Search Results (51)

This article presents a comprehensive overview of the current and emerging roles of cryogenics and superconductivity in medical diagnostics, imaging, and therapy. Beginning with the historical foundations of both fields and their technological maturation, this review emphasizes how cryogenic engineering and superconducting materials have become indispensable to modern medical systems. Cryogenic technologies are highlighted in applications such as cryosurgery, cryotherapy, cryostimulation, and cryopreservation, all of which rely on controlled exposure to extremely low temperatures for therapeutic or biological preservation purposes. This article outlines the operating principles of cryomedical devices, the refrigerants and cooling methods used, and the technological barriers. This paper reviews the latest applications of superconductivity phenomena in medicine and identifies those that could be used in the future. These include cryogenic therapy, radiotherapy (cyclotrons, particle accelerators, synchrotron radiation generation, isotope production, and proton and ion beam delivery), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), positron emission tomography (PET), and ultra-sensitive magnetic signal transducers based on SQUIDs for detecting ultra-low bio-signals emitted by human body organs. CT, MRI/NMR, and PET features are compared using the operation principle, specific applications, safety, contraindications for patients, examination time, and additional valued peculiarities. This article outlines the prospects for the development of superconducting and cryogenic materials and technologies in medical applications. Advances in diagnostic imaging are reviewed, with particular attention on the progression from conventional MRI scanners to ultra-high-field (UHF) systems exceeding 7–10.5 T, culminating in the 11.7 T Iseult whole-body MRI magnet. Another important application area described in this article includes biofunctionalized magnetic nanoparticles and superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), which enable the ultrasensitive detection of biomagnetic fields and targeted cancer diagnostics. Finally, this article identifies future directions of development in superconducting and cryogenic technologies for medicine. Full article

Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) is a widely used method that exposes the body to extremely low temperatures to induce physiological responses. While its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-edema effects are well-documented, the effects of WBC on the skin are not yet fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single session of WBC and a series of 10 and 20 treatments on selected biophysical properties of the skin in normal-weight and overweight or obese subjects. Twenty-three volunteers took part in the study—12 in the study group (SG, BMI > 27) and 11 in the control group (CG, BMI 18–25). Skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), pH, and skin elasticity were measured each time before and after the 1st, 10th, and 20th WBC treatments. All assessments were carried out under standard conditions using specialized probes. The skin in response to the cryogenic stimulus differed according to BMI and anatomical location. In SG: skin firmness on the face (p < 0.001) and forearm (p < 0.001), hydration (p = 0.004), and pH (p = 0.005) on the forearm significantly improved, while TEWL increased after a series of treatments in both groups (p = 0.028). WBC appears to be a safe and effective method of modulating the biophysical properties of the skin, with effects varying by BMI and body region. However, the role of WBCs in exacerbating TEWL should continue to be observed, and in the future, it is also advisable to develop methods to offset this adverse effect. Full article

Background/Objectives: Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) is widely recognized for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Despite growing interest in its therapeutic potential, the impact of WBC on functional performance, pain perception, sleep quality, and quality of life among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the effects of a 10-session WBC protocol on functional and psychological parameters in patients with MS and compare them with individuals without neurological disorders. Methods: A total of 73 participants divided into two groups, non-neurological individuals (non-MS, n = 43) and patients with MS (MS, n = 30), underwent 10 WBC sessions (−120 °C to −130 °C) over 2 weeks. Assessments included the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30CST), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, with the WHOQOL-BREF conducted pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at a 10-day follow-up. Results: In the MS group, significant improvements were observed post-treatment in the NRS, 30CST, WHOQOL-1, and PSQI. However, only the CST and WHOQOL-3 maintained improvements during follow-up. In the non-MS group, statistically significant improvements were observed post-treatment across most parameters, except for the NRS and WHOQOL-3, with most effects diminishing by the follow-up. No deterioration in any assessed parameters was observed in either group. Conclusions: WBC demonstrates potential benefits for managing MS symptoms, particularly pain and sleep quality, with no observed deterioration in parameters and some effects emerging only during follow-ups, underscoring its safety and the need for further research on long-term outcomes. Full article

Background: This case study investigates the effect of a five-session whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) cycle on a 55-year-old female patient with cerebral palsy (CP) and lower limb spasticity (LLS) with a typical diplegic gait pattern. CP is a common physical disability characterized by motor impairments, including spasticity, which significantly impacts mobility and quality of life. The current treatments for spasticity often have limited efficacy and considerable side effects, making alternative therapies like WBC an area of interest. Methods: The patient underwent a 10-day inpatient rehabilitation program integrated with five WBC sessions at −110 °C for 2 min. The treatment effects were assessed immediately before and after the five WBC sessions using the Ashworth Scale, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, H-reflex test, and gait analysis. Psychosocial outcomes were measured with the SF-36, WHO-5, PSQI, ESS, and BDI questionnaires. Results: Immediately after the WBC cycle, gait analysis showed increased walking speed (0.48 to 0.61 m/s left; 0.49 to 0.57 m/s right) and step length (0.30 to 0.38 m left; 0.30 to 0.35 m right). The H/M ratio in the H-reflex test improved, indicating a better neuromuscular efficiency. Psychosocial assessments revealed a 42.5% reduction in pain and a 24% improvement in overall quality of life and well-being. Discussion and Conclusions: The objective improvements in gait parameters and neuromuscular modulation, along with the subjectively reported enhancements in functional abilities, highlight the potential of WBC as a valuable addition to rehabilitation strategies for this population. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and assess long-term outcomes. Full article

Background: Whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) involves exposure to extremely low temperatures to reduce inflammation and pain and to enhance recovery. Despite its growing popularity and the importance of the magnitude of WBC-induced skin cooling in triggering the cascade of effects, limited research has focused on skin temperature changes in individuals with severe obesity, where body composition and sex may influence outcomes. Objective: To examine differences in the cooling response based on sex and BMI, we conducted an observational study comparing patients with obesity to normal-weight individuals after repeated WBC sessions. The goal was to identify differences in skin temperature drops linked to sex and BMI. Methods: A total of 149 adults participated in the study: 119 with obesity (body mass Index, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) and 30 with normal weight (BMI ≤ 25 kg/m²). Participants underwent 10 WBC sessions at −110 °C for 2 min over two weeks. Skin temperatures were measured before and after each session. Results: While the overall drop in skin temperature after 10 sessions of WBC was similar between the patients with obesity and normal-weight subjects, significant differences emerged after adjustment for body surface area. Females exhibited a greater decrease in temperature than males in both groups irrespective of BMI. However, among males, normal-weight individuals experienced a significantly greater temperature drop compared to those with obesity. Conclusions: The study shows that sex and BMI influence WBC-induced skin temperature changes. The results of this study suggest that WBC protocols should be personalized. Full article

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a multifaceted neurodegenerative disorder that progressively affects both the central and peripheral nervous systems. This pilot study aimed to examine the effects of repeated whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) sessions on the sympathovagal balance in PD patients and correlate heart rate variability (HRV) indexes with peripheral biomarkers of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Methods: Seventeen PD patients with mild to moderate motor severity underwent a 10-session WBC cycle over 5 consecutive days. Thirteen patients (6 males, 7 females; mean age 64.5 ± 9.01 years; mean disease duration 5.4 ± 2.3 years) completed the protocol. Cardiac autonomic activity was assessed through HRV measures including RR interval variability (RR mean, RR min, RR max), power density of high and low frequencies (HF, LF), RMSSD, and the LF/HF ratio. Systemic sympathetic activity was evaluated via circulating blood catecholamine levels. Results: Significant increases were observed in RR mean, RR min, RR max, RMSSD, and HF spectrum, indicating enhanced parasympathetic activity. Blood pressure remained stable, suggesting safety. Conclusions: These findings provide initial support to WBC as a potential “rehabilitation booster” in PD, enhancing sympathovagal balance. Further research is needed to explore the long-term benefits of WBC in PD management. Full article

Recent breakthroughs in the determination of atomic resolution 3-D cryo-electron microscopy structures of membrane proteins present an unprecedented opportunity for drug discovery. Structure-based drug discovery utilizing in silico methods enables the study of dynamic connectivity of stable conformations induced by the drug in achieving its effect. With the ever-expanding computational power, simulations of this type reveal protein dynamics in the nano-, micro-, and even millisecond time scales. In the present study, aiming to characterize the protein dynamics of the 5HT_2A receptor stimulated by ligands (agonist/antagonist), we performed 1 µs MD simulations on 5HT_2A/DOI (agonist), 5HT_2A/GSK215083 (antagonist), and 5HT_2A (APO, no ligand) systems. The crystal structure of 5HT_2A/zotepine (antagonist) (PDB: 6A94) was used to set up the simulation systems in a lipid bilayer environment. We found the monitoring of the ionic lock residue pair (R3.50-E6.30) of 5HT_2A in MD simulations to be a good approximation of the effects of agonists (ionic lock breakage) or antagonists (ionic lock formation) on receptor activation. We further performed analyses of the MD trajectories, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), hydrogen bond, salt bridge, and hydrophobic interaction network analyses, and correlation between residues to identify key elements of receptor activation. Our results suggest that in order to trigger receptor activation, DOI must interact with 5HT_2A through residues V5.39, G5.42, S5.43, and S5.46 on TM5, inducing significant conformational changes in the backbone angles of G5.42 and S5.43. DOI also interacted with residues W6.48 (toggle switch) and F6.51 on TM6, causing major conformational shifts in the backbone angles of F6.44 and V6.45. These structural changes were transmitted to the intracellular ends of TM5, TM6, and ICL3, resulting in the breaking of the ionic lock and subsequent G protein activation. The studies could be helpful in future design of selective agonists/antagonists for various serotonin receptors (5HT_1A, 5HT_2A, 5HT_2B, 5HT_2C, and 5HT₇) involved in detrimental disorders, such as addiction and schizophrenia. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although there have been some clinical observations made, the mechanistic effects on bone metabolism of whole-body cryostimulation and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), either alone or in combination, are still debated. Here, we have investigated their effects on circulating osteo-immune and bone metabolic markers (osteopontin, osteocalcin, sclerostin, dikkopf-related protein 1, and fibroblast-growth factor 23) and their potential effects on osteoblast differentiation and function, in vitro, by treating SaOS-2 osteoblast-like cells with the sera obtained from the subjects who had undergone the different interventions or untreated control subjects. Methods: Sixty-seven inactive, overweight-to-obese participants (body mass index = 31.9 ± 5.0 kg·m⁻², 42 ± 13 years old) were recruited and randomly assigned to one group: control (CTRL, n = 14), training (HIIT, 6 sessions, n = 13), WBC (CRYO, 10 sessions, n = 17) or training combined with WBC (CRYO-HIIT, n = 23). The interventions lasted 14 days. Results: While circulating markers analysis revealed more protective potential against resorption in HIIT than in WBC alone or combined, gene expression from in vitro analysis showed an induction of late bone metabolic markers in the HIIT group. Conclusions: These data suggest a potentially protective effect of HIIT in bone against resorption, while WBC maintains homeostasis by preventing any resorptive phenomena and limiting any anabolic activity even when stimulated by intensive exercise. Full article

Recent evidence suggests that whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) may be beneficial for patients with fibromyalgia (FM), but little is known about the duration of such effects. The purpose of this study was to verify the duration of clinical–functional benefits after one cycle of WBC. We conducted a follow-up study on the medium and long-term effects of WBC on well-being, use of pain-relieving/anti-inflammatory medications, pain level, fatigue, sleep quality, and psychological aspects such as mood and anxiety. Twelve months after discharge, we administered a 10 min follow-up telephone interview with FM patients with obesity who had undergone ten 2 min WBC sessions at −110 °C as part of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program (n = 23) and with patients who had undergone rehabilitation alone (n = 23). Both groups reported positive changes after the rehabilitation program, and similar results regarding fatigue, mood, and anxiety scores; however, the implementation of ten sessions of WBC over two weeks produced additional benefits in pain, general well-being status, and sleep quality with beneficial effects lasting 3–4 months. Therefore, our findings suggest that adding WBC to a rehabilitation program could exert stronger positive effects to improve key aspects of FM such as general well-being, pain level, and sleep quality. Full article

Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) antagonists have potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of stress-induced relapse to substance abuse and mood disorders. The dynorphin A analog arodyn (Ac[Phe^1,2,3,Arg⁴,D-Ala⁸]dynorphin A-(1–11)-NH₂) exhibits potent and selective kappa opioid receptor antagonism. Multiple cyclizations in longer peptides, such as dynorphin and its analogs, can extend the conformational constraint to additional regions of the peptide beyond what is typically constrained by a single cyclization. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of a bicyclic arodyn analog with two constraints in the opioid peptide sequence. The peptide, designed based on structure–activity relationships of monocyclic arodyn analogs, was synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis and cyclized by sequential ring-closing metathesis (RCM) in the C- and N-terminal sequences. Molecular modeling studies suggest similar interactions of key aromatic and basic residues in the bicyclic peptide with KOR as found in the cryoEM structure of KOR-bound dynorphin, despite substantial differences in the backbone conformations of the two peptides. The bicyclic peptide’s affinities at KOR and mu opioid receptors (MOR) were determined in radioligand binding assays, and its KOR antagonism was determined in the [³⁵S]GTPγS assay in KOR-expressing cells. The bicyclic analog retains KOR affinity and selectivity (K_i = 26 nM, 97-fold selectivity over MOR) similar to arodyn and exhibits potent KOR antagonism in the dynorphin-stimulated [³⁵S]GTPγS assay. This bicyclic peptide represents a promising advance in preparing cyclic opioid peptide ligands and opens avenues for the rational design of additional bicyclic opioid peptide analogs. Full article

This study evaluated two distinct cryo-fracturing techniques using liquid nitrogen (LN₂). The evaluation included tests for peak compression strength, acoustic emission, and energy absorption. The experiments compared single-exposure freezing time (FT) and multiple-exposure freezing–thawing cycle (FTC) processes on dried specimens. The outcomes indicated that FTC experiments demonstrated lower uniaxial compression stress (UCS) values compared to FT experiments because, during the thawing phase, the ice inside the pores reverts to liquid as the temperature rises. The difference between average baseline experiments versus FT180 and FTC6 indicated a reduction in stress of 14.5% and 38.5%, respectively. The standard error of our experiments ranged from 0.58% for FT60 to 5.35% for FTC6. The damage factor follows a downward trend in both FT and FTC experiments as the time of LN₂ treatment augments. The amount of energy that can be absorbed in elastic or plastic deformation before failure is less for FTC specimens with the same total LN₂ exposure time. Samples undergoing the freezing time process demonstrate a greater and denser quantity of acoustic emissions in comparison to freezing–thawing cycle processes, suggesting a positive correlation with uniaxial compressive strength outcomes. The large network of fractures formed by the FTC and PFTC techniques indicated that they have the greatest potential as stimulation approaches. The engineering results were improved by adding the geological context, which is essential to apply these findings to coals that have comparable origins. Full article

Background: Chronic shoulder pain may cause significant functional disability and reduced psychosocial well-being. Detailed Case Description: In this case, we propose the use of pain neuroscience education and whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) to treat a 64-year-old woman with severe functional limitations and chronic right shoulder pain. The aim was to overcome kinesiophobia and improve her motor function, autonomy, and quality of life. Functional and clinical assessments were conducted at admission, discharge, and at a one-month follow-up via phone call. The patient’s global health, shoulder function, and quality of life showed improvement during hospitalisation and were maintained after one month. Discussion: Pain education is crucial in managing chronic shoulder pain, especially in addressing kinesiophobia and promoting positive patient outcomes. In this context, WBC was used as a supplementary treatment to traditional pain relief and exercise tolerance therapies. This can help individuals to participate more actively in their rehabilitation process, ultimately promoting functional recovery and an improved quality of life. Conclusion: The combination of cryostimulation, tailored physical exercises, pain education, manual therapy, and psychological support created a synergistic effect that addressed both the physical and psychological aspects of pain and kinesiophobia. Full article

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of non-traumatic long-term disability in young adults. Whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) is a cold-based physical therapy known to induce physiological exercise-mimicking changes in the cardiovascular, neuromuscular, immune, and endocrine systems and to influence functional and psychological parameters by exposing the human body to cryogenic temperatures (≤−110 °C) for 2–3 min. The purpose of this scoping review is to present an overall view on the potential role of WBC as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of MS. PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, and Web of Science were searched up to 30 November 2023, and a total of 13 articles were included. WBC may have beneficial antioxidant effects as a short-term adjuvant treatment in MS. There were no significant changes in antioxidant enzymes, nitric oxide levels, metalloproteinase levels, blood counts, rheology, and biochemistry. WBC can lead to a reduction in fatigue and an improvement in functional status, with a significant effect on both mental and physical well-being. There were no reported adverse effects. The results suggest that WBC may complement therapeutic options for patients with MS, as the effects of cryogenic cold stimulation have been shown to activate antioxidant processes and improve functional status, mood, anxiety, and fatigue. Full article

Central sensitisation is defined as a multifactorial etiopathogenetic condition involving an increase in the reactivity of nociceptive neurons and alterations in pain transmission and perception in the central nervous system. Patients may present with widespread chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, dizziness, psychological (e.g., depression, anxiety, and anger) and social impairment. Pain can be spontaneous in onset and persistence, characterised by an exaggerated response and spread beyond the site of origin, and sometimes triggered by a non-painful stimulus. Whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) could be an adjuvant therapy in the management of this type of pain because of its global anti-inflammatory effect, changes in cytokines and hormone secretion, reduction in nerve conduction velocity, autonomic modulation, and release of neurotransmitters involved in the pain pathway. In several conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic musculoskeletal pain), WBC affects physical performance, pain perception, and psychological aspects. Given its multiple targets and effects at different organs and levels, WBC appears to be a versatile adjuvant treatment for a wide range of conditions of rehabilitation interest. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of analgesic effect and potential actions on pain pathways, as well as to study long-term effects and potential uses in other chronic pain conditions. Full article

Background: Tinnitus, which is often associated with reduced quality of life, depression, and sleep disturbances, lacks a definitive treatment targeting its pathophysiological mechanism. Inflammatory markers like TNF-α have been linked to tinnitus, thereby underlining the necessity for innovative therapies. This case study investigates the potential benefits of a multi-approach rehabilitation intervention involving whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) for a 47-year-old male suffering from chronic neurophysiologic tinnitus, who had underwent various unsuccessful treatments from 2005. Methods: the patient underwent a personalized, multidisciplinary rehabilitation intervention covering diet, pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy and physical activity classes tailored to the patient’s needs and capacities, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and whole-body cryostimulation (WBC). Results: The adjunctive WBC intervention resulted in a significant progressive improvement in tinnitus severity (tinnitus handicap inventory Δ% = −46.3%, VAS tinnitus score Δ% = −40%). Additional positive outcomes were noted in sleep quality (PSQI Δ% = −41.67%), emotional wellbeing (BDI Δ% = −41.2%), and quality of life (SF-36, WHO-5 Δ% = +16.5). Conclusions: This study supports the existing literature suggesting the potential of WBC as an adjunct in a multi-approach intervention in ameliorating tinnitus severity and tinnitus-associated disorders. However, randomized controlled trials in larger populations, which specifically consider WBC’s effects on tinnitus, are necessary to confirm these findings and to explore the mechanisms that underlie the observed improvements. Full article