Daily intake of Jeju groundwater improves the skin condition of the model mouse for human atopic dermatitis.

Drinking water is an important nutrient for human health. The mineral ingredients included in drinking water may affect the physical condition of people. Various kinds of natural water are in circulation as bottled water in developed countries; however, its influence on clinical conditions of patients with certain diseases has not been fully evaluated. In this study, effects of the natural groundwater from Jeju Island on clinical symptoms and skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis (AD) were evaluated. NC/Tnd mice, a model for human AD, with moderate to severe dermatitis were used. Mice were given different natural groundwater or tap water for 8 weeks from 4 weeks of age. Clinical skin severity scores were recorded every week. Scratching analysis and measurement of transepidermal water loss were performed every other week. The pathological condition of the dorsal skin was evaluated histologically. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed for cytokine expression in the affected skin. The epidermal hyperplasia and allergic inflammation were reduced in atopic mice supplied with Jeju groundwater when compared to those supplied with tap water or other kinds of natural groundwater. The increase in scratching behavior with the aggravation of clinical severity of dermatitis was favorably controlled. Moreover, transepidermal water loss that reflects skin barrier function was recovered. The early inflammation and hypersensitivity in the atopic skin was alleviated in mice supplied with Jeju groundwater, suggesting its profitable potential on the daily care of patients with skin troubles including AD.

Jeju ground water containing vanadium induced immune activation on splenocytes of low dose γ-rays-irradiated mice.

Vanadium, an essential micronutrient, has been implicated in controlling diabetes and carcinogenesis and in impeding reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. γ-ray irradiation triggers DNA damage by inducing ROS production and causes diminution in radiosensitive immunocytes. In this study, we elucidate the immune activation capacities of Jeju water containing vanadium on immunosuppression caused by γ-ray irradiation, and identify its mechanism using various low doses of NaVO(3). We examined the intracellular ROS generation, DNA damage, cell proliferation, population of splenocytes, and cytokine/antibody profiles in irradiated mice drinking Jeju water for 180 days and in non-irradiated and in irradiated splenocytes both of which were treated with NaVO(3). Both Jeju water and 0.245 µM NaVO(3) attenuated the intracellular ROS generation and DNA damage in splenocytes against γ-ray irradiation. Splenocytes were significantly proliferated by the long-term intake of Jeju water and by 0.245 µM NaVO(3) treatment, and the expansion of B cells accounted for the increased number of splenocytes. Also, 0.245 µM NaVO(3) treatment showed the potency to amplify the production of IFN-γ and total IgG in irradiated splenocytes, which correlated with the expansion of B cells. Collectively, Jeju water containing vanadium possesses the immune activation property against damages caused by γ-irradiation.

Jeju ground water containing vanadium enhances antioxidant systems in human liver cells.

Vanadium compounds have shown promise in the treatment of diabetes and in cancer prevention. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Jeju ground water, containing the vanadium compounds S1 (8.0 ± 0.9 µg/l) and S3 (26.0 ± 2.0 µg/l), and of vanadyl sulfate (VOSO(4), 26 µg/l) on antioxidant systems in human Chang liver cells. Cells were incubated for ten passages in media containing deionized distilled water, Jeju ground water (S1, S3), or VOSO(4). S1 and S3 increased the gene and protein expression and the enzymatic activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and heme oxygenase. VOSO(4) was likewise found to improve mRNA and protein expression as well as the activities of these enzymes. Taken together, these results suggest that the antioxidant properties of Jeju ground water, containing vanadium compounds, and of vanadyl sulfate were due to stimulatory effects on antioxidant enzyme activities and antioxidant enzyme expression.