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 - Summary - 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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Objective:

To evaluate the ability of sulfate-arsenical-ferruginous Levico water (LW) in regulating apoptosis, oxidative stress, and gene expression in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes exposed to IL-1β, focusing on its specific biological properties.

Key Findings:
  • LW at 50% and 25% concentrations improved cell viability and reduced apoptosis and oxidative stress in IL-1β stimulated chondrocytes.
  • 50% LW significantly inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and MMPs, downregulated miR-34a and miR-181a, and upregulated miR-140.
  • Pre-incubation with BAY 11–7082 enhanced the protective effects of LW against IL-1β induced damage.
Interpretation:

LW demonstrates potential therapeutic effects in OA by modulating apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory gene expression, possibly through NF-κB signaling, highlighting its role in OA management.

Limitations:
  • The study was conducted in vitro, limiting the applicability of findings to clinical settings and real-world scenarios.
  • Sample size was small, comprising only five patients, which may affect the reliability and generalizability of the results.
Conclusion:

LW may serve as a beneficial treatment for OA by regulating key pathological processes, supporting the use of balneotherapy in managing the condition.

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