This scientific abstract investigates whether Quinton® Isotonic (a diluted, ultrafiltered seawater solution) can influence the activity of certain immune cells – more specifically neutrophils. Neutrophils are important “instant helpers” of our immune system: they react quickly to pathogens and help the body to fight off infections.
In the laboratory, neutrophils from blood samples of healthy people and patients with psoriatic arthritis(an inflammatory autoimmune disease) were examined. The cells were brought together with Quinton® Isotonic in different concentrations and then tested to see how strongly they show a certain defense reaction – the so-called respiratory burst. This is a natural “defense reaction” in which immune cells become active and produce substances that can fight pathogens.
The results show: In healthy donors, Quinton® Isotonic led to more neutrophils becoming active, both without additional stimulation and after artificial stimulation in the laboratory. In patients with psoriatic arthritis, the changes were also visible, but more as a trend.
Conclusion: The results indicate that Quinton® Isotonic can influence immune cells in the laboratory. However, this is a preliminary study that does not yet allow any direct statement to be made about the effect in the human body
Background
Neutrophil granulocytes are a central component of the innate immune system. They are among the first cells to become active in the event of inflammation or infection. One of their most important functions is the so-called respiratory burst: the cells produce reactive oxygen compounds that contribute to the defense against microorganisms.
The regulation of this function is medically relevant because too little activity can weaken the body’s defense against infection, while too much or misdirected activity can increase inflammation and damage tissue.
Quinton® Isotonic consists of ultrafiltered, diluted seawater with a final concentration of 9 g/L NaCl and, according to the authors, contains “most of the mineral elements necessary for the proper functioning of body cells”. Previous studies by the working group have already described immunomodulating effects on lymphocytes. The aim of this work was therefore to test the influence on neutrophils.
Study design and methods
Blood samples from a total of 6 healthy donors and 4 patients with psoriatic arthritiswere used for the study. The neutrophils were isolated using a density gradient method (Percoll) and then placed in cell culture.
The cells were incubated in different mixing ratios:
-
RPMI : Quinton® Isotonic (test condition)
-
RPMI : PBS (control)
To measure neutrophil activity, the respiratory burst was also triggered in part by a laboratory stimulus (PMA). The evaluation was carried out using flow cytometry.
Results (summarized in terms of content)
Healthy donors
In healthy samples, Quinton® Isotonic led to an increase in active neutrophils, both:
-
without additional stimulation
-
as well as under stimulation
The strongest effects were particularly evident at medium concentrations of Quinton® solution (e.g. 50%).
Patients with psoriatic arthritis
In the patients, the values were also in the direction of activation, but the results were described as close to statistical significance – i.e. as an indication, not as clear evidence.
Interpretation
The authors conclude that Quinton® Isotonic can modulate neutrophil function ex vivo according to these preliminary data. This means: in the laboratory outside the body, not automatically in humans after oral ingestion or application.
Classification and limits
This abstract provides interesting information, but has typical limitations:
-
Very small number of participants
-
Laboratory conditions (ex vivo)
-
no clinical endpoints (e.g. susceptibility to infection, inflammation values, symptoms)
-
No statement on optimal dosage in everyday life
Conclusion
The abstract shows that Quinton® Isotonic can influence the activity of neutrophils in a laboratory model. The results indicate a possible immunomodulatory effect, but are to be considered preliminary and should be supplemented by larger clinical studies.