Thermal Water Reduces Inflammation from SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein in Human Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Anna Scanu, Maria Chiara Maccarone, Fabrizio Caldara, Gianluca Regazzo, Roberto Luisetto, Stefano Masiero
Primary Institution: University of Padova
Hypothesis
Can thermal water interfere with the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and host cells and influence inflammatory factors?
Conclusion
Mineral-rich thermal water can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production induced by the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in airway epithelial cells.
Supporting Evidence
- Thermal water reduced IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β production in cells stimulated with spike protein.
- Treatment with tap water did not affect cytokine release.
- ACE2 activity was significantly increased in spike-stimulated cells but remained at basal levels with thermal water treatment.
Takeaway
This study found that using thermal water can help calm down the inflammation caused by a part of the COVID-19 virus in human cells.
Methodology
Human nasal epithelial primary cells were stimulated with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in the presence or absence of thermal water or tap water, and various cytokine levels and receptor activities were measured.
Limitations
The study used spike protein instead of the whole virus and did not include an animal model for inhalation studies.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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