DO MINERAL WATERS HAVE ANY CHONDROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS? EVIDENCE FROM IN VITRO STUDIES

Nicola Antonio Pascarelli; Sara Cheleschi; Sara Tenti; Antonella Fioravanti

Volume : IV, Issue : X, October - 2015

DO MINERAL WATERS HAVE ANY CHONDROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS? EVIDENCE FROM IN VITRO STUDIES

Nicola Antonio Pascarelli, Sara Cheleschi, Sara Tenti, Antonella Fioravanti

Abstract :

The objective of this review was to summarise the information on the possible chondroprotective effects of mineral waters or mineral components on chondrocyte or cartilage cultures. We conducted a search of the literature in april 2015 using PubMed, PED–ro, Scopus, and Web of Science (period examined was 2000–2015). A possible chondroprotective role of mineral waters or mineral components was demonstrated by some pilot studies in chondrocyte cultures. Many authors investigated the activity of different hydrogen sulphide (H2 S) donors in normal or osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes stimulated by Interleukin (IL)–1β or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The incubation with exogenous H2 S sources inhibits the release of Nitric oxide (NO), Prostaglandin (PG)–E2, Metalloproteases (MMPs), Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)–α, IL–6, IL–8 and regulates the expression of genes in OA pathogenesis and progression by reducing Nuclear Factor (NF)–kB activation. One study evaluated the role of a highly mineralized water in human OA chondrocytes exposed to IL–1β. The mineral water significantly reduced the NO production, the expression of NO synthase (NOS) and the apoptosis induced by IL–1β. The data presented showed a chondroprotective activity of mineral waters or a singular mineral element and elucidate their potential mechanism of action at molecular level. These reports represent an important contribution to understanding the clinical efficacy of balneotherapy in OA.