The effect of balneotherapy and peloid therapy on changes in the functional state of patients with knee joint osteoarthritis: a randomized, controlled, single-blind pilot study

The treatment of OA using pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical measures remains a topical subject. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of natural factors (mineral water and mud) on changes in the functional state of patients with knee joint OA. Ninety-two adult people with grade I-III knee joint OA according to the Kellgren and Lawrence scoring system participated in the study. The subjects received 10 mineral water bath plus physical therapy or mud application procedures plus physical therapy or physical therapy alone every other day. The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed on the basis of anthropometric changes of data, VAS, SF-36, KOOS questionnaire indicators. Significantly greater walking speed, test of 5 sit downs/stand ups, circumference of a knee joint, flexion and extension range, flexor and extensor strength after treatment lasting 1 month were obtained in the intervention group. After 1 month after treatment pain intensity scores over the past month and when changing position were significantly higher in the control group. The positive changes in SF-36 were identified after 1 month after treatment: physical activity increased and pain decreased in the intervention groups. There was no significant difference between the averages of any KOOS subscale in groups. However, average percentages of symptoms, stiffness, and pain in the intervention groups were significantly better after treatment and lasting 1 month after treatment. Balneotherapy and peloid therapy effectively reduce pain and improve the functional state of patients with OA of a knee joint.

PSCA and MUC1 gene polymorphisms are associated with gastric cancer and pre-malignant gastric conditions [corrected]

BACKGROUND/AIM

Genome-wide association studies revealed a link between gastric cancer (GC) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA), phospholipase C epsilon-1 (PLCE1) and mucin-1 (MUC1) genes. Herein, we aimed to evaluate associations between PSCA (C>T, rs2294008; G>A, rs2976392), MUC1 (C>T, rs4072037) and PLCE1 (A>G, rs2274223) SNPs and GC or high-risk gastritis (HRAG).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using TaqMan system, SNPs were genotyped in 252 patients with GC, 136 patients with HRAG and 246 controls.

RESULTS

PSCA rs2294008 allele T was associated with risk of GC (odds ratio (OR)=1.88, p<0.001) and HRAG (OR=1.49, p=0.009). Allele A of PSCA rs2976392 was associated with development of GC (OR=1.88, p<0.001) and HRAG (OR=1.56, p<0.01). MUC1 rs4072037 allele G was protective against development of GC (OR=0.64, p=0.0005), while no differences were found for PLCE1 rs2274223.

CONCLUSION

Polymorphisms of PSCA (rs2976392, rs2294008) and MUC1 (rs4072037) genes are associated with GC and HRAG.