Our immune system consists of many different cell types, which together ensure that we can fight infections – without the body “overreacting”. Two things are particularly important here:
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Defense cells must be able to multiply well when needed.
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At the same time, the body needs regulating cells that slow down inflammation.
This research report investigated whether the Quinton® Isotonic solution (an isotonic, mineral-rich seawater solution) has an effect on immune cells in the laboratory. In particular, lymphocytes from human blood (immune cells) and mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue (cells that are of interest for regeneration and immune regulation, among other things) were tested.
The results show: Compared to a simple salt solution of the same salt strength, Quinton® Isotonic was able to support the proliferation of immune cells. There was also an effect on so-called regulatory T cells (Treg) – these are cells that help to control inflammation and keep the immune system in balance.
In addition, there were indications that Quinton® Isotonic can better protect cells and keep them stable under unfavorable conditions in the laboratory.
Conclusion: The results suggest that Quinton® Isotonic is not just “salt water” in the laboratory, but can positively influence certain cell functions thanks to its mineral composition. However, this is laboratory research – not a clinical study on humans.
Background
Immune cells require a stable “internal environment” of water, minerals and nutrients for their activity. Under stressful conditions – such as inflammation, infections or restricted supply – the function of immune cells can decline or become unbalanced.
Quinton® Isotonic Solution is described in this report as a mineral-rich isotonic solution which, compared to a pure saline solution, contains not only sodium chloride but also additional ingredients that can potentially influence cell functions.
The aim of the project was to systematically investigate the effects of this solution in the laboratory – both on classic immune cells and on cell types that play a role in regenerative medicine and immunomodulation.
Objectives of the study
The report names three key objectives:
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Investigation of the effect on the proliferation of PBMCs (immune cells from human blood).
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Investigation of the effect on regulatory T cells (Treg) within this cell population.
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Investigation of the effect on viability and morphology of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASC) at different concentrations of the solution.
Methodology
A control solution was used throughout as a comparison: a PBS saline solution that had a similar sodium chloride concentration, but not the additional ingredients of Quinton®.
1) Immune cells (PBMCs)
The PBMCs were isolated from the blood of healthy volunteers and placed in cell culture. It was then tested whether the cells remain viable under Quinton® Isotonic and whether they multiply better after an “activation stimulus”.
2) Regulatory T cells (Treg)
After several days of culture, the extent to which certain markers for regulatory T cells were expressed was examined. Treg are considered an important counterbalance to prevent immune reactions from going into overdrive.
3) Stem cell-like cells (hASC)
In addition, mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue were cultivated. It was observed how well they survive and whether their typical cell shape is retained when the nutrient conditions deteriorate.
Central results
1) Immune cells were able to multiply better with Quinton
The PBMCs showed higher cell proliferation under Quinton® Isotonic than under the pure salt solution in many of the conditions tested. Particularly interesting: Even small amounts of Quinton® in a standard cell culture medium appeared to have a synergistic or protective effect.
2) Evidence of support for regulatory T cells
Regulatory T cells (Treg) tended to be more stable or more frequently detectable under Quinton® Isotonic than under the control solution – even under conditions in which nutrients were reduced. This suggests a possible effect on the “balance” of the immune system.
3) Protective effect on cell stability and cell survival
In the case of mesenchymal stem cells, laboratory observations showed that Quinton® Isotonic was able to stabilize the cells better under difficult conditions than the reference solution. The report describes this as a possible “protective effect” that could delay cell damage and cell death.
Classification & limits
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This is an ex-vivo / in-vitro study (laboratory), not a clinical study.
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The results show cell biological effects, but no direct effect in the body after ingestion.
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Nevertheless, the report is valuable because it compares Quinton® directly with a pure salt solution of the same salt concentration – in other words, it makes a very clear distinction between the “salt effect” and the “mineral/complex effect”.
Conclusion
The final report shows that Quinton® Isotonic can promote the activation and proliferation of certain immune cells in the laboratory and at the same time stabilize regulatory immune mechanisms. In addition, there are indications of a protective effect on cells under unfavorable conditions.
Overall, this indicates a possible immunomodulatory potential, which would, however, have to be further confirmed by clinical studies in humans.