Could artificial sunshine be the the key to treating MS?

Aberdeen scientists have uncovered an extraordinary discovery that can help treat patients with disease similar to multiple sclerosis.


The research involved testing artificial UV (ultraviolet)-B light, also know as artificial sunlight on patients with multiple sclerosis. These patients where treated with artificial ultraviolet light -B therapy for skin disease caused by their immune system acting inappropriately.


The research shows how UV-B light boosts vitamin D, as well as cells that are responsible for balancing our immune system. Similar to UV-B light from the sun, artificial UV-B light creates vitamin D in our bodies.


This research might also explain the prevalence of autoimmune disease among those living away from the equator, which is where there is lower levels of UV-B light, considering that lack of vitamin D may have a link with autoimmune diseases such as MS.


“We found that UV-B light boosted the production of vitamin D, and of regulatory T cells, which play an important role keeping our immune systems in check.

“Our findings have important implications for future interventions including the recommendations for healthy lifestyle and a possible role for phototherapy and/or vitamin D supplementation in the prevention or treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

“While too much exposure to sunlight is harmful and increases skin cancer risk, these results suggest that subjects in our study would have some benefits from small amounts equivalent to summer exposure in the winter but more work needs to determine the role of sunlight and the role of supplementing the diet with vitamin D.”

Dr Helen Macdonald, senior lecturer in nutrition and translational musculoskeletal research at the university and chair of the National Osteoporosis Society Nutrition and Lifestyle forum, said: “There are risks associated with high levels of both therapies, so it is important that we get the balance right.

“We would also want to stress that we are not advocating sun bed use since this is not the same type of radiation produced by sun beds which already have well-documented health risks.

“The average dose of UV light that the volunteers received was the equivalent to sunlight exposure in Aberdeen over spring and summer and further work is required to determine if lower doses are effective.”

Professor Mark Vickers, chair in applied medicine at the university, added: “Ours is the first study to demonstrate in patients a cause and effect between UV light, vitamin D and systemic immune function in people.”

Reference: Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre