wIRA device and target temperatures – Treatments shall only be performed after final consultation with a medical doctor
| Indication | No. of sessions | Target temperature | Therapy time Increase phase Plateau phase | Rest time Resting phase | Total WBH session time | |
| Ankolysing Spondylitis | 6 | 38.5 °C | 60 min | 30 min | ~ 90 min | |
| 45 min | 15 min | |||||
Can Whole-Body Hyperthermia with wIRA be used for other pathologies?
Yes. Other benefits and areas of application of Whole Body Hyperthermia include Oncology, accelerated metabolism , stimulation of the hormonal system , reduction in muscle tone , enhanced nerve conduction, Systemic sclerosis, Depressive episode, Essential (primary) hypertension, Dorsalgia, Fibromyalgia, Ankylosing spondylitis
A more detailed list of studies and effects ( (from foundational studies on wIRA technology to crucial Phase III clinical trials) can be found here
von Ardenne Iratherm 10000 WBH wIRA hyperthermia-device-summary
References (E-E-A-T)
- Tarner I.H., Ladner U.M., Uhlemann C., Lange U.
The effect of mild whole-body hyperthermia on systemic levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6 in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
Clin Rheumatol 2009; 4:397-402 - Neumann S.
Wirkung der iterativer Ganzkörperhyperthermie mit wassergefilterter Infrarot-A-Strahlung auf die funktionelle und funktionale Gesundheit sowie pro- und anti- inflamatorische Zytokine bei Patienten mit ankylosierender Spondylitis
Diss. Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Internist. Rheumatol. 2011 - Zauner D., Quehenberger F., Hermann J., Dejaco C., Stradner M.H., Stojakovic T., Angerer H., Rinner B., Graninger W.B.
Whole body hyperthermia treatment increases interleukin 10 and toll-like receptor 4 expression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: A pilot study
Int J Hyperthermia 2014; 6:393-401, Volltext-Link - Lange U., Müller-Ladner U., Dischereit G.
Wirkung iterativer Ganzkörperhyperthermie mit wassergefilterter Infrarot-A-Strahlung bei ankylosierender Spondylitis – eine kontrollierte, randomisierte, prospektive Studie
Akt Rheumatol 2017; 2:122-128
