Biochemical changes after consumption of mineral water from spring 3 in Baile Tusnad in experimentally induced alcoholic liver disease study
Affiliations:
Source: Balneo Research Journal 9(4):346-351
DOI: 10.12680/balneo.2018.211
Publication date:
Not specified
E-Publication date:
2018 Dec
Availability: full text
Copyright: Not specified
Language: English
Countries: Romania
Location: Not specified
Correspondence address: Vasile Rus : E-mail: vasile.rus@usamvcluj.ro,
Keywords
Article abstract
Introduction. Mineral waters are administered in medical hydrology as prophylaxis or treatment, both internal and
external. The mineral water from spring 3 in Baile Tusnad, with a total mineralization of 3351.0 mg/l, is recommended
in chronic liver diseases. From the point of view of its chemical composition, it contains sodium chloride, iron, carbon
dioxide, traces of iodine, boron. Some studies have evaluated the therapeutic properties of mineral water as a whole, but
it is considered that the different components of the waters may also act in an antagonistic manner. Material and
method. For the experimental study, 25 white rats were used. The animals were assigned to 3 groups: group I – negative
control, 5 animals; group II – positive control, 6 animals; group III – experimental group, 14 animals. Group I animals
received tap water (50-75 ml/animal/day) throughout the experiment; group II and III animals received 12% ethyl
alcohol (12-15 ml/animal/day) during the first 70 days. Over the last 30 days, group II animals received tap water (50-
75 ml/animal/day), while group III animals were administered mineral water from spring 3 in Baile Tusnad (50-75
ml/animal/day). Before starting alcohol administration, at 70 days, after alcohol administration, and at 100 days, after
administration of tap water and mineral water for 30 days, 0.1 ml serum/blood sample from each animal was collected
in order to determine the values of some biochemical components: transaminases, glycemia, total protein, urea,
creatinine, sodium, calcium, iron, potassium. Results and discussions. Transaminases, particularly aspartate
aminotransferase (ASAT), increased after alcohol consumption, but after mineral water consumption for 30 days, they
decreased more compared to the group that drank only tap water. Renal function was not affected. There were slight
increases in glycemia and total protein values after alcohol administration, which decreased after water administration.
During the study, the blood iron value statistically significantly increased at 100 days compared to day 70, p<0.005.
Sodium (Na) and potassium (K) values increased on day 70 after alcohol consumption, but on day 100 they decreased
to normal in both groups. A slight increase in calcium ion (Ca) levels was observed in the group that consumed mineral
water compared to the group that drank tap water, but without statistical significance. Conclusions. Both the indications
and the methods of treatment are based on pharmacodynamic effects in the pre-absorption phase and after absorption of
the water in the digestive tract. However, administration of mineral water requires careful monitoring of some
biochemical components after its consumption.