Effects of Ultraviolet Blood irradiation in a Diabetes Rabbit Model

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of ultraviolet blood irradiation on the blood when a low dose of ultraviolet C (UV-C) is directly irradiated to the blood in a diabetic rabbit model and to evaluate the effects on treatment for diabetes. Type 1 diabetics were induced by intravenous (IV) injection of alloxan monohydrate 110 mg/kg into New Zealand white rabbits weighing 2 - 2.5 Kg. A UV-C lamp with light intensity of 4 W and wavelength of 260 nm was used to irradiate UV to the blood. After 10 ml blood was collected from diabetic rabbits and UV was irradiated to the blood, UV irradiated blood was transfused back to the original rabbits. The ultraviolet blood irradiation (UBI) treatment was performed a total of 8 times. We evaluated the effects of the UBI treatment on diabetes through hematological analysis before and after UBI treatment were performed. Our results indicate that the reduced body weight is increased and blood glucose levels are significantly reduced after the UBI treatment is performed when compared to those prior to the UBI treatment. In addition, HCO3- levels and blood pH were elevated and lowered, respectively. Increased ALT and AST levels are reduced by 25.8 % and 17.8 %, respectively, when compared to those prior to the UBI treatment. In addition, CRE, BUN and UA levels indicating renal functions are significantly reduced when compared to those prior to the UBI treatment. In addition, serum Mg2 and Ca2 concentrations are significantly increased when compared to those prior to the UBI treatment. Serum K concentration is significantly reduced when compared to that prior to the UBI treatment. As the results of calculating AG and osm, they are significantly reduced when compare to those prior to the UBI treatment. When the UBI treatment is performed in a diabetic rabbit model, our results indicate that blood glucose levels are reduced. Hematological analysis demonstrates that the UBI treatment is effective to alleviate the diabetes.