Balneotherapy as a potential immunomodulator in inflammaging.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Immunology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) is linked to aging and chronic inflammation.
• Inflammaging, a chronic low-grade inflammation in aging, contributes to age-related diseases.
• Balneotherapy (BT) is a therapeutic intervention involving mineral-rich waters, often used for musculoskeletal conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between SASP and balneotherapy (BT) in elderly individuals.
• To evaluate the effects of BT on SASP markers in older adults with osteoarthritis.
• To explore the potential of BT in managing inflammaging.

Main Methods:

• Elderly patients (over 65) with simple osteoarthritis and prone to inflammaging were included.
• Participants were divided into a BT group (n=20) and a control group (n=20).
• Both groups performed home-based exercises; the BT group also underwent BT intervention. SASP levels were measured before and after 2 weeks.

Main Results:

• The BT group showed increases in IL-8, laminin (LN), fibroblast growth factor-2, MCP-2, IL-1β, MMP-3, and TNF-α, with a decrease in MMP-1.
• The control group exhibited increases in LN, MMP-3, and MCP-2, with a decrease in TNF-α.
• Significant intergroup differences were observed in LN, TNF-α, and MMP-10, with higher levels in the BT group. TNF-α correlated positively with IL-8, plasminogen activator inhibitor, LN, and glutathione.

Conclusions:

• BT, via thermal and chemical stimuli, appears to induce a controlled inflammatory response beneficial for tissue regeneration.
• BT may play a role in mitigating oxidative stress, thereby preventing excessive tissue damage in the elderly.
• Findings support BT as a potential therapeutic strategy for elderly individuals experiencing inflammaging and osteoarthritis.