Experimental And Clinical Evidence of the Sulfide Balneotherapy Influence Efficacy on the Trophological and Regenerative Status: a Fundamental, Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. The therapeutic strategies for managing patients with comorbid conditions, such as arterial hypertension (AH) and prediabetes, are widely adopting non-drug methods along with the recommended medications. AIM. To evaluate the effect on fat distribution and humoral status of sulfide balneotherapy in the conditions of the experiment on white rats and clinical study of AH and prediabetes patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study was of a clinical and experimental nature and consisted of 2 phases – experimental and clinical. The experimental study was carried out on obese, non-pedigreed white rats. Animals were exposed to sulfide baths and a combination of sulfide applications and baths. In the clinical phase of the study, patients with AH and prediabetes were included. All patients included in the present study received standardised drug therapy according to clinical guidelines, and patients in the observation group additionally received combined sulphide balneotherapy (Suksun lake sulphide applications and baths) for 14 days. The study program included assessment of weight, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), assessment of serum concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); tissue growth factor (TGF b), insulin and leptin, as well as determination of epicardial fat thickness (EFT). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. The experimental conditions revealed lipolysis in adipocytes (omentum), as well as an increase in the number of hemocapillaries in all areas of the heart and the growth of CD34 expression. The results of the clinical stage of the study suggest redistribution of fat depots against the background of sulfide balneotherapy. There were no statistically significant differences in weight and BMI in the dynamics, but there was a significant decrease in OT and TEF in the group of patients who received balneotherapy, who also had a significant decrease in HEFR concentration, leptin and an increase in TEFR beta 1. CONCLUSION. The presence of lipolytic, regenerative and adipokine-regulating effects of sulfide balneotherapy was demonstrated in the experiment and clinical study.