The Assessment of the Integrated Antioxidant System of the Body in the Course of Radon Therapy: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction The sources of Reactive Oxidative Species (ROS) in the organism are the respiratory processes occurring in cells catalyzed by different enzymes. Operation of ROS is balanced by antioxidants, the compounds; although present in low concentrations, they significantly inhibit the degree of oxidation of particular molecules. The Aim of the Study The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the integrated antioxidant system under the influence of radon therapy in osteoarthritis patients. Material and Methods Observation included 35 patients suffering from degenerative joints and disc disease (mean age 56.5 years) undergoing radon water therapy and control group that consisted of 15 osteoarthritis patients (mean age 54.2) without contact with radon water. Before therapy and after 18 days of treatment, serum total antioxidant status (TAS) was assessed with the use of standard colorimetric assay. Results In the study group, we observed trends to increase TAS concentration, whereas, in the control group, TAS concentration was decreasing. Conclusions (1) Radon waters treatment influenced the level of TAS of osteoarthritis patients treated with the radon water. (2) The change in TAS concentrations in the study group may be the result of low doses of ionizing radiation, but further studies on larger patient's groups are demanded. This study is registered with number NCT03274128.

Assessment of Changes in Lipids Metabolism in Patients with Degenerative Joints and Discs Diseases Subjected to Spa Therapy

“…Therapeutic waters contain various elements and compounds involved in different metabolic pathways. For example, our own study conducted in the same group of patients revealed an increased total antioxidant status (TAS) in patients after treatment completion [24]. The increase in TAS value is indicative of enhanced production of antioxidants, including HDL cholesterol considered to be a member of this group [25, 26].…”

Radon Improves Clinical Response in an Animal Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis Accompanied by Increased Numbers of Peripheral Blood B Cells and Interleukin-5 Concentration

“…With regard to the antioxidative system, Kuciel-Lewandowska et al found, in a pilot study examining the integrated antioxidant system of the body in the course of radon therapy that the total antioxidant status of patients increased after radon therapy. However, as the applied methods differ from those we have used in our preclinical study and as patient numbers are relatively low, further research on the role of the anti-oxidative system after radon therapy is needed [ 17 , 50 ]. Nevertheless, of course, mice and humans cannot be compared one-to-one, and preclinical examinations can only give hints as to which parameters should be looked at in patient studies in more detail.…”

“…Next to the known analgesic effects, some hints on underlying molecular mechanisms have already been shown in pre-clinical models and patient studies. Among the most prominent findings in pre-clinical studies were discoveries concerning alterations of the anti-oxidative system with special emphasize on superoxide dismutase (SOD)1 as a key molecule [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ] and in the immune system. For the latter, Nagarkatti et al reported an alteration of T cell numbers after radon exposure in lymphoid organs of mice as well as alterations in the numbers of lymphocytes and macrophages [ 19 ].…”

“…One of the suggested potential mechanisms behind the effects of radon therapy, is the anti-oxidative system [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ], as it has also been reported after treatment with low-doses of X-rays [ 22 ]: reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential signaling molecules in a variety of cellular processes [ 23 , 24 ]. Oxidative stress, however, resulting from an excessive ROS or oxidant amount overcharging the cellular capability to mount a sufficient anti-oxidant response, is harmful for the cells, causes macromolecular damage and can lead to diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis or cancer [ 24 ].…”

Endogenous anandamide and self-reported pain are significantly reduced after a 2-week multimodal treatment with and without radon therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study

“…Several randomized controlled clinical trials report significant long-term improvement of pain after radon balneology or radon speleotherapy in patients with degenerative spinal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis (Annegret and Thomas 2013 ; Falkenbach et al 2005 ; Becker 2003 ; Cuttler 2020 ; Franke et al 2007 ; Kojima et al 2018 ; Kuciel-Lewandowska et al 2020 ; van Tubergen et al 2001 ; van Tubergen and van der Linden 2002 ). Hormetic effects on DNA repair, the immune system, the antioxidant, or the endocrine system have been proposed; however, the biological mechanisms underlying the potential Rn effects still remain elusive (Galvez et al 2018 ; Kuciel-Lewandowska et al 2018 ; Lange et al 2016 ; Nagy et al 2009 ; Shehata et al 2006 ; Yamaoka et al 2005 ; Ruhle et al 2019 ; Ruhle et al 2017 ; Wunderlich et al 2019 ).…”