In vitro evaluation of natural thermal mineral waters in human keratinocyte cells: a preliminary study

Abstract

We aimed to test the anti-inflammatory and angiogenic properties of two different thermal waters at the cellular level in human keratinocyte cells in the present study. Two different thermal waters, thermo-mineral BJ1 (Bursa, Turkey) and oligomineral BG (Bolu, Turkey), were tested in human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell line. HaCaT cells were incubated for 3 days with thermal waters; RNA isolation was carried out in the treated and untreated cells. The gene expressions of TNFα, IL-1α, and VEGF were measured using the RT-qPCR. The tested thermal waters significantly decreased the expression of IL-1α (BJ1 93% p = 0.0024 and BG 38% p = 0.0303). BJ1 and BG thermal waters downregulated the expression of TNFα (59% p = 0.0001 and 23% p = 0.0238 respectively). Furthermore, BJ1 and BG significantly downregulated the gene expression of VEGF (98% p = 0.0430 and 15% p = 0.0120). The observed decrease in the gene expression of TNFα and IL1α could be interpreted as an anti-inflammatory effect of mineral waters on HaCaT cells. Moreover, the suppressed VEGF expression might be an indicator of the antiangiogenic effect on human keratinocytes. Therefore, we hypothesized that depending on their specific chemical composition such as silica (128 mg/L) in BJ1 and hydrogen sulfide (1.2 mg/L) in BG, thermal waters suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic growth factor. These preliminary findings might give insight on the underlying mechanisms of the therapeutic benefits observed in some skin diseases such as rosacea and psoriasis.

Nitrodi thermal water downregulates protein S‑nitrosylation in RKO cells

“…It has also been demonstrated that hydrogen sulphide, released from sulphur, increased the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines ( 44 ). It is conceivable that a similar mechanism of action could also be responsible for the anti-inflammatory proper-ties of Nitrodi spring water, and that other mineral spring waters could act in a similar manner or by modifying other general molecular and biochemical cell mechanisms, such as microRNA expression ( 45 ).…”

A comprehensive analysis to understand the mechanism of action of balneotherapy: why, how, and where they can be used? Evidence from in vitro studies performed on human and animal samples

“…Finally, a limited number of studies attested the beneficial effect of different thermal mineral waters, tested as a whole, in human psoriatic keratinocytes, primary neutrophils and monocytes, and OA chondrocytes (Braga et al 2008;Braga et al 2010;Chiarini et al 2006a;Chiarini et al 2006b;Dal Pra et al 2007;Fioravanti et al 2013;Karagülle et al 2018;Lee et al 2012;Prandelli et al 2013); furthermore, Gerencsér et al (2019) confirmed the beneficial effects of organic rich extract of selected medicinal waters in protecting human keratinocytes from UV radiation-related DNA damage. The results demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective activities of thermal waters, as well as their antioxidant and immunomodulatory functions.…”

“…HaCaT lines were also employed to an in vitro test of Bursa and Bolu waters, two traditional and historical thermal mineral waters of Turkey (Karagülle et al 2018). Three days of incubation of the cells with 10% concentration of the two tested waters significantly reduced the gene expression of IL-1α, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and VEGF.…”

Incorporation of Cró thermal water in a dermocosmetic formulation: cytotoxicity effects, characterization and stability studies and efficacy evaluation

“…The dermatologic therapeutic indications invoked by the presence of such elements were recently reviewed by Karagülle et al and can be related to the beneficial effects of the incorporation of mineral thermal waters on specific formulations for topical applications, namely cosmetics.…”