Functional Water Triggers Immune Response in Oral Cancer Cells
Acid-electrolyzed functional water-induces Interleukin-1α release from Intracellular Storage Sites in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Research hubs: Immune System
This research was done on cells or tissue in a lab, not in people or animals.
- Evidence type
- Laboratory study (cells or tissue)
- Authors
- Tomoko Takemoto, Ryo Kaetsu, Machiko Hanayama, Yuuichi Ishiyama, Masayuki Sadamura, Kensuke Nishio, Mariko Tsunoda, Masatake Asano, Mitsuru Motoyoshi
- Journal
- International Journal of Medical Sciences
- Year
- 2021
- PMID
- 33746591
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 1 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
A special water created by electrolyzing salt water can trigger the release of an immune signaling protein from cancer cells in the mouth.
Key Finding
Acid-electrolyzed functional water triggered the release of interleukin-1α from existing intracellular storage in oral cancer cells, independent of new protein synthesis.
Summary
This laboratory study examined how acid-electrolyzed functional water (water treated with electrical current) affects cancer cells from oral tumors. Researchers found that this water caused cancer cells to release a protein called interleukin-1α (IL-1α), which is involved in immune responses. The release came from proteins already stored inside the cells rather than from newly made proteins.
Practical Takeaway
This is a preliminary laboratory study in cancer cells only—not in humans or animals—so it cannot yet inform health decisions about hydrogen water. While the finding is interesting for cancer biology research, much more work would be needed to determine if this effect occurs in living organisms or has any practical application for human health.
Abstract (excerpt)
The aim of this study was to examine the acid-electrolyzed functional water (FW)-mediated cytokine release in an oral squamous cell carcinoma-derived cell line (OSCC) following treatment with FW. FW is generated by the electrolysis of a sodium chloride solution and accelerate the burn wound…