Natural reduced water suppressed anxiety and protected the heightened oxidative stress in rats

Effect of Hita Tenryo Water™, a natural mineral water, on allergic symptoms induced by cedar in mice

The number of patients with allergies to pollen and food is increasing worldwide. In Japan, the prevalence of cedar pollinosis, a type I allergy, is nearly 30% and accounts of hay fever are rising. A potential natural remedy for these allergic diseases may be Hita Tenryo Water™ (referred to simply as Hita Tenryo water), water that is pumped from deep underground in the Hita region of Oita, Japan, which has been the subject of various research reports. Here, we investigated the potential of using Hita Tenryo water to suppress the onset of cedar pollinosis in a mouse model and explored the immunological mechanism of the suppression. Test model mice were given Hita Tenryo water ad libitum to drink and received intraperitoneal administration of (i) tap water (Hw1), (ii) 25% Hita Tenryo water (Hw2) or (iii) 100% Hita Tenryo (Hw3). There were no significant differences in body weight change, feed intake, or water intake among the groups during the experimental period. We examined nose rubbing and sneezing as allergic symptoms. The frequency of rubbing and sneezing tended to decrease in the Hw1 and Hw2 group, and significantly decreased in the Hw3 group compared to control. Total IgE levels in serum were also significantly reduced in Hita Tenryo water intraperitoneal administration groups. In vitro examination of the rate of release of β-hexosaminidase from BL-2H3 cells showed that there were no significantly differences between Hita Tenryo water-treated and control cells. In addition, measurement of Th2-related cytokine levels in concanavalin A-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells revealed a significant decrease in IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 levels in medium (p < 0.01). In contrast, production of IFN-γ significantly increased (p < 0.01). These results indicate that Hita Tenryo water may alleviate and/or suppress allergic symptoms.

New Treatment for the Cognitive and Emotional Deficits Linked with Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Mice

Chemotherapy-provoked peripheral neuropathy and its linked comorbidities severely reduce the quality of a patient's life. Its therapy is not completely resolved and has become an important clinical challenge. The protective actions of molecular hydrogen (H₂) in many neurological disorders have been described, but its effects on memory and the emotional deficits accompanying neuropathic pain induced by chemotherapy remain unknown. In this study, using male mice injected with paclitaxel (PTX), we examined the effects of systemic treatment with hydrogen-rich water (HRW) in: (i) the mechanical and thermal allodynia provoked by PTX and the pathways involved; (ii) the memory deficits, anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors associated with PTX-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN); and (iii) the plasticity (p-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase; p-ERK ½), nociceptive (p-protein kinase B, p-Akt), inflammatory (p-nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha; p-IKBα), and oxidative (4-hydroxynonenal: 4-HNE) alterations provoked by PIPN in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The results revealed: (1) the antiallodynic actions of HRW administered at one or two times per day during 7 and 3 consecutive days; (2) the participation of Kv7 potassium channels and the Nrf2-heme oxygenase 1-NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 pathway in the painkiller effects of HRW; (3) the inhibition of memory deficits and the anxiodepressive-like behaviors related with PIPN induced by HRW; and (4) the normalization of p-ERK ½, p-Akt and 4-HNE up-regulation and the activation of antioxidant enzymes produced by this treatment in PFC. This study proposes HRW as a possible effective and safe therapy for PIPN and its associated cognitive and emotional deficits.

Associations of alkaline water with metabolic risks, sleep quality, muscle strength: A cross-sectional study among postmenopausal women

Much has been claimed on the health benefits of alkaline water including metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its features with scarcity of scientific evidence. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted to determine whether regular consumption of alkaline water confers health advantage on blood metabolites, anthropometric measures, sleep quality and muscle strength among postmenopausal women. A total of 304 community-dwelling postmenopausal women were recruited with comparable proportion of regular drinkers of alkaline water and non-drinkers. Participants were ascertained on dietary intake, lifestyle factors, anthropometric and biochemical measurements. Diagnosis of MetS was made according to Joint Interim Statement definition. A total of 47.7% of the participants met MS criteria, with a significant lower proportion of MetS among the alkaline water drinkers. The observed lower fasting plasma glucose (F(1,294) = 24.20, p = 0.025, partial η2 = 0.435), triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein concentration ratio (F(1,294) = 21.06, p = 0.023, partial η2 = 0.360), diastolic blood pressure (F(1,294) = 7.85, p = 0.046, partial η2 = 0.258) and waist circumference (F(1,294) = 9.261, p = 0.038, partial η2 = 0.263) in the alkaline water drinkers could be considered as favourable outcomes of regular consumption of alkaline water. In addition, water alkalization improved duration of sleep (F(1,294) = 32.05, p = 0.007, partial η2 = 0.451) and handgrip strength F(1,294) = 27.51, p = 0.011, partial η2 = 0.448). Low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (F(1,294) = 1.772, p = 0.287, partial η2 = 0.014), body weight (F(1,294) = 1.985, p = 0.145, partial η2 = 0.013) and systolic blood pressure (F(1,294) = 1.656, p = 0.301, partial η2 = 0.010) were comparable between the two different water drinking behaviours. In conclusion, drinking adequate of water is paramount for public health with access to good quality drinking water remains a critical issue. While consumption of alkaline water may be considered as a source of easy-to implement lifestyle to modulate metabolic features, sleep duration and muscle strength, further studies are warranted for unravelling the precise mechanism of alkaline water consumption on the improvement and prevention of MetS and its individual features, muscle strength and sleep duration as well as identification of full spectrum of individuals that could benefit from its consumption.

The Origin of Teratogenic Retinoids in Cyanobacteria

Although information about the occurrence and distribution of retinoids in the environment is scarce, cyanobacterial water blooms have been identified as a significant source of these small molecules. Despite the confirmed presence of retinoids in the freshwater blooms dominated by cyanobacteria and their described teratogenic effects, reliable identification of retinoid producers and the mechanism of their biosynthesis is missing. In this study, the cultures of several taxonomically diverse species of axenic cyanobacteria were confirmed as significant producers of retinoid-like compounds. The consequent bioinformatic analysis suggested that the enzymatic background required for the biosynthesis of all-trans retinoic acid from retinal is not present across phylum Cyanobacteria. However, we demonstrated that retinal conversion into other retinoids can be mediated non-enzymatically by free radical oxidation, which leads to the production of retinoids widely detected in cyanobacteria and environmental water blooms, such as all-trans retinoic acid or all-trans 5,6epoxy retinoic acid. Importantly, the production of these metabolites by cyanobacteria in association with the mass development of water blooms can lead to adverse impacts in aquatic ecosystems regarding the described teratogenicity of retinoids. Moreover, our finding that retinal can be non-enzymatically converted into more bioactive retinoids, also in water, and out of the cells, increases the environmental significance of this process.

Effects of Natural Reduced Water on Cognitive Function, Body Composition, and Psychological Function in Older Adults: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Natural reduced water is natural water that contains active hydrogen and reduces oxidation. It is rare in the world, and in Japan, it is produced in the Hita area of Oita Prefecture (Hita Tenryosui water). Previous studies in humans have examined the effects of natural reduced water on diabetes, which is one of the known risks for dementia. Animal studies of natural reduced water have revealed anti-obesity and anti-anxiety effects. However, the effects of natural reduced water on cognitive function, body composition, and psychological function in humans are unknown. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between these items in elderly people who continuously consume natural reduced water. In this study, we recruited participants aged between 65 and 74 years. The participants were randomly and blindly assigned to a natural reduced water (Hita Tenryosui water) group or a control (tap water) group and drank 1 L of water daily for 6 months. Cognitive function, body composition, and psychological function were measured before and after the 6-month intervention period.

The impact of low mineral content water on cardiac function in diabetic rats: focus on oxidative stress

The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of natural low mineral water from the source "Sneznik-1/79" in Serbia on glycemia as well as heart function in rats with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM), with the special emphasis on the role of the oxidative stress. Twenty Wistar albino rats (males, 4 weeks old at the beginning of the study, body weight 180 ± 20 g) were included in the study. Rats were divided randomly into 2 groups (10 animals per group): T2DM: rats with diabetes mellitus type 2 with free access to tap water; T2DM + SW: rats with diabetes mellitus type with free access to natural mineral water from "Sneznik-1/79". Glucose level, ex vivo cardiac function as well as systemic and cardiac redox state were assessed. At the end of the study protocol, glucose level was lower in diabetic rats who consumed mineral water. Moreover cardiac function wasn't affected by mineral water intake, however, significant antioxidant effects were observed. Our study suggests that 4-week consumption of low mineral water from the spring "Sneznik-1/79" has important role in regulation of glycemia and altering redox state in favor of elevated antioxidant capacity without affecting heart function. Based on our findings we may assume that low mineral water from the spring "Sneznik-1/79" has the potential to be used either as preventive strategy or as additional therapeutic strategy in management of T2DM.

Outcomes Assessment of Sustainable and Innovatively Simple Lifestyle Modification at the Workplace - Drinking Electrolyzed-Reduced Water (OASIS-ERW): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Oxidative stress has been associated with many diseases as well as aging. Electrolyzed-reduced water (ERW) has been suggested to reduce oxidative stress and improve antioxidant potential. This study investigated the effects of drinking ERW on biomarkers of oxidative stress and health-related indices in healthy adults. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on 65 participants, who were allocated into two groups. Of these, 61 received intervention (32 with ERW and 29 MW [mineral water]). All participants were instructed to drink 1.5 L/day of ERW or MW for eight weeks. Biomarkers of oxidative stress and health-related indices were assessed at baseline as well as after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of intervention. Of the primary outcome variables assessed, diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential showed a significant interaction between the groups and time, with d-ROMs levels significantly decreased at 8 weeks in ERW compared to those in MW. Among the secondary outcome variables, total, visceral, and subcutaneous fat mass significantly changed over time, with a significant association observed between the groups and time. Thus, daily ERW consumption may be a potential consideration for a sustainable and innovatively simple lifestyle modification at the workplace to reduce oxidative stress, increase antioxidant potential, and decrease fat mass.

Long-Term Potable Effects of Alkalescent Mineral Water on Intestinal Microbiota Shift and Physical Conditioning

Background

An alkalescent (pH 8.3) mineral water (AMW) of Hita basin, located in the northwestern part of Kyushu island in Japan, has been recognized for the unique quality of ingredients including highly concentrated silicic acid, sodium, potassium, and hydrogen carbonate. The biological effects of AMW intake were evaluated with a particular focus on its “antiobesity” properties through its modulation of the gut microbiota population.

Methods

Two groups of C57BL6/J mice (8-week-old male) were maintained with a standard diet and tap water (control: TWC group) or AMW (AMW group) for 6 months and the following outputs were quantitated: (1) food and water intake, (2) body weight (weekly), (3) body fat measurements by CT scan (monthly), (4) sera biochemical values (TG, ALT, AST, and ALP), and (5) UCP-1 mRNA in fat tissues (terminal point). Two groups of ICR mice (7-week-old male) were maintained with the same method and their feces were collected at the 0, 1st, 3rd, and 6th month at which time the population rates of gut microbiota were quantitated using metagenomic sequencing analysis of 16S-rRNA.

Results

Among all antiobesity testing items, even though a weekly dietary consumption was increased (p=0.012), both ratios of weight gain (p=1.21E − 10) and visceral fat accumulation (p=0.029) were significantly reduced in the AMW group. Other criteria including water intake (p=0.727), the amounts of total (p=0.1602), and subcutaneous fat accumulation (p=0.052) were within the margin of error and UCP-1 gene expression level (p=0.171) in the AMW group was 3.89-fold higher than that of TWC. Among 8 major gut bacteria families, Lactobacillaceae (increased, p=0.029) and Clostridiaceae (decreased, p=0.029) showed significant shift in the whole population.

Conclusion

We observed significantly reduced (1) weight gaining ratio (average −1.86%, up to −3.3%), (2) visceral fat accumulation ratio (average −4.30%, up to −9.1%), and (3) changes in gut microbiota population. All these consequences could support the “health benefit” functionality of AMW.

Hydrogen-Rich Water Ameliorates Autistic-Like Behavioral Abnormalities in Valproic Acid-Treated Adolescent Mice Offspring

Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects, recent research has demonstrated that molecular hydrogen can serve as a new medical approach for depression, anxiety and traumatic brain injury. However, its potential effects on neurodevelopmental diseases, such as autism are still elusive. The present study aims to investigate the potential effects of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) administration on valproic acid (VPA)-induced autistic-like behavioral deficits, and the associated underlying mechanism in adolescent mice offspring. Pregnant ICR mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6). One group was injected with saline (NAV group) and provided hydrogen-free water. The other four groups were injected with VPA (600 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, i.p.) on pregnant day (PND) 12.5. One group was provided with hydrogen-free water (VEH group) and the other three groups were provided HRW at different segments, postnatal day 1 (PND 1) to PND 21 (PHV group), PND 13 to PND 21 (PVS group) or from PND 13 to postnatal day 42 (PVL group). Behavioral tests, including open field, novelty suppressed feeding (NSF), hot plate, social interaction (SI) and contextual fear memory tests were conducted between postnatal day 35–42. We found that HRW administration significantly reversed the autistic-like behaviors induced by maternal VPA exposure in the adolescent offspring of both male and female adolescent offspring. Furthermore, HRW administration significantly reversed the alternation of serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), but without any effects on the BDNF levels in maternal VPA-exposed mice offspring. These data suggest the need for additional research on HRW as a potential preventive strategy for autism and related disorders.

Lay Summary: Maternal VPA injection induces autistic-like behavioral deficits in adolescent mice offspring. HRW administration ameliorates autistic-like behavioral deficits. HRW administration reverses the alternation of serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α induced by VPA.