Length polymorphisms of heme oxygenase-1 determine the effect of far-infrared therapy on the function of arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients: a novel physicogenomic study

February 1, 2013

Abstract

Background. The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction between the length polymorphism of the guanosine thymidine repeat (GT)n(GT)ₙ(GT)n​ in the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene and far-infrared (FIR) therapy on access flow (Qa) and arteriovenous fistula (AVF) patency in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods. A total of 280 HD patients were randomized into a control group (n = 141) and the FIR group (n = 139) who received 40 min of FIR therapy three times weekly for a year during the study period from May 2005 to December 2007. Access flow was measured during HD. The (GT)n(GT)ₙ(GT)n​ was determined with the definition of long (L) allele as (GT)n(GT)ₙ(GT)n​ ≥ 30 and short (S) allele as (GT)n(GT)ₙ(GT)n​ < 30.

Results. The Qa decreased from S/S to S/L and further to the L/L group but increased by FIR therapy with the highest Qa increase in the S/S group. The incidence of AVF malfunction decreased both from the L/L, S/L to S/S group (32.4% versus 17.2% versus 10.9%, P = 0.007) and from the control group to FIR group (27.5% versus 12.6%, P = 0.004). Significant associations were found between AVF malfunction and the following factors (hazard ratio, P-value): a past history of AVF malfunction (2.45, P = 0.044), FIR therapy (0.369, P = 0.03), and L/L genotypes of HO-1 (2.531 versus S/S + S/L genotypes). The 1-year unassisted patency decreased from 91.9% and 77.6% in S/S and S/L subgroups with and without FIR therapy to 75.8% and 60% for L/L subgroup with and without FIR therapy, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusions. FIR therapy improves Qa and patency of AVF in HD patients, with the best protective effect in those with S/S genotype of HO-1.

-Nephrol Dial Transplant (2013) 28: 1284–1293

Want to know more?



Contact us for more detail


Learn more
Questions to FIRAPY
May 23, 2025
We’re excited to announce that FIRAPY will be exhibiting at the 62nd ERA Congress in Vienna from June 4–7, 2025 ! 📍 Booth No.: X1.200 📅 June 4–7, 2025 📍 Austria Center Vienna This marks FIRAPY’s first European event since the COVID-19 pandemic , making it a special occasion for us to reconnect with partners and professionals across the continent. This year’s congress theme, “Game Changers in Nephrology,” aligns perfectly with FIRAPY’s mission to enhance dialysis care through innovative vascular access management. We look forward to seeing old friends and new collaborators who share our commitment to improving outcomes for dialysis patients. Whether you're already using FIRAPY or exploring its clinical potential, we warmly invite you to visit our booth and connect with our team.  Let’s explore how far-infrared therapy is transforming the future of vascular access—together.
May 23, 2025
From February 28 to March 1, FIRAPY was honored to participate in Dialysis Weekend 2024 in Pattaya, Thailand, at the invitation of our valued partner K2 Thailand . This annual event, hosted by the Nephrology Society of Thailand ( event site ), is a key gathering for nephrology professionals across the country. This occasion marked a milestone for K2 Thailand, as their entire dialysis sales team made their first collective public appearance alongside FIRAPY. The team’s strong presence and professionalism drew significant attention from both clinicians and industry attendees, highlighting the growing interest in FIRAPY's role in dialysis care. A special highlight of the event was the visit from Dr. Suki , a well-known figure in the international nephrology community ( WCN profile ). Dr. Suki stopped by the K2 booth to personally show support and encouragement to the team, reinforcing the collaboration and shared mission of improving vascular access outcomes for dialysis patients. 
December 2, 2024
Meet FIRAPY at Booth i1115a!
More Posts