Impact of Sulfate-Arsenical-Ferruginous Water on Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, and Gene Expression of Inflammatory Mediators and MicroRNA in Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes Stimulated by IL-1β - Report - MDSpire

Impact of Sulfate-Arsenical-Ferruginous Water on Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, and Gene Expression of Inflammatory Mediators and MicroRNA in Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes Stimulated by IL-1β

  • By

  • Antonella Fioravanti

  • Patrizia Manica

  • Iole Seccafico

  • Giulia Collodel

  • Elena Moretti

  • Serafino Carta

  • Sara Cheleschi

  • April 20, 2026

  • 0 min

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Impact of Sulfate-Arsenical-Ferruginous Water on Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes

Overview

This study evaluates the effects of sulfate-arsenical-ferruginous Levico water on apoptosis, oxidative stress, and gene expression in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes. Findings indicate that Levico water can counteract IL-1β-induced damage and modulate inflammatory pathways.

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent chronic musculoskeletal disorder characterized by cartilage degeneration and inflammation. Balneotherapy, particularly with mineral waters like sulfate-arsenical-ferruginous Levico water, has shown potential benefits in managing OA symptoms. Understanding the biological mechanisms of such treatments can enhance therapeutic strategies for OA management.

Data Highlights

{'table': {'rows': [{'concentration': '50%', 'cell_viability': 'Counteracted IL-1β effects', 'apoptosis': 'Reduced apoptosis', 'gene_expression': 'Inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines'}, {'concentration': '25%', 'cell_viability': 'Counteracted IL-1β effects', 'apoptosis': 'Reduced apoptosis', 'gene_expression': 'Inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines'}]}}

Key Findings

  • Levico water (LW) at 50% and 25% concentrations improved cell viability and reduced apoptosis in IL-1β stimulated chondrocytes.
  • LW treatment significantly inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α.
  • Gene expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 1 and 13 was reduced following LW treatment.
  • LW upregulated miR-140 and downregulated miR-34a and miR-181a in IL-1β stimulated cells.
  • Pre-incubation with BAY 11–7082 enhanced the protective effects of LW against IL-1β damage.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that sulfate-arsenical-ferruginous water may serve as a complementary treatment for osteoarthritis, potentially reducing inflammation and apoptosis in chondrocytes. Clinicians may consider incorporating balneotherapy into comprehensive OA management strategies.

Conclusion

Sulfate-arsenical-ferruginous Levico water demonstrates significant potential in modulating key pathological processes in osteoarthritis, warranting further exploration in clinical settings.

References

  1. EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological core management of hip and knee osteoarthritis: 2023 update | Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
  2. OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee, hip, and polyarticular osteoarthritis
  3. Balneotherapy for osteoarthritis: a systematic review - PMC
  4. Archives of Toxicology — Alternariol, a mycotoxin, inhibits inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharides in THP-1 derived macrophages through modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway
  5. Archives of Toxicology — Cerebral Cortex Transcriptome Profiling in Wild-Type and IL-1β-Deficient Mice Following Acrylamide Exposure
  6. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy — Biomechanical Factors Influencing the Development of Knee Osteoarthritis
  7. Clinical Rheumatology — The Role of Osteoimmunology in Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis: Investigating Tofacitinib's Impact on Bone Health
  8. EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological core management of hip and knee osteoarthritis: 2023 update | Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
  9. OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee, hip, and polyarticular osteoarthritis
  10. Frontiers | Effectiveness of physical therapies for patients with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
  11. Balneotherapy for osteoarthritis: a systematic review - PMC

Original Source(s)

Impact of Sulfate-Arsenical-Ferruginous Water on Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, and Gene Expression of Inflammatory Mediators and MicroRNA in Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes Stimulated by IL-1β

  • by Antonella Fioravanti, Patrizia Manica, Iole Seccafico, Giulia Collodel, Elena Moretti, Serafino Carta, Sara Cheleschi

  • April 20, 2026

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