Biology of hyperthermia

Biological effects of hyperthermia are widely discussed in research and demonstration articles (see the section „Bibliography„).
The synthesis of this knowledge is as follows:

A – Expression of ligand and other molecules on the surface of tumor cells
increase in the presence of MHCI major histocompatibility complex, NKG2D and NKG2DL receptors and MICA receptor ligands

B – Heat shock proteins
increased expression of heat shock proteins from the HSP group (mostly HSP70) and anti-tumor protein in the form of APC protein

C – Exosomes
release of exosomes by tumor cells – membrane microbubbles that play an important role in cell-cell communication and modulation

D – Direct influence of hyperthermia on antibodies
direct influence of heat on the cells of the immune system, their activity and mobility

E – Perfusion & adhesion

F – Mitochodrial effect

⦁ Mitochondria are the first target of infrared A. IR-A prevents the apoptosis of mitochondrial-induced skin fibroblasts.
Source: Frank S. et al. J Invest Dermatol (2004); 123: 823-831
⦁ IR-A leads to many changes in cells. The direct effect is the „energy arousal” at which the ATP level increases and the electrical voltage of the mitochondrial membrane. Activation of the respiratory chain.
⦁ Next, an increase in DNA-RNA synthesis in the cell nucleus.
Source: Karu TI. Photochem Photobiol (2008) 84: 1091-1099
⦁ IR-A with low cohesion protects human skin fibroblasts against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Sources: Menezes S, and students. J Invest Dermatol 1998; 111: 629-633
Frank S. et al. Exp Dermatol (2006) 15: 130-137

G – Hormonal level at moderate systemic hyperthermia

• Growth hormone with ↑1ºC tymp: increase of  GH by 2.2 mg/l, up to level 8.9 mg/l
• Prolactin with ↑1ºC tymp: increase of  PRL by 8.5 mg/l, up to level  12.0 mg/l
Source: Koska, J. , Rovensky, J. , Zimanova, T. and Vigas, M. (2003), Growth hormone and prolactin responses during partial and whole body warm‐water immersions. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica, 178: 19-23

• Catecholamines with ↑1.2ºC subl: increase of adrenaline by 150%
• increase of Norepinephrine by 58%
Source: U. Lange , G. Thielen , G. Neeck , K. L. Schmidt; Effects of Whole Body Hyperthermia on Plasma Cortisol, (…); Phys Med Rehab Kuror 2005; 15(1): 44-47

H – Granulocytes
Systemic hyperthermia performed up to 1 h after whole body radiotherapy strengthens the hematopoiesis and prevents neutropenia, stimulating the production of granulocytes in the bone marrow.
Source: E.A. Repasky et al., Elevating body temperature enhances hematopoiesis and neutrophil recovery after total body irradiation in an IL-1–, IL-17–, and G-CSF–dependent manner; Blood (2012) 120 (13): 2600-2609.