[Beta-endorphin and stress hormones in patients affected by osteoarthritis undergoing thermal mud therapy].

Background: Thermal mud is a therapeutic agent widely used in the treatment of painful arthritic processes. The mechanism by which mud therapy works is still not well known. Its effect continues for months after completion of treatment.

[Cytokines of bone turnover in postmenopause and old age].

Background: The aim of the study was the assessment of the influence of cytokines on bone ageing by measuring their level in serum and their secretion in vitro by monocytes from women of different age.

Methods: The levels of cytokines in 34 postmenopausal subjects and 14 old subjects were compared to those measured in 13 cycling subjects who were considered as control group. Subjects suffering from diseases inducing secondary osteoporosis, subjects taking medications that affect bone metabolism and alcohol- or tobacco-consumers were excluded from the study.