Simple Solution for Inflammation?

The science of “taking the waters”…A team of researchers from The University of Manchester has found further evidence that hypertonic solution, which is a solution with an elevated concentration of salt, is an effective treatment for reducing inflammation. The solution, which is already used in IV drips, may prove useful for those suffering from arthritis. The team also found that this solution can ease inflammation purely through bathing in it (think of those throughout history who “took the waters” for ailments like rheumatoid arthritis).

The researchers injected solutions with low ions into mice. They found that these solutions acted as a danger signal, causing cells to swell. The swelling then activates a group of proteins called NLRP3 which then release inflammatory mediators. These activate neighbouring cells to increase inflammation. However, when a hypertonic solution was administered to the mouse it drew the water out of the cells shrinking them back to their original size. This in turn deactivated the signal for inflammation.

In the September 20, 2012 news release, Dr Pelegrin says, “Hypertonic solutions have been used in the treatment of stroke for many years. Clinicians have found that their use not only reduces brain swelling, but also alleviates brain inflammation. However, because there wasn’t a molecular target for hypertonic solutions there has been a lot of debate about the clinical effect. Here we have indentified [sic]a target for hypertonic solutions by blocking the NLRP3 inflammasome which triggers inflammatory mediators at a molecular level.”

The team soaked bandages in the solution before using them on the legs of mice. They also tested bathing the inflamed area in a hypertonic solution and in both cases the inflammation was reduced. The researchers say that the hypertonic solution produces an osmotic gradient through the skin, which explains why hot springs, which have a hypertonic make up, can ease the pain of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Vincent Compan worked with Dr. Pelegrin on this research in the Faculty of Life Sciences. He stated, “This research opens up exciting opportunities for the use of hypertonic solution as a treatment for inflammatory illnesses such as arthritis. What we’ve identified has the potential to be used to help so many patients.”

Another aspect of the team’s research identified that the signaling process to activate inflammation is one of the oldest evolutionary processes. The researchers found that the same mechanism of cell swelling causes NLRP3 inflammasome activation in fish as well as mammals. This means it is one of oldest responses in the body leading to inflammation.