July - September 2017, Volume 13, Issue 3

Ionescu EV, Tica I, Oprea C, Iliescu DM, Petcu LC, , Iliescu MG

Adiponectin Correlation with Bioclinical Benefits of Using Natural Therapeutic Factors in Knee Osteoarthritis

Acta Endo (Buc) 2017, 13 (3): 308-313
doi: 10.4183/aeb.2017.308

Context and objective. The new insights in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) reveal the implications of adipocytokines. This study aims to analyze the correlations between the serum value of adiponectin and the clinical rehabilitation effects in patients diagnosed with knee OA, admitted and treated in the complex balneal resort of Techirghiol lake. Subjects and methods. The prospective randomized clinical study included 23 patients in the study group, diagnosed with knee OA according to ACR criteria, and a matching control group of 23 subjects. Serum level of adiponectin (using ELISA technique), uric acid, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDLcholesterol and clinical response using a visual analog scale (VAS) were evaluated in all patients on their admission day and after 10 days of balneal treatment. Control group benefited from the same procedures except for cold mud therapy and mineral water baths. Results. Plasma adiponectin levels (23.73±6.44 ng/dL) were statistically higher (p<0.05) in the study group compared to the control group (18.15±6.49 ng/dL). The mean VAS in both groups was decreased (p<0.005) compared to the initial moment. Conclusions. Cold peloidotherapy combined with physical therapy and balneal factors induces serum adiponectin elevation and improves knee pain in OA. Therapeutic properties of Techirghiol mud still need further research.

Keywords: adiponectin, osteoarthritis, mud, knee, VAS, Techirghiol

Correspondence: Irina Tica MD, “Ovidius” University of Constanta, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Department, 1A Cpt. Dobrila Eug street, bl. ST4, sc C ap 48, Constanta, 900512, Romania, E-mail: irinatica@gmail.com