Effects of mud-pack treatment on plasma cytokine and soluble adhesion molecule levels in healthy volunteers

Authors: Basili S (1) , Martini F (2) , Ferroni P (2) , Grassi M (1) , Sili Scavalli A (1) , Streva P (3) , Cusumano G (4) , Musca A (1) , Battista Rini G (4)

Affiliations:

(1) Department of Medical Therapy, University of Rome La Sapienza, Viale Del Policlinico (2) Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology, University of Rome La Sapienza (3) Azienda Autonoma delle Terme di Sciacca (4) Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Palermo

Source: Clin Chim Acta. 2001 Dec;314(1-2):209-14

Language: English Countries: Not specified Location: Not specified Correspondence address: Basili S. :
Department of Medical Therapy, University of Rome La Sapienza, Viale Del Policlinico, 155 00161 Rome, Italy.
stefania.basili@uniroma1.it

Keywords

Article abstract

BACKGROUND:

The suggested hypothesis of a direct anti-inflammatory property of mud-pack treatment has led us to speculate that its action on the cytokine network might counteract the heat-stress-related effects on platelet and endothelial cell function often reported following hot-spring baths. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of a cycle of 12 daily mud-pack treatments on bio-humoral markers of inflammation, as well as on markers of in vivo platelet and/or endothelial cell activation, in plasma samples obtained from healthy volunteers.

METHODS:

Blood samples were obtained before (T(0)), at the end of the first treatment (T(1)) and after a cycle of 12 daily mud-pack treatments (T(2)). Plasma cytokines (TNF-alpha IL-1beta, and IL-6) and adhesion molecules (sP-selectin, sE-selectin and sVCAM) levels, as well as hematocrit and complete and differential blood cell counts were determined at every time point.

RESULTS:

Plasma sP-selectin levels were not modified during treatment, as were not sE-selectin or sVCAM. Similarly, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha levels were unchanged through a 12 daily mud-pack treatment. Conversely, plasma IL-6 levels were significantly lowered at the end of a 20-min 47 degrees C mud-pack treatment (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

The lack of effects on in vivo platelet and/or endothelial cell activation suggests that hot mud-pack treatment might be used as a relatively safe procedure in patients with atherothrombotic disorders.

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