Search Results (28)

Thermal mud produced by spas of the Euganean Thermal District (Italy) has been used since ancient times for therapeutic purposes. Recently, the anti-inflammatory activity of microbial polysaccharides (M-PS), extracted from traditionally maturated muds, was demonstrated using the zebrafish model organism. However, the downstream signalling pathways regulated by M-PS remain largely unknown. In this study, to investigate the underlying mechanisms of inflammation resolution, we performed a transcriptome analysis on zebrafish larvae inflamed with copper sulphate and treated with M-PS. Our findings revealed that M-PS treatment down-regulated the expression of key genes involved in several inflammatory pathways. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis identified eleven up-regulated pathways (e.g., TNF-α signalling via NFκB, IL6–JAK–STAT signalling, p53 pathway, apoptosis, and interferon response) with components reduced in number and expression level in M-PS-treated larvae compared to the inflamed ones. Additionally, seven down-regulated pathways were identified (e.g., transcription factors E2F, MYC, and the G2M checkpoint). DEG-pseudotime analysis further confirmed the association of these genes with the pathways identified by GSEA. These results provide valuable insights into the anti-inflammatory properties of M-PS and the therapeutic potential of Euganean thermal muds for inflammatory diseases. Full article

Background: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting a prospective study to evaluate histological changes in skin and muscle tissues after two weeks of balneotherapeutic intervention, as described in Romanian medical regulations. Methods: Thirty-five patients participated in this study, thirty of whom received balneotherapy (a cold mud ointment or a mud pack, or a mud bath, and/or a salted water bath) and five received hydrotherapy (the witness plot). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Twenty-four hours after discharge, a tegument and muscle biopsy were performed, and fragments were histologically prepared. Results: In the blade evidence analysis, the increased caliber and number of open capillaries and the presence of angiogenesis vessels were statistically significant (p = 0.001 < α = 0.05) for the cold mud ointment and mud pack compared with the witness and mud bath plots. The number of angiogenesis blood vessels was higher in the dermis (p < 0.05 *) with the mud pack plot and in the muscle with the mud cold ointment (p < 0.05). The histological study showed that two weeks of therapeutic intervention produced evidence-based proof in the dermis and muscle tissues, which was persistent at least twenty-four hours after the completion of the balneal course. The results encourage the team to continue the histological approach using modern techniques. Full article

Methamphetamine (METH) is a potent psychostimulant that disrupts cognitive and neurobiological functions in brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus. Chronic METH use leads to altered synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). This study investigates gene expression changes following long-access intravenous METH self-administration in a rodent model. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was conducted on PFC and hippocampal tissue to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between METH-treated and control groups. We identified 41 DEGs in the PFC and 32 in the hippocampus, many involved in synaptic plasticity, immune response, and energy metabolism. Key findings included downregulation of mitochondrial function genes and upregulation of genes related to neural development and extracellular matrix organization, highlighting the profound transcriptional effects of METH. As a proof-of-concept, we explored individual gene expression variability in relation to economic demand for METH. Rats exhibiting higher demand showed distinct molecular profiles, including upregulation of genes linked to neural signaling and transcription regulation, such as Foxd1 and Cdh1. This preliminary analysis demonstrates that individual differences in drug-seeking correlate with unique gene expression patterns. These findings suggest that both group-level and individual molecular changes contribute to the neurobiological mechanisms of METH use. A better understanding of these individual differences could potentially inform the development of personalized therapeutic approaches for MUD. Full article

Background: Thermal therapy represents a well-established therapeutic approach for chronic musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions. To date, no studies have investigated the clinical effects of treatment interruption in thermal medicine. We aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of COVID-19 lockdown-induced thermal therapy discontinuation through validated patient-reported outcomes. Methods: This single-center observational, retrospective study (March 2020–June 2024) evaluated 97 patients receiving standardized thermal therapy at Saturnia Thermal Springs. Treatment protocols included balneotherapy, mud therapy, and inhalation treatments in cycles of 12–15 sessions, with maintenance protocols every 4–6 months. Primary outcomes were assessed through VAS and SF-36 PCS, with EQ-5D and PSQI as secondary outcomes. Results: Significant clinical deterioration occurred during treatment interruption (p < 0.001) in 77.7% of patients. Recovery patterns were duration-dependent, with the 6–7-year cohort showing faster recovery (mean time to baseline: 2.8 months) compared to the 3–5-year cohort (4.6 months). Effect sizes were substantial across all outcomes (Cohen’s d > 1.0), with EQ-5D scores showing duration-dependent improvement (mean improvement in 6–7-year cohort: 0.27). Conclusions: Thermal therapy interruption precipitates quantifiable clinical deterioration, with recovery patterns significantly influenced by pre-existing treatment duration. These findings support the essential nature of treatment continuity in thermal therapy protocols. Full article

The aim of this review is to analyze natural substances exhibiting antibacterial and antifungal activity against skin pathogens, along with their exemplary applications in cosmetic products. Growing concerns related to increasing infection rates and pathogen resistance have prompted the search for alternative therapeutic methods. This article discusses various natural products, derived from plants, animals, and minerals, with antimicrobial potential. Special attention is given to the antimicrobial efficacy of natural substances derived from Allium L., Salvia L., Lavandula L., Origanum L., Melaleuca alternifolia, Aloe vera, Black Cumin, and Trigonella L. in improving treatment outcomes, either alone or in combination with conventional medications. In addition, the presented natural products, such as propolis, honey, cosmetic mud, and clays, can serve as viable alternatives or complementary treatments for mild skin infections and may help prevent recurrence. The promising potential of these natural products encourages further research into discovering new antimicrobial agents. However, the lack of standardization of natural preparations can result in inconsistent therapeutic effects and unforeseen side effects. This review significantly contributes to the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries by emphasizing the potential of natural products and highlighting the need for further research and regulatory measures to ensure their safe and effective integration with existing therapies. Full article

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic condition that causes pain and disability, particularly in the elderly, resulting in significant limitations on mobility and overall quality of life. Balneotherapy using peloids (mud therapy) is an effective, non-pharmacological treatment for OA that improves symptoms and function. This pilot study aimed to assess whether a controlled-matured peloid, supplemented with rosmarinic acid (RosA), could enhance clinical outcomes, functional status, and immune response in OA patients. The study involved 42 elderly OA patients (mean age 70), comparing a 10-day balneotherapy cycle using either a RosA-fortified or non-fortified peloid. The effects on pain (Visual Analogue Scale), functional status (WOMAC, knee flexion/extension), quality of life (EUROQOL), and innate immune response (neutrophil phagocytic and microbicidal activity) were evaluated. Both treatments resulted in significant improvements in pain (by approximately 60%), function, and quality of life, but the RosA-fortified peloid led to greater benefits, particularly in the anxiety/depression dimension of the EUROQOL questionnaire and in enhancing neutrophil immune responsiveness. These findings suggest that RosA supplementation may further improve the therapeutic effects of mud therapy for OA management. Full article

This paper explores how water and water-based systems change their structure under different conditions, such as pH, temperature, and electric fields. These changes affect the properties and performance of living and non-living systems that use water or water-based systems in various technologies. We can use pH, temperature, and electric fields to measure and control the structural changes in water and water-based systems and improve the outcomes of different technologies in biology and medicine. More research is needed to understand how various factors influence the structure of water and water-based systems and how this affects living and non-living systems. Full article

The Euganean Thermal District, situated in North-East Italy, is one of Europe’s largest and oldest thermal centres. The topical application of its therapeutic thermal muds is recognised by the Italian Health System as a beneficial treatment for patients suffering from arthro-rheumatic diseases. Polysaccharides produced by the mud microbiota have been recently identified as anti-inflammatory bioactive molecules. In this paper we analysed the efficacy of Microbial-Polysaccharides (M-PS) derived from mature muds obtained at different maturation temperatures, both within and outside the codified traditional mud maturation range. M-PSs were extracted from six mature muds produced by five spas of the Euganean Thermal District and investigated for their chemical properties, monosaccharide composition and in vivo anti-inflammatory potential, using the zebrafish model organism. Additionally, mature muds were characterized for their microbiota composition using Next-Generation Sequencing. The results showed that all M-PSs exhibit similar anti-inflammatory potential, referable to their comparable chemical composition. This consistency was observed despite changes in cyanobacteria populations, suggesting a possible role of the entire microbial community in shaping the properties of these biomolecules. These findings highlight the importance of scientific research in untangling the origins of the therapeutic efficacy of Euganean Thermal muds in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions. Full article

This study delves into the sedimentation mechanisms governing mud deposits in shallow marine and tidal environments, with a particular focus on elucidating the versatile therapeutic applications of these muds. This research provides valuable insights for optimizing the selection of mud as a cosmetic resource that can positively influence human health and well-being by utilizing a comprehensive analysis involving CaCO₃, TOC, grain size, and statistical parameters across six outcrops situated on the Kefalonia and Corfu islands. The research reveals that the CaCO₃ content of mud deposits on both islands is comparable. Despite the average value (26.71%) significantly exceeding the recommended value (10%) for optimal plasticity, no discernible impact on the mechanical behavior and plasticity of the clay was observed, rendering it a neutral quality criterion. Notably, the TOC content is higher on Corfu Island, suggesting its potential superiority for mud therapy. However, all samples exhibit a TOC content (<0.77%) considerably below the threshold required (2–5%) for material maturation in mud therapy. Consequently, an enrichment of samples with organic matter is imperative. The application of statistical parameters, analyzed through graphical methods, facilitated the creation of various bivariate diagrams, offering insights into the prevailing environmental conditions during deposition. Linear and multigroup discriminant analyses categorize two sediment types: a unimodal type, characterized by mud grain-size dominance, deposited in a shallow water environment, and a bi-modal type, featuring mud and sand content, deposited in a tidal-affected environment. This classification underscores the potential of shallow marine muds (Kefalonia Island) for therapeutic use, given their optimal grain size. In contrast, the tidal mud (Corfu Island), while also suitable for mud therapy, necessitates processing as a cosmetic product to minimize sand content, as coarser fractions may induce skin irritations or injuries. Full article

This study was conducted to estimate the effectiveness of marine-derived resources for treating specific diseases, as well as identify the most effective methods for applying such resources in therapeutic applications. Bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane) were searched from their inception until May 2023 using Medical Subject Headings terms and text keywords related to seawater, mineral water, or ocean therapy. Fifteen eligible studies were included, involving 1325 participants aged 42.7–63.0 years. In the subgroup analysis based on treatment type, the mean difference was −1.581 (95% CI: −1.889, −1.274) for seawater with sun exposure and −1.210 (95% CI: −1.417, −1.002) for seawater with sun exposure, mud pack application, and sulfur pool therapy. The pooled standardized mean difference was calculated for different outcomes; the results were −1.110 (95% CI: −3.028, 0.806) for osteoarthritis severity, −0.795 (95% CI: −0.982, −0.607) for arthritis pain, −1.623 (95% CI: −2.036, −1.209) for fibromyalgia pain, and −1.498 (95% CI: −1.888, −1.108) for quality of life. Marine therapy is, therefore, promising for treating chronic skin issues, easing musculoskeletal discomfort, and enhancing the quality of life among patients with musculoskeletal pain. Full article

During the last few years, the therapeutic landscape of idiopathic aplastic anemia (IAA) has been profoundly revolutionized by the increased use of alternative transplant procedures, such that today hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from a matched unrelated donor (MUD) has been suggested as a possible first line strategy in pediatric patients with severe IAA, in the absence of a matched related donor. However, in this particular context, outcomes and early and long-term toxicities remain to be determined, as compared to non-transplant procedures. While prospective trials are ongoing, we report here the case of a 12-year-old boy with IAA, receiving an upfront bone marrow HCT from a MUD, who experienced early graft rejection associated with autologous hematological recovery, which could induce remission of his hemopathy. This case offers the opportunity to discuss the challenges associated with these new transplant paradigms and provides a brief review of the literature regarding the issue of autologous recoveries after allogeneic HCT in IAA. Full article

In the rapidly evolving field of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) research, the intricate role of Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) has garnered critical attention for its diverse involvement in both pathological substrates and prospective therapeutic paradigms. While conventional pathophysiological models of AD have primarily emphasized the significance of amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition and tau protein hyperphosphorylation, this targeted systematic review meticulously aggregates and rigorously appraises seminal contributions from the past year elucidating the complex mechanisms of H₂S in AD pathogenesis. Current scholarly literature accentuates H₂S’s dual role, delineating its regulatory functions in critical cellular processes—such as neurotransmission, inflammation, and oxidative stress homeostasis—while concurrently highlighting its disruptive impact on quintessential AD biomarkers. Moreover, this review illuminates the nuanced mechanistic intimate interactions of H₂S in cerebrovascular and cardiovascular pathology associated with AD, thereby exploring avant-garde therapeutic modalities, including sulfurous mineral water inhalations and mud therapy. By emphasizing the potential for therapeutic modulation of H₂S via both donors and inhibitors, this review accentuates the imperative for future research endeavors to deepen our understanding, thereby potentially advancing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in AD. Full article

We have performed a characterization of cultivated haloalkalitolerant fungi from the sediments of Big Tambukan Lake in order to assess their biodiversity and antimicrobial activity. This saline, slightly alkaline lake is known as a source of therapeutic sulfide mud used in sanatoria of the Caucasian Mineral Waters, Russia. Though data on bacteria and algae observed in this lake are available in the literature, data on fungi adapted to the conditions of the lake are lacking. The diversity of haloalkalitolerant fungi was low and represented by ascomycetes of the genera Acremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Chordomyces, Emericellopsis, Fusarium, Gibellulopsis, Myriodontium, Penicillium, and Pseudeurotium. Most of the fungi were characterized by moderate alkaline resistance, and they tolerated NaCl concentrations up to 10% w/v. The analysis of the antimicrobial activity of fungi showed that 87.5% of all strains were active against Bacillus subtilis, and 39.6% were also determined to be effective against Escherichia coli. The majority of the strains were also active against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans, about 66.7% and 62.5%, respectively. These studies indicate, for the first time, the presence of polyextremotolerant fungi in the sediments of Big Tambukan Lake, which probably reflects their involvement in the formation of therapeutic muds. Full article

Hand osteoarthritis (HOA) represents a common presentation of osteoarthritis, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life and daily activities. The 2018 EULAR recommendations underline the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, combining non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments. Yet, the role of balneotherapy (BT) in the HOA therapeutic regimen remains unclear. This review seeks to bridge the gap by exploring recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigate the potential benefits of BT as a complementary intervention for managing HOA. This scoping review investigates original research articles published between January 2003 and August 2023 through a comprehensive search across MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The findings from this scoping review contribute to the growing corpus of evidence indicating that BT, particularly when employing specific methods like mud packs and mineral-rich baths, presents a promising role in reducing pain and enhancing functionality and quality of life, particularly in the initial phases of the condition. These findings highlight the potential therapeutic efficacy of BT interventions and support their inclusion as a complementary approach in managing HOA and preventing its progression. However, further research and the undertaking of larger-scale trials are imperative to validate these preliminary findings. Full article

Clays have been applied for centuries by people for many uses. From pottery to medicine, clays and clay minerals constitute part of individuals’ daily routines. Natural fine-grained earth material, commonly found at Xi beach coastal area of Lixouri in Kefalonia island, was used during the last few decades by local people as well as from tourists for pelotherapy, even though this material has never been examined for its suitability for this use. This work was conducted aiming to characterize this material and determine if it is harmless and beneficial for therapeutic purposes or skin care. Field work revealed that the material is not homogenous and, therefore, some of its parts could be characterized as suitable, non-suitable or even harmful. The collected samples from Kefalonia were characterized according to their petrographic and chemical features using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Moreover, the microbial burden of the material was assessed analyzing the bacterial and fungi load. This study indicates that this geomaterial can be suitable for natural mud/peloid applications, but only in some parts of this area. Full article