Subacute Effects of Deep-Sea Water from the Japan Sea on Blood Examination Values in Mice

Abstract

Objectives: To clarify the characteristics of deep-sea water (DSW), we investigated the hematological, immunological and biochemical effects of DSW, specifically the so-called Japan Sea Proper Water (JSPW), samples of which we collected from the Japan Sea at a depth of about 300 meters.
Methods: Five groups of five mice each were orally administered, ad libitum for 12 weeks, one of the following: 1.2% DSW, 12% DSW, 1.2% surface-sea water (SSW), 12% SSW, or purified water (control).
Results: Among these groups, no significant differences were observed in the average reduction of water intake, food consumption or body weight. The mean corpuscular volume, however, was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the 1.2% DSW group than in the control group. Moreover, serum immunoglobulin G and A values were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the 12% DSW and the 12% SSW groups, respectively, compared with the control group. In addition, the serum glucose value in the 12% DSW group was significantly higher (p<0.05) than in the control group.
Conclusions: The findings of the present study suggested the presence of some toxic components in DSW. Before a final answer is reached about whether DSW, and specifically JSPW, is bad for human health, the pathophysiology of findings such as the decreased mean corpuscular volume, the higher immunoglobulin G value and the higher glucose value should be investigated.