Plasma lipids, lipid peroxides and antioxidant system in osteoarthritic patients underwent spa therapy

Abstract

Objective: The molecular processes underlying degenerative cartilage disease ''osteoarthritis, OA'' are not fully known.. Although oxidative stress causes cell damage in various tissues, there is not enough evidence for the involvement of oxidative stress in degenerative joint diseases. On the other hand, various spa therapies such as balneotherapy, mud, mineral water, and sulfur bath have long been used for treating osteoarthritis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of spa therapy with balneotherapy on oxidant/antioxidant status and lipid levels. Material and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 28 osteoarthritis patients who had spa therapy at Bursa Military Hospital, Turkey. Osteoarthritis patients between 45-70 years who had no contraindications to spa therapy were eligible for inclusion in the study. Spa therapy included balneotherapy with acratothermal water, physical therapy modalities, and mild exercise for 15 days. Blood samples were obtained before and after the treatment cycle to determine the patients' possible changes in oxidant/antioxidant status and lipid profiles. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol (T-SH) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and plasma lipids were measured. Results: We found a statistically nonsignificant decrease in MDA levels and a significant increase in GPx activity. Whereas plasma lipids, T-SH levels, TAC, and SOD activity remained unchanged. Conclusion: We may suggest that different mechanisms may play a role in the beneficial effects of spa therapy with balneotherapy in OA besides stimulation of GPx activity.