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The melamine excretion effect of the electrolyzed reduced water in melamine-fed mice
Yang-Suk Yoon1, Dong-Heui Kim, Soo-Ki Kim
1Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Gangwon 220-701, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Our hypothesis is that the intake of functional water, electrolyzed reduced water (ERW) can excrete melamine in body was evoked by melamine-tainted feed (MTF). To address this issue, we investigated the effect of ERW in MTF-mice model by way of body weight gain, incidence of urinary crystals and bladder stone, biochemical and haematological examination, histopathologic finding of kidney and urinary bladder, and the evaluation of bladder stone. We found that the rate of body weight gain was significantly more increased in MTF+ERW group than MTF+PW group. Accordingly, the number of immunocytes such as leukocyte, neutrophil and monocyte as well as the mean weight of spleen was significantly increased in MTF+ERW group. The incidence of urinary crystals was significantly higher in MTF+ERW group, whereas the incidence of urinary bladder stones was lower in MTF+ERW group (52.4%) than in MTF+PW group (38.1%). Also, urinary crystals were more precipitated in MTF+ERW group than MTF+PW group, and urinary bladder stone consists of 100% melamine. Collectively, our data clearly show that ERW intake is helpful to excrete of melamine in MTF mice model and this is the first report on the melamine excretion and clinically implying the safer fluid remedy for melamine-intoxicated hosts.
Insights
Electrolyzed reduced water (ERW) aids in excreting melamine in mice exposed to melamine-tainted feed. This study suggests ERW may be a safe fluid remedy for melamine intoxication.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Renal Physiology
- Functional Water Research
Background:
- Melamine contamination in feed poses a health risk, potentially leading to kidney and bladder issues.
- Electrolyzed reduced water (ERW) is a functional water hypothesized to possess detoxifying properties.
- Understanding ERW's effect on melamine excretion is crucial for public health and food safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of electrolyzed reduced water (ERW) in promoting melamine excretion in a mouse model.
- To evaluate the impact of ERW on physiological and pathological parameters associated with melamine toxicity.
- To determine if ERW can serve as a therapeutic fluid for melamine-intoxicated hosts.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of a melamine-tainted feed (MTF) mouse model.
- Administration of ERW and purified water (PW) to MTF mice.
- Assessment of body weight gain, urinary crystal and bladder stone incidence, and spleen weight.
- Biochemical, hematological, and histopathological analyses of kidney and urinary bladder tissues.
- Chemical analysis of bladder stones to determine composition.
Main Results:
- Mice receiving ERW showed significantly increased body weight gain compared to those receiving PW.
- ERW group exhibited a higher incidence of urinary crystals but a lower incidence of urinary bladder stones.
- Bladder stones in the MTF+ERW group were found to be composed entirely of melamine.
- Increased leukocyte, neutrophil, and monocyte counts, along with increased spleen weight, were observed in the ERW group.
Conclusions:
- Electrolyzed reduced water (ERW) intake facilitates the excretion of melamine in a mouse model.
- ERW may help mitigate the formation of melamine-induced bladder stones.
- This study provides the first evidence of ERW's role in melamine excretion, suggesting its potential as a safe fluid remedy for melamine intoxication.
