Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation therapy is a safe and effective non toxic treatment that kills bacteria, viruses and other pathogens while boosting the bodies immune response.

It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and increases circulation and oxygenates tissues.  It  can boost the immune system and support healing.

This is a great adjunctive therapy for people with Lyme disease and its co-infections.  This therapy takes approximately 1 hour and we offer packages of 5 for more cost savings for people who require multiple sessions.

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The following is a summary of a broader Author Manuscript published by the Dept. of Health & Human Services. If you'd like to read the entire original manuscript you can download it here.

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Historical Context of Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation
Ultraviolet blood irradiation (UBI) was a widely used treatment in the mid-20th century for various diseases before declining due to the advent of antibiotics.

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• UBI was used extensively in the 1940s and 1950s for conditions like septicemia, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and asthma. 
   

• Early studies were published in the American Journal of Surgery, showcasing its effectiveness. ​
   

• The introduction of antibiotics led to a decline in UBI use, labeling it "the cure that time forgot." ​
   

• Modern studies have primarily emerged from Russia and Eastern countries, with Western views remaining skeptical. ​

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Mechanisms of Action of UBI
UBI affects various blood components, enhancing immune responses and altering cellular functions. 
 

• UBI can increase the activity of leukocytes and modulate cytokine production. 
   

• Red blood cells show altered osmotic properties and metabolism after UV exposure.
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• Neutrophils exhibit enhanced nitric oxide production and phagocytic activity post-irradiation.
   

• Lymphocytes experience changes in viability and function, with UVC being particularly effective. 
   

• Phagocytic activity is significantly increased, enhancing immune responses. 
   

Comparison with Extracorporeal Photopheresis
UBI shares similarities with extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP), but they differ in their immunological effects.
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• ECP involves UVA irradiation of blood cells with a photosensitizing drug and is FDA-approved for certain conditions. 
   

• UBI tends to stimulate the immune system, while ECP is often immunosuppressive.
   

• ECP has shown efficacy in treating cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and preventing organ rejection.
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Clinical Applications and Future Research Directions
There is a need for renewed research into UBI as a viable treatment option for infections and immune modulation. 
 

• UBI may serve as an alternative approach to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
   

• Potential applications include treating autoimmune diseases and enhancing immune responses.
   

• Further clinical studies are necessary to explore UBI's efficacy and mechanisms in modern medicine.
   

Combined Treatment for CTCL
The combination of alpha-interferon and ECP shows promising results in treating mycosis fungoides type CTCL. 
 

• Fourteen male patients aged 38 to 72 years were treated.
   

• The total response rate achieved was 56%.
   

• Patients were in stage IIa/IIb of CTCL.
   

Mechanism of Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP)
ECP utilizes UVA activated 8-MOP to induce apoptosis in targeted lymphocytes through DNA cross-linking. 
 

• UVA activated 8-MOP forms cross-links between DNA strands, leading to cell death. 
   

• ECP effectively reduces erythrodermic CTCL caused by intact CD8 T cells.
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• The treatment prolongs survival with minimal toxicity.
   

• ECP has both immunostimulatory effects against neoplastic cells and immunosuppressive effects against T-cell-mediated disorders. 
   

Comparison of UBI and ECP
UBI and ECP have different mechanisms and effects, with UBI historically used for bacterial infections.
 

• ECP has not been tested against systemic bacterial infections like UBI was between 1930 and 1950.
   

• Both treatments can exhibit immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects depending on dosage and disease.
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• UBI causes intra-strand cross
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Conclusion on UBI's Historical Context
UBI's acceptance has been limited due to uncertainties about its mechanisms and broad claims of efficacy. 
 

• UBI was initially discovered in the U.S. but gained more attention in Russia and Eastern countries. 
   

• The effectiveness of UBI is dose-dependent, governed by the concept of hormesis.
   

• Confusion exists regarding the mechanisms of UBI, including reactive oxygen species production and immune response alterations. 
   

• The rise of multi-drug resistant bacteria highlights the need for reconsideration of UBI as a treatment option. 
   

Acknowledgments and Research Support
The research conducted in the Hamblin laboratory is supported by a U.S. NIH grant. 
 

• The specific grant number is R01AI050875.
   

References and Historical Studies
A comprehensive list of studies and historical references supports the findings and claims made in the text.
 

• Numerous studies from various years document the effects and applications of UBI and ECP.
   

• Historical context is provided through references dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries.