This abstract investigates whether the Quinton® Isotonic solution (diluted, ultrafiltered seawater) has an effect on certain immune cells – more specifically on neutrophils. Neutrophils are very important defense cells that act as a “rapid response force” in the body against bacteria and other pathogens.
In the laboratory, neutrophils were isolated from the blood of healthy donors and then brought into contact with different concentrations of Quinton® Isotonic for several hours. The activity of these cells was then measured.
A key test was the so-called respiratory burst. This is a natural defense reaction in which neutrophils become particularly active and form substances with which they can render pathogens harmless.
The results show: Quinton® Isotonic was able to increase the proportion of activated neutrophils – both without additional stimulation and when the cells were specifically “switched on” in the laboratory. The effect was particularly clear at a medium concentration.
Conclusion: The data indicate that Quinton® Isotonic can increase the activity of immune cells in the laboratory. This is an interesting indication of a possible immune-supporting effect – however, this is a laboratory study and not a clinical study on humans.
Background
The innate immune defense is the body’s first line of protection against pathogens. Neutrophil granulocytes play a central role in this, as they quickly migrate to sources of infection, absorb pathogens and kill them.
An important mechanism for defending against pathogens is the so-called oxidative or respiratory burst. Neutrophils form reactive oxygen compounds, which are crucial for killing bacteria.
Quinton® Isotonic is described in this abstract as ultrafiltered, diluted seawater with a final concentration of 9 g/L NaCl. According to the authors, it contains many minerals that are relevant for cell functions. Previous work by the group has already described immunomodulating effects on lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence on neutrophils in more detail.
Methods
Neutrophils were obtained from blood samples of healthy donors and placed in cell culture. The cells were incubated for 12 hours with different concentrations of Quinton® Isotonic (from very high to very low). A control solution was also used.
The number of neutrophils capable of triggering the respiratory burst was then measured:
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without additional stimulation
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and after stimulation with a laboratory stimulus (PMA) that artificially activates the cells.
The measurement was carried out using flow cytometry, a method that can record the activity of individual cells very precisely.
Results
The Quinton® Isotonic solution increased the proportion of neutrophils that were able to react actively to the burst.
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Without stimulation: particularly at medium concentration, there was a clear activation.
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With stimulation: activation was also more pronounced than in the control group.
The authors emphasize that the effect is concentration-dependent, i.e. not according to the principle “the more, the better”, but rather “in the right amount”.
Interpretation
The research group concludes that Quinton® Isotonic can influence the function of neutrophils in the laboratory by enhancing the oxidative burst. As this burst is closely linked to the killing of bacteria, this could theoretically support higher bactericidal activity.
Classification and limits
Important: This is an in-vitro study (laboratory study). This means:
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The cells were tested outside the body.
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It has not been investigated whether ingestion leads to the same effects in humans.
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Clinical endpoints such as infection frequency, disease duration or inflammation values were not measured.
Nevertheless, it provides a good scientific basis for pursuing the hypothesis that Quinton® Isotonic could have an immunologically “regulating” effect.
Conclusion
Quinton® Isotonic can increase the activity of neutrophils and enhance the respiratory burst under appropriate laboratory conditions. This indicates a possible potential to support the natural defense. However, clinical studies in humans are required for a final evaluation.