Effects of the Avène Spring Water on the Dynamics of Lipids in the Membranes of Cultured Fibroblasts

Abstract

In this preliminary report, dealing with the biological properties of AvÈne spring water, we investigated its effects on membrane properties of cultured human skin fibroblasts used as a model cell system. It is shown that incubation of these cells in the presence of AvÈne spring water brings about an increase in the fluidity of plasma membrane. This effect was evidenced by a decrease in the fluorescence anisotropy of the lipophilic probe diphenylhexatriene and by a 3-fold increase in the lateral diffusion coefficient of the lipophilic probe 5-(N-hexade-canoyl)-aminofluorescein, as measured through fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments. This effect reached a maximum for incubation times longer than 30 min and for a dilution of AvÈne water in laboratory water to about 20–25%. As discussed, changes in the hydrodynamic properties of cell membranes induced by AvÈne water provide a plausible explanation for some of the biological events this spring water is known to trigger.

Effect of Avène Spring Water on the Activation of Rat Mast Cell by Substance P or Antigen

“…Different steps may constitute potential sites of cell perturbation leading to an inhibition of the stimulation: primary interaction of substance P (positively charged) with sialic acid residues (negatively charged) or the cell membrane, IgE receptor-ligand bridging, Ca 2+ entry following activation of membrane phospholipases, etc. These hypotheses are consistent with previous studies showing that Avène water modified changes in the hydrodynamic properties of cell membranes leading to an increase in fluidity [3]. Furthermore, numerous pathological processes, such as atopic eczema and psoriasis, are linked to membrane fluidity abnormalities [16].…”

“…In vitro, Avène water inhibits human basophil and mast cell allergen-induced activation [1,2]. Recently, it was shown that incubation of cultured human skin fibroblasts with Avène water increased the fluidity of the plasma membrane suggesting that its primary impact is at this level [3].…”

Immunomodulatory Effects of Balneotherapy with Hae-Un-Dae Thermal Water on Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Murine Model

“…Thermal water has been shown to modulate cell membrane fluidity33 and reduce lipid peroxidation23. A previous study also showed that mineral water inhibits lymphocyte proliferation induced by epidermal Langerhans cells19.…”

Immunomodulation Induced by Avène Spring Water on Th1- and Th2-Dependent Cytokine Production in Healthy Subjects and Atopic Dermatitis Patients

“…In vitro effects of ASW, such as increases in cell membrane fluidity, have already been reported [2] and suggested the capacity of ASW to modulate the immune response. The two other responses in vitro which described inhibition of basophil degranulation [21] and inhibition of rat mast cell histamine release [22] in the presence of ASW agree with clinical prescriptions especially recommended for ASW, i.e.…”

“…Although the clinical benefit of some medical spa waters has been established, their mechanisms of action remain completely unclear. Avène spring water (ASW) is a weakly mineralized water, containing some 'essential trace elements' which contribute to preserve the medium osmolarity and also increase the fluidity of the plasma membrane from cultured human skin fibroblasts [2]. Therefore, ASW seems to have an effect at the plasma membrane level suggesting a possible modulation of membrane receptors involved in the signal transduction pathways.…”