Mechanism of the lifespan extension of Caenorhabditis elegans by electrolyzed reduced water--participation of Pt nanoparticles

Evaluating the adverse effects and mechanisms of nanomaterial exposure on longevity of C. elegans: A literature meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis of multi-transcriptome data

Exposure to large-size particulate air pollution (PM2.5 or PM10) has been reported to increase risks of aging-related diseases and human death, indicating the potential pro-aging effects of airborne nanomaterials with ultra-fine particle size (which have been widely applied in various fields). However, this hypothesis remains inconclusive. Here, a meta-analysis of 99 published literatures collected from electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library; from inception to June 2023) was performed to confirm the effects of nanomaterial exposure on aging-related indicators and molecular mechanisms in model animal C. elegans. The pooled analysis by Stata software showed that compared with the control, nanomaterial exposure significantly shortened the mean lifespan [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -2.30], reduced the survival rate (SMD = -4.57) and increased the death risk (hazard ratio = 1.36) accompanied by upregulation of ced-3, ced-4 and cep-1, while downregulation of ctl-2, ape-1, aak-2 and pmk-1. Furthermore, multi-transcriptome data associated with nanomaterial exposure were retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE32521, GSE41486, GSE24847, GSE59470, GSE70509, GSE14932, GSE93187, GSE114881, and GSE122728) and bioinformatics analyses showed that pseudogene prg-2, mRNAs of abu, car-1, gipc-1, gsp-3, kat-1, pod-2, acdh-8, hsp-60 and egrh-2 were downregulated, while R04A9.7 was upregulated after exposure to at least two types of nanomaterials. Resveratrol (abu, hsp-60, pod-2, egrh-2, acdh-8, gsp-3, car-1, kat-1, gipc-1), naringenin (kat-1, egrh-2), coumestrol (egrh-2) or swainsonine/niacin/ferulic acid (R04A9.7) exerted therapeutic effects by reversing the expression levels of target genes. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the necessity to use phytomedicines that target hub genes to delay aging for populations with nanomaterial exposure.

Water in cosmetics and Caenorhabditis elegans as an alternative model for lifespan assessment

OBJECTIVE

Water, often considered a fundamental component of life, is the most commonly used ingredient in the formulation of dermocosmetic products, with waterless products being the exception. Dermocosmetic products can contain anywhere from 50% to 85% water, which contributes to their texture and specific characteristics. The chemical composition of water varies depending on its origin and can be categorized as highly mineralized or low mineralized. These compositions could impact the water's efficacy in anti-aging applications. In this study, the objective is evaluating the anti-aging properties of highly and low mineralized water with the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans.

METHODS

In this article, we employed the alternative model organism C. elegans to assess the impact of 5 branded waters, one physiological water and one ultra-pure water on the model's lifespan, using the survival medium conventionally used for C. elegans as a comparison.

RESULTS

Waters may have either a positive or a negative impact on the C. elegans lifespan expectancy. Our results indicate that only one of the water brands we assessed (Volvic®) had a significantly positive effect on worm longevity. In contrast, we found that two other brands (Hepar® and Contrex®) had a negative impact on the later stages of the worm's adulthood. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the impact of the brand water samples on lifespan expectancy varied depending on their physicochemical composition, in particular when ion concentrations were most extreme.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the highly mineralized waters studied have a detrimental effect on the survival of C. elegans, and a preliminary test with ultra-pure water could not be completed due to its deleterious effect on the worms. This suggests the hypothesis that both highly mineralized and completely demineralized waters may not be the most suitable for skin formulations.

Application of Electrolyzed Hydrogen Water for Management of Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis Treatment-Perspective View

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is globally on the rise, has become an urgent challenge from the perspective of public health, given its risk factors such as end-stage renal failure, cardiovascular diseases, and infections. The pathophysiology of CKD, including dialysis patients, is deeply associated with enhanced oxidative stress in both the kidneys and the entire body. Therefore, the introduction of a safe and widely applicable antioxidant therapy is expected as a measure against CKD. Electrolyzed hydrogen water (EHW) generated through the electrolysis of water has been confirmed to possess chemical antioxidant capabilities. In Japan, devices producing this water have become popular for household drinking water. In CKD model experiments conducted to date, drinking EHW has been shown to suppress the progression of kidney damage related to hypertension. Furthermore, clinical studies have reported that systemic oxidative stress in patients undergoing dialysis treatment using EHW is suppressed, leading to a reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular complications. In the future, considering EHW as one of the comprehensive measures against CKD holds significant importance. The medical utility of EHW is believed to be substantial, and further investigation is warranted.

Electrolyzed-Reduced Water: Review I. Molecular Hydrogen Is the Exclusive Agent Responsible for the Therapeutic Effects

Numerous benefits have been attributed to alkaline-electrolyzed-reduced water (ERW). Sometimes these claims are associated with easily debunked concepts. The observed benefits have been conjectured to be due to the intrinsic properties of ERW (e.g., negative oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), alkaline pH, H₂ gas), as well enigmatic characteristics (e.g., altered water structure, microclusters, free electrons, active hydrogen, mineral hydrides). The associated pseudoscientific marketing has contributed to the reluctance of mainstream science to accept ERW as having biological effects. Finally, through many in vitro and in vivo studies, each one of these propositions was examined and refuted one-by-one until it was conclusively demonstrated that H₂ was the exclusive agent responsible for both the negative ORP and the observed therapeutic effects of ERW. This article briefly apprised the history of ERW and comprehensively reviewed the sequential research demonstrating the importance of H₂. We illustrated that the effects of ERW could be readily explained by the known biological effects of H₂ and by utilizing conventional chemistry without requiring any metaphysical conjecture (e.g., microclustering, free electrons, etc.) or reliance on implausible notions (e.g., alkaline water neutralizes acidic waste). The H₂ concentration of ERW should be measured to ensure it is comparable to those used in clinical studies.

A new colorimetric method for determining antioxidant levels using 3,5-dibromo-4-nitrosobenzene sulfonate (DBNBS)

We describe here a novel assay that determines the total a+ntioxidative activities of known antioxidants and antioxidants in beverages. The method employs the substrate 3,5-dibromo-4-nitrosobenzene sulfonate (DBNBS) that yields the colored product 3,5,3’,5’-tetrabromoazobenzene sulfate sodium salt (azo-TBBS). The amounts of azo-TBBS are measured using HPLC and then used to calculate total antioxidative capacity (TAC) values. We first show that the TAC values measured using the new DBNBS system were significantly higher compared with the control. The assay was validated through further analysis of 56 compounds, including previously characterized antioxidants. The data are consistent with published values. Here we describe in detail the application of the DBNBS method to the measurement of the TAC values of eight beverages, including wines and fruit juices. The DBNBS assay employs a readily applicable protocol that sensitively determines the levels of antioxidants in foodstuffs.

- A new DBNBS-mediated antioxidant assay system is compared with standard DPPH and ORAC assays

- DBNBS traps hydrogen radicals to generate a readily measured colored reduction product that quantifies antioxidant levels

The Search for the Elixir of Life: On the Therapeutic Potential of Alkaline Reduced Water in Metabolic Syndromes

Our body composition is enormously influenced by our lifestyle choices, which affect our health and longevity. Nutrition and physical activities both impact overall metabolic condition, thus, a positive energy balance causes oxidative stress and inflammation, hastening the development of metabolic syndrome. With this knowledge, boosting endogenous and exogenous antioxidants has emerged as a therapeutic strategy for combating metabolic disorders. One of the promising therapeutic inventions is the use of alkaline reduced water (ARW). Aside from its hydrating and non-caloric properties, ARW has demonstrated strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help stabilize physiologic turmoil caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. This review article is a synthesis of studies where we elaborate on the intra- and extracellular effects of drinking ARW, and relate these to the pathophysiology of common metabolic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and some cancers. Highlighting the health-promoting benefits of ARW, we also emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle by incorporating exercise and practicing a balanced diet as forms of habit.

Monolayered Platinum Nanoparticles as Efficient Electrocatalysts for the Mass Production of Electrolyzed Hydrogen Water

High-performance/low-cost platinum (Pt)-based electrocatalysts have been established by top-coating both sides of a titanium plate with Pt nanoparticles. The average diameter of the Pt nanoparticles used in this study is approximately 100 nm. Three types of Pt top-coated Pt/Ti electrocatalysts, each having different top-coated Pt layer thicknesses, are prepared. Type I is a monolayered Pt top-coated type, in which the thickness of the top-coated Pt layer is approximately 100 nm; Type II is a few-layered type with a top-coated Pt layer thickness of approximately 200 nm, and Type III is a multilayered type with a top-coated Pt layer thickness of approximately 750 nm. The mass loading of Pt is 0.0215 mg cm⁻² for Type I, 0.043 mg cm⁻² for Type II, and 0.161 mg cm⁻² for Type III. The electrocatalytic activities of each type of Pt/Ti electrocatalyst are evaluated through the electrolysis of acidic water and tap water. Type I gives the highest electrocatalytic efficiencies, which are comparable or even better than the electrocatalytic efficiencies of the state-of-the-art commercially available Pt/C electrode and other metal-/carbon-based HER catalysts. For example, in the case of the electrolysis of acidic water at an overpotential of 0.15 V, Type I shows a Tafel slope of 29 mV dec⁻¹ and a current density of 27.5 mA cm⁻². Even in the case of the electrolysis of tap water, Type I gives an HER Faradaic efficiency of 92%. A model of water (H₂O), hydronium ions (H₃O⁺), and hydroxyl ions (OH⁻) properly adsorbing on the Pt (111) facet is proposed to explain the electrocatalytic mechanism. New insights into the distinguishing properties of the resultant electrolyzed hydrogen water (EHW), namely, the healthy beneficial effects of EHW, are also described, and a new concept of storing and carrying reductive hydrogen (H*) by free Pt nanoparticles is proposed.

Interactions of newly synthesized platinum nanoparticles with ICR-191 and their potential application

One of the greatest challenges of modern medicine is to find cheaper and easier ways to produce transporters for biologically active substances, which will provide selective and efficient drug delivery to the target cells, while causing low toxicity towards healthy cells. Currently, metal-based nanoparticles are considered a successful and viable solution to this problem. In this work, we propose the use of novel synthesis method of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) connected with their precise biophysical characterization and assessment of their potential toxicity. To work as an efficient nanodelivery platform, nanoparticles should interact with the desired active compounds spontaneously and non-covalently. We investigated possible direct interactions of PtNPs with ICR-191, a model acridine mutagen with well-established biophysical properties and mutagenic activity, by Dynamic Light Scattering, fluorescence spectroscopy, and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry. Moreover, to determine the biological activity of ICR-191-PtNPs aggregates, we employed Ames mutagenicity test, eukaryotic cell line analysis and toxicity test against the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. PtNPs' interesting physicochemical properties associated to the lack of toxicity in a tested range of concentrations, as well as their ability to modulate ICR-191 biological activity, suggest that these particles successfully work as potential delivery platforms for different biologically active substances.

Platinum nanoparticles in nanobiomedicine

Oxidative stress-dependent inflammatory diseases represent a major concern for the population's health worldwide. Biocompatible nanomaterials with enzymatic properties could play a crucial role in the treatment of such pathologies. In this respect, platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) are promising candidates, showing remarkable catalytic activity, able to reduce the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and impair the downstream pathways leading to inflammation. This review reports a critical overview of the growing evidence revealing the anti-inflammatory ability of PtNPs and their potential applications in nanomedicine. It provides a detailed description of the wide variety of synthetic methods recently developed, with particular attention to the aspects influencing biocompatibility. Special attention has been paid to the studies describing the toxicological profile of PtNPs with an attempt to draw critical conclusions. The emerging picture suggests that the material per se is not causing cytotoxicity, while other physicochemical features related to the synthesis and surface functionalization may play a crucial role in determining the observed impairment of cellular functions. The enzymatic activity of PtNPs is also summarized, analyzing their action against ROS produced by pathological conditions within the cells. In particular, we extensively discuss the potential of these properties in nanomedicine to down-regulate inflammatory pathways or to be employed as diagnostic tools with colorimetric readout. A brief overview of other biomedical applications of nanoplatinum is also presented.

Platinum nanoparticles induce damage to DNA and inhibit DNA replication

Sparsely tested group of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) may have a comparable effect as complex platinum compounds. The aim of this study was to observe the effect of PtNPs in in vitro amplification of DNA fragment of phage λ, on the bacterial cultures (Staphylococcus aureus), human foreskin fibroblasts and erythrocytes. In vitro synthesized PtNPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering (PtNPs size range 4.8-11.7 nm), zeta potential measurements (-15 mV at pH 7.4), X-ray fluorescence, UV/vis spectrophotometry and atomic absorption spectrometry. The PtNPs inhibited the DNA replication and affected the secondary structure of DNA at higher concentrations, which was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing and DNA denaturation experiments. Further, cisplatin (CisPt), as traditional chemotherapy agent, was used in all parallel experiments. Moreover, the encapsulation of PtNPs in liposomes (LipoPtNPs) caused an approximately 2.4x higher of DNA damage in comparison with CisPt, LipoCisPt and PtNPs. The encapsulation of PtNPs in liposomes also increased their antibacterial, cytostatic and cytotoxic effect, which was determined by the method of growth curves on S. aureus and HFF cells. In addition, both the bare and encapsulated PtNPs caused lower oxidative stress (determined by GSH/GSSG ratio) in the human erythrocytes compared to the bare and encapsulated CisPt. CisPt was used in all parallel experiments as traditional chemotherapy agent.

Electrochemically reduced water exerts superior reactive oxygen species scavenging activity in HT1080 cells than the equivalent level of hydrogen-dissolved water

Electrochemically reduced water (ERW) is produced near a cathode during electrolysis and exhibits an alkaline pH, contains richly dissolved hydrogen, and contains a small amount of platinum nanoparticles. ERW has reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging activity and recent studies demonstrated that hydrogen-dissolved water exhibits ROS-scavenging activity. Thus, the antioxidative capacity of ERW is postulated to be dependent on the presence of hydrogen levels; however, there is no report verifying the role of dissolved hydrogen in ERW. In this report, we clarify whether the responsive factor for antioxidative activity in ERW is dissolved hydrogen. The intracellular ROS scavenging activity of ERW and hydrogen-dissolved water was tested by both fluorescent stain method and immuno spin trapping assay. We confirm that ERW possessed electrolysis intensity-dependent intracellular ROS-scavenging activity, and ERW exerts significantly superior ROS-scavenging activity in HT1080 cells than the equivalent level of hydrogen-dissolved water. ERW retained its ROS-scavenging activity after removal of dissolved hydrogen, but lost its activity when autoclaved. An oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay and chemiluminescence assay could not detect radical-scavenging activity in both ERW and hydrogen-dissolved water. These results indicate that ERW contains electrolysis-dependent hydrogen and an additional antioxidative factor predicted to be platinum nanoparticles.

Electrochemically reduced water protects neural cells from oxidative damage

Aging-related neurodegenerative disorders are closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stresses and their incidence tends to increase with aging. Brain is the most vulnerable to reactive species generated by a higher rate of oxygen consumption and glucose utilization compared to other organs. Electrochemically reduced water (ERW) was demonstrated to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) in several cell types. In the present study, the protective effect of ERW against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and nitric oxide (NO) was investigated in several rodent neuronal cell lines and primary cells. ERW was found to significantly suppress H₂O₂ (50–200 μM) induced PC12 and SFME cell deaths. ERW scavenged intracellular ROS and exhibited a protective effect against neuronal network damage caused by 200 μM H₂O₂ in N1E-115 cells. ERW significantly suppressed NO-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells despite the fact that it did not have the ability to scavenge intracellular NO. ERW significantly suppressed both glutamate induced Ca²⁺ influx and the resulting cytotoxicity in primary cells. These results collectively demonstrated for the first time that ERW protects several types of neuronal cells by scavenging ROS because of the presence of hydrogen and platinum nanoparticles dissolved in ERW.

Removal efficiency of radioactive cesium and iodine ions by a flow-type apparatus designed for electrochemically reduced water production

The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident on March 11, 2011 attracted people’s attention, with anxiety over possible radiation hazards. Immediate and long-term concerns are around protection from external and internal exposure by the liberated radionuclides. In particular, residents living in the affected regions are most concerned about ingesting contaminated foodstuffs, including drinking water. Efficient removal of radionuclides from rainwater and drinking water has been reported using several pot-type filtration devices. A currently used flow-type test apparatus is expected to simultaneously provide radionuclide elimination prior to ingestion and protection from internal exposure by accidental ingestion of radionuclides through the use of a micro-carbon carboxymethyl cartridge unit and an electrochemically reduced water production unit, respectively. However, the removability of radionuclides from contaminated tap water has not been tested to date. Thus, the current research was undertaken to assess the capability of the apparatus to remove radionuclides from artificially contaminated tap water. The results presented here demonstrate that the apparatus can reduce radioactivity levels to below the detection limit in applied tap water containing either 300 Bq/kg of ¹³⁷Cs or 150 Bq/kg of ¹²⁵I. The apparatus had a removal efficiency of over 90% for all concentration ranges of radio–cesium and –iodine tested. The results showing efficient radionuclide removability, together with previous studies on molecular hydrogen and platinum nanoparticles as reactive oxygen species scavengers, strongly suggest that the test apparatus has the potential to offer maximum safety against radionuclide-contaminated foodstuffs, including drinking water.

Suppressive effects of electrochemically reduced water on matrix metalloproteinase-2 activities and in vitro invasion of human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells

It has been demonstrated that hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) is directly associated with elevated matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression in several cell lines. Electrochemically reduced water (ERW), produced near the cathode during electrolysis, and scavenges intracellular H(2)O(2) in human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells. RT-PCR and zymography analyses revealed that when HT1080 cells were treated with ERW, the gene expression of MMP-2 and membrane type 1 MMP and activation of MMP-2 was repressed, resulting in decreased invasion of the cells into matrigel. ERW also inhibited H(2)O(2)-induced MMP-2 upregulation. To investigate signal transduction involved in MMP-2 downregulation, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-specific inhibitors, SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor), PD98059 (MAPK/extracellular regulated kinase kinase 1 inhibitor) and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase inhibitor II, were used to block the MAPK signal cascade. MMP-2 gene expression was only inhibited by SB203580 treatment, suggesting a pivotal role of p38 MAPK in regulation of MMP-2 gene expression. Western blot analysis showed that ERW downregulated the phosphorylation of p38 both in H(2)O(2)-treated and untreated HT1080 cells. These results indicate that the inhibitory effect of ERW on tumor invasion is due to, at least in part, its antioxidative effect.