Production of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in osteoarthritic patients undergoing mud bath therapy.

Several studies have demonstrated that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are frequently implicated in the destruction of articular cartilage in arthritis. The control of MMP activity is dependent on the local concentration of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and the imbalance of the enzyme-to-inhibitor ratios plays an important role in the remodeling of articular tissues. Some cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha which regulate leukocyte activities, promote MMP secretion and, as a consequence, cartilage degradation.

Bone remodelling in osteoarthrosic subjects undergoing a physical exercise program.

Background: The connection between osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) has attracted considerable attention but reports about bone mass density (BMD) in OA are often contradictory. Some data indicate that BMD is higher in OA patients than in healthy subjects, whereas other studies showed no differences. It has been observed that mud pack treatment (MPT) induces a decrease in cytokines with bone-resorbing effects.