Bioeffects in heavy and light waters

Heavy Water

Since the first experiments of H.L. Crespi and H.F. Daboll in 1940-ies till late 1990-ies established sustainable idea that heavy water is incompatible with life and that high concentrations of heavy water can lead to inhibition of many vital mutations, including the blocking of mitosis at the stage of prophase, and in some cases can even cause spontaneous mutations..

Heavy water inhibits vital functions of growth and development of many microorganisms [1]. Some bacteria can stand 70% and higher concentration of heavy water in the environment [2], whereas plant cells can develop normally in concentrations of heavy water no more than 50-75% [3] and animal cells - not more than 35% of heavy water [4]. However, subsequently it was shown that despite biostatic effect of heavy water in the cell, many cells of bacteria, plants and animals can be adapted to heavy water.

Survival of various organisms in the water with different deuterium concentrations

 

Obviously heavy water plays an important role in various biological processes; however the systematic study of its effects on animals and plants was started relatively recently.

Experimental dogs, rats and mice drank water, one third of which was replaced with heavy water. After a short time began dysbolism of animals, the kidney destroyed. Animals died if the proportion of heavy water increased.

Heavy water has a depressing effect on development of higher plants; if they pour with water half consisting of heavy water, the growth stops. Pouring of tomato seedlings with water containing 30, 50 and 60% heavy water inhibits plant growth.

Tomato seedlings: 30, 50 and 60% heavy water inhibits plant growth [2]

 Serious changes in the biochemistry of cell are connected with its ability for division in the presence of heavy water. Heavy water slows the rate of cell division (mitosis) in the prophase stage, and this effect is particularly pronounced for the rapidly dividing cells. This effect is proportional to the concentration of heavy water in the environment [3].

In the process of cell growth on heavy water inside cells are synthesized macromolecules, in which the hydrogen atoms in the carbon skeleton are completely replaced by deuterium. Such deuterated macromolecules undergo adaptive modifications necessary for normal functioning of cells in heavy water. Their activity and biological properties may be quite different than their corresponding protonated analogues. But these changes are not unique; physiology, morphology, cytology as well as the genetic apparatus of cells also getting affected in heavy water and undergo modifications.

The ability to adapt to the heavy water for various genera and species of bacteria are different and can vary within a taxonomic group [4]. Adaptation to heavy water is defined by the taxonomic specificity of organisms and features of their metabolism, the functioning of various pathways of assimilation of substrates as well as the evolution level of the studied object. At the same time lower the level of evolutionary development of the organism, the better it adapts to the presence of deuterium in the medium. For all organisms, the growth in heavy water was accompanied by decrease in growth characteristics [5-8], and besides adapted to the heavy water cells retain the capacity for growth and biosynthesis in heavy-hydrogen environment.

The most characteristic isotope effects of heavy water in living organisms are [9]:

• inhibition of vital processes (biochemical processes, physiological reactions);
• morphological, cytological changes;
• increasing duration of the periods of biological rhythms;
• changing acting nature of pharmaceutical products;
• changes in the characteristics of excitable membranes;
• inhibition of the contractility process of muscles;
• change in resistance to some external physical factors (UV, X-ray irradiation);
• increased resistance to influence (effects) of hydrostatic pressure and temperature.

An important feature of the isotope effects of heavy water as a solvent is fast exposure of its effect and the reversibility of the observed phenomena. The rate of catalytic (enzymatic) reactions, which play a crucial role in the normal life of the organism, in heavy water are up to 6 times slower than in the light water.

By chemical properties deuterium atom is identical to light hydrogen atom and when ingested can replace him in all vital compounds, including in RNA and DNA chains. This may lead to an increase in the number of genetic defects during cell division and disrupt the work of finely tuned body systems, because biologically this substitution is not equivalent.

The heavy water content in the freshwater sources is usually about 330 mg/L (calculated for HDO molecules), and the content of heavy oxygen water (H₂ ¹⁷O and H₂ ¹⁸O) is about 2 grams / liter. Unfortunately, the biological effects of heavy-oxygen water were obviously studied not enough. Based on several studies, at present it is accepted that by its properties it occupies an intermediate position between heavy and light water.

Light Water

What’s the behavior of higher organisms, if they drink “light” water? The answer to this question gave the study of Academician V.I. Badin et al. “Investigation of the behavior of water with negative isotopic shift of deuterium in the body of calves” [10]. Scientists have measured the dynamics of reducing the amount of deuterium in the body of 4-month old calves, which are watered with low deuterium containing water.

Here are the conclusions from this study:

• the isotopic composition of water in urine changed;
• concentration of calcium in the urine is reduced;
• registered the reduction of Ca, Mg and Cd in the hairline;
• there was an increase in the concentration of creatinine in urine and blood serum, while maintaining the concentration ratio of  blood / urine;
• calves, fed with depleted deuterium water, exhibited more agility and high mobility, compared to the normal calves.
  
  

In other similar experiments [11] it was shown that if animals receive water with 25% decreased deuterium content (from natural level) then it was beneficial to their development: the pigs, rats and mice gave offspring in higher numbers and with larger size than usually they do, chicken laid eggs twice more from their average.

Not surprisingly there were a number of suggestions in favor of complete withdrawal of deuterium from the consumption waters. This would lead to higher rates of metabolic processes in the human body, and, consequently, to increase his physical and intellectual activity. But soon it raised some fear that full exemption of deuterium from the water would reduce the overall length of human life. It is known that our body is almost 70% of water and in this water 0,015% is deuterium.In quantitative content (in atomic percents), it occupies 12-th place among the chemical elements that make up the human body. In this regard it should be classified as from series of micronutrients. From this point of view deuterium immediately gets the first place: the content of trace elements as copper, iron, zinc, molybdenum, manganese in the body is tens or hundreds of times smaller than the content of deuterium. So what can happen if we delete all of deuterium?

To this question science has yet to give the answer. In the meantime, there is no doubt that by changing the quantity of deuterium in plant or animal organism, we can speed up or slow down the vital processes.

However, until we didn’t accumulated primary information in the field of deuterium toxicology, to explore its effect on humans must be done very carefully. As a first step in the practical use of deuterium depleted water can be considered use of it in the diet for staff in the heavy water production plants (see more in [12]).

Literature:

1.      Crespi H.L. Biosynthesis and uses of per-deuterated proteins. in: Synt. and Appl. of Isot. Label. Compd. // Ed. R. R. Muccino. - Elsevier. - Amsterdam, 1986 - P. 111-112.

2.      Katz J.J., Crespi H.L. // Pure Appl. Chem. - 1972. - V.32. - P. 221-250.

3.      Daboll H. F., Crespi H. L., Katz J. J. // Biotechnology and Bioengineering. - 1962. - V. 4. - P. 281-297.

4.      Мосин О. В., Карнаухова Е. Н., Пшеничникова А. Б., Складнев Д. А., Акимова О. Л. // Биотехнология. - 1993. - N 9. - С. 16-20.

5.      Мосин О. В., Складнев Д. А., Егорова Т. А., Юркевич А. М., Швец В. И. // Биотехнология. - 1996. - N 3. - С. 3-12.

6.      Мосин О. В., Складнев Д. А., Егорова Т. А., Юркевич А. М., Швец В. И. // Биотехнология. - 1996. - N 4. - С. 27-35.

7.      Складнев Д. А., Мосин О. В., Егорова Т. А., Ерёмин С. В., Швец В. И. // Биотехнология. - 1996. - N 5. - С. 25-34.

8.      Мосин О. В., Складнев Д. А., Егорова Т. А., Швец В. И. // Биоорганическая химия. - 1996. - Т. 22. - N 10-11. - С. 856-869.

9.      http://www.langvey.ru/folder2/

10.  Бадьин В. И., Дробышевский Ю. В. и др. “Исследование поведения воды с отрицательным изотопическим сдвигом дейтерия в организме телят” в Отчете о НИР «Разработка препарата и способа его получения для стимуляции жизнедеятельности организма», Фирма «Мед-Чернобыль», 1993 г.

11.  http://www.o8ode.ru/article/oleg/reliktovaa_voda.htm  

12. http://www.o8ode.ru/article/oleg/effekty_tageloi_vody_v_biologi4eckih_obtektah.htm

The Cosmetic effects of light water “Langway”

   

Clean, smooth and elastic (supple) skin is an indicator of good health and normal functioning of major systems of the body. Skin condition directly dependents on your food, living style and conditions. Beautiful, healthy and young skin is a dream for any lady, independent on her age. With age water content of the body decreased which first of all reflects on skin condition: reduced elasticity, skin becomes dry and listless with wrinkles, folds and discolorations. In addition, the appearance of skin affected by various metabolic disorders and even minor faults in the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.

Daily use of light water "Langway" contributes to the normalization of metabolism, improves kidney and gastrointestinal tract functioning, helps eliminate body toxins and residues. All these immediately reflects on the skin looking:  increases the elasticity (turgor) of the skin, swellings disappeared, significantly reduced the likelihood of surface inflammatories (acne, pimples, redness, etc.). 

    

Light water "Langway" with regular exterior use:

·        well moisturizes and tones skin;

·        reduced swellings and redness;

·        has anti-inflammatory effect;

·        after cosmetic operations accelerates the process of epithelialization;

·        effectively reduces pores;

·        reduces the greasiness of the skin in the T-zone.

The unique properties of light water "Langway" has been confirmed by clinical trials in cosmetology center of  "Beauty Institute" (Moscow, conclusions № 127 from 23.04.2003 & № 173 from 09.07.2003).

Notes: 

• Light water "Langway" is produced  MTC Iceberg Ltd. (Russia). 
• See detail information in : http://www.langvey.ru/folder2/

Cleaning body from deuterium

According to the Hungarian microbiologist G. Shomlai, regular use of light water reduces the likelihood of cancer that is directly related to purification of water in the human body from deuterium.

How fast is going such purification? It depends on body weight, i.e. from body water content, as well as from amount of light water used daily and from the deuterium content in the light water.

The following table shows calculated deuterium content in the body at regular consumption of light water with different residual deuterium content.

Days	Deuterium content in the water/ daily water consumption
	60ppm / 1 L/min	100ppm / 1 L/min	100ppm / 1.5 L/min
1	148,1	148,9	148,4
2	146,3	147,9	146,9
7	139,5	143,6	140,55
14	131,46	138,3	134,07
21	125,96	135,68	129,6
28	122,2	133,9	126,6
35	119,6	132,66	124,52
45	117,3	131,55	122,63

The calculations are based on the following data:

• Total daily water consumption (constant)  -  2,5 liter;
• Initial content of Deuterium in the body corresponds to its content in natural water, i.e.  ~ 150 ppm;
• Water quantity in the body is 45kg  (body weight ~ 75 кг).

As the table shows, it takes 2-3 weeks for removing 10% of deuterium from body while for removing 20% of deuterium it will already require 45 days. Further cleaning process goes more slowly. 

Is the body itself capable to carry out such a treatment?

It turns out is capable but only in extreme conditions. In the Institute of Medical and Biological Problems (State Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences) was held a unique 240-day experiment to study changes in isotopic composition of biogenic chemical elements in the human body under conditions of prolonged isolation inside hermetic object. It turned out that in a severe stress and adverse external influences our body, first and foremost, "get rid" of the heavy isotopes, including deuterium and oxygen-18.

This pattern was observed also for magnesium, copper and silicon.

It can be assumed that to increase vitality and mobilize them to fight with the adverse external effects, we need to clear the body of heavy isotopes of biogenic elements in the same way as we clean it from chemical residues.

Detail information  can be found in: http://www.langvey.ru/folder4/ 

Clinical trials of light water in Hungary (1994-2001)

Probably one of the first Clinical trials of light water were carried out in Hungary and some of obtained results can be found in [6 -7] . It was shown that:

• survival rates of patients who used light water in combination with traditional methods of treatment or after them is much higher than for patients who used only chemotherapy or radiation therapy. According to G. Shomlai, the survival rate of patients with 4th stage breast cancer who used light water during standard treatment course, after two years is 3 times higher than for patients who used only traditional methods of treatment;
• the use of light water, during or after chemotherapy, allows partially or completely remove the immunosuppressive cytostatic effect, to reduce or completely remove the side adverse effects of chemotherapy.

In all cases there was noted increase in the length and quality of life of patients. The results are so unusual and unexpected that cause many distrust.

Concerning the registration of a new anticancer drug: surely it require scrutiny at full-scale clinical trials, however the ignorance of these facts would be more than unwise.

Role of Deuterium in Biological Systems (part -3)

Studies of light water in the P.A.Gertsen Moscow Oncologic Research Institute (in vitro) and in the Institute of Carcinogenesis of N.N. Blokhin Cancer Research Center (in vivo) (jointly with Institute of Medical and Biological Problems of Russian Federation) confirmed the inhibitory effects of light water on the reproduction process of tumor cells and tumor growth [5,13].

Below are the results of the influence of water, with reduced deuterium content on the growth of tumor cells of three transplantable lines of human - adenocarcinoma of the breast MSF-7, melanoma SK.MEL-28 and epidermoid laryngeal cancer HEP-2, obtained by Professor Sergeeva N.S. and Dr. Sviridova I.S. (P.A. Gertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute). The content of deuterium in the growth medium ranged from 140 to 60 ppm (the content of deuterium in natural water in the Moscow region is 140-150 ppm).

 

The cell population growth dynamics of MCF-7 line in the culture medium with 140ppm (№ 1) and 60 ppm (№ 5) deuterium content (MTS Assay).

The cell population growth dynamics of SKMel-28 line in the culture medium with 140ppm (№ 1) and 60 ppm (№ 5) deuterium content (MTS Assay).

The cell population growth dynamics of Hep-2 line in the culture medium with 140ppm (№ 1) and 60 ppm (№ 5) deuterium content (MTS Assay).

  

The viability of tumor cells during prolonged cultivation (3-120 hours) in media with different concentrations of deuterium assessed using standard MTS and 3H-thymidine assays. In each particular case, for each deuterium concentration and time of cultivation, the value of the cell pool was calculated (relative to control one - the complete growth medium with standard deuterium content of 140 ppm). The optical density of alcohol solution of formazan was assessed by spectrophotometer MCC-340 (Sweden) at a wavelength of 540 nm. Accounting of related radioactivity in 3H-thymidine test was carried out on the counter Microbeta Plus 1450. As is known, MTS-test characterizes the viability of tumor cells, and 3H-thymidine test characterizes the synthetic activity of DNA in them.

Effect of deuterium content in the culture medium on the magnitude of the cellular pool (MTS test) and the synthetic activity of DNA (³H-thymidine test). Line SKMel-28.

Here the following facts have to be noted:

1. studied tumor cells were sensitive to deficiency of deuterium in the medium;
2. tumor cells of different lines respond differently to the lack of deuterium in the medium;
3. according to MTS-test data, the highest inhibition of cell growth (70%) was observed for the SKMel-28 line and the lowest (30%) - for the MSF-7 line;
4. changes in metabolic processes in tumor cells, tested ³H- thymidine and MTS methods, in various experiments had developed in different directions;
5. The time and dose dependence of changes in the cellular pool, when tumor cells were cultivated in media with low content of deuterium, is noted.

Analysis of the results suggested that the change in deuterium content in the water outside the cell affects the active transport of ions into the cell (primarily hydrogen ions) and out of it. For cancer cells, this effect is significant, the lower is the concentration of deuterium in the growth medium. High-speed division of tumor cells does not allow them to adapt to the deuterium shortage in the water outside the cells. This is likely violating the delicate "settings" of highly sensitive systems of cancer cells, which leads, ultimately, to their death. 

Note: Literature is given in "part - 1".

Role of Deuterium in Biological Systems (part -2)

 Radioprotective properties of light water first discovered Varnavskih I.N. in experiments on Drosophila melanogaster [4]. In later work [11] radioprotective effect of light water were recorded during irradiation of mice with cobalt gun. The survival rate of animals from the experimental group who received a light water (30ppm) within 15 days prior to irradiation, was 2,5 times higher than in the control group (dose 850 R). It was found that for mice survived in the experimental group the number of leukocytes and erythrocytes remained within normal limits, whereas for mice in the control group that number has significantly decreased. According to Somlyai [6], the use of light water by cancer patients during or after radiation therapy sessions can improve the composition of blood, stop hair loss and withdraw nausea after sessions.

Immunity modeling properties of light water were discovered in experiments with artificially induced inflammations and experimental infections for laboratory animals with weakened immune systems [11] and in experiments with Drosophila melanogaster [4].

Antineoplasmic properties of light water were first discovered in 1993 by Hungarian microbiologist G. Shomlai [12]. In further experiments it was found [6] that:

1.     in an environment with lower (from natural) deuterium content the division of MCF-7 cancer cells (breast adenocarcinoma) starts with a delay of 5-10 hours;

2.     for almost 60% of immunosuppressed mice and with transplanted human breast tumor MDA and MCF-7 the reception of light water (30 ppm) caused complete regression of tumors;

3.     in mice with transplanted tumors PC-3 (human prostate tumor) reception of light water (90 ppm) allowed to increase the survival rate 40% and, in addition, the ratio of the number of dividing cells to number of dead cells in tumors of animals in the experimental group was 1,5 : 3  while in the control group it was 3,6 : 1. 

Note: Literature is given in "part -1"

Role of Deuterium in Biological Systems (part -1)

At present the isotope effects connected with high concentration of heavy water (that does not occur in nature), are studied quite well [1]. From extrapolation of obtained data to the region of considerable dilution of heavy water we cannot expect any tangible effects if lowering concentrations of heavy isotopes below the natural level. However, during last decade it was shown that deuterium and heavy oxygen isotopes depleted natural water can have stimulating effect on various biological objects [1-4] and can even exhibit curing properties [4-7].

These results are interesting themselves, because they show that living cell is able to respond to small changes of deuterium content in the water. This is much more surprising while these changes occur at very low absolute level (30 ÷ 150 ppm). At present there is reliable prove, that the isotope composition in the human body is directly connected with the isotope composition of consumed food and water. Taking into account the anomaly large variation of deuterium in the natural water it can be interesting to try to find out how these influence on human health.

In different regions of Russian Federation the number of patients with cancer sicknesses range from 500 to 1600 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants (data of 1990-1991).

In this case the lowest incidence rate is recorded for the North-east regions, areas along the rivers Lena, Irtysh, Ob and its tributaries, as well as areas adjacent to Lake Baikal. It’s interesting to note, that these regions have the lowest concentration of deuterium in the water. 

In 1970’s it was proved the existence of “ion filters”, i.e. specialized cell channels through which only some certain charged particles could pass, however for a long period their structure as well as working mechanism was not clear. In 1998 professor Roderick MacKinnon has found that the ions can get into that channel and or get out from them only if they are surrounded with water molecules (Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2003). It looks like water molecules are transporting the ions into the channel. For example, if the distance between the K⁺ ion and oxygen atoms from surrounding it water molecules is the same as between K⁺ ion and oxygen atoms of the cell channel, then K⁺ ion can easily come off from water molecules and get into the channel. Na⁺ ions are smaller than K⁺ ions and the distance between Na⁺ ion and oxygen atom in the water molecule is shorter, too. So, the strength of the electrostatic attraction of sodium ions to the surrounding water molecules is more than the force of attraction to the walls of the channel. Hence, sodium ions cannot pass into channel and for their transportation the cells are using other transport mechanism.

The presence of heavy deuterium atoms in the water molecules probably will influence on this transportation. As an argument can be used data, obtained by Somlyai et al. while they studied influence of light water on the pH of medium inside and outside of cells during time 

These data show that the system of hydrogen ions transportation reacts on reduction of the concentration of deuterium in the external environment. According to recent data, the process of cell division is run by changing the pH of intracellular environment. So, here we can speak about the fundamental possibility of regulating the processes of division through the change of the deuterium content in the external environment.

According to Varnavski , et al. [4], water containing deuterium at 130 ÷ 135 ppm increases germination as well as growth rate of seedlings of legumes, sunflower and wheat better than it acts with known plant  growth stimulators fumar and fumarine. Broths of such water, obtained from medicinal plants, according to their biological activity are 1,5 times stronger than ordinary broths made using distillate water.

Below are sufficiently indicative results on the cultivation of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana in the water with 

different deuterium content [2].

Add caption

Interesting to note, that reduction of deuterium from the normal level (near 155ppm)  till 90 ppm causes much greater effect than if the concentration is increase for more than 500 ppm.

Bio-tests of water on the seeds of oat

These tests were performed by method described in [8]. It was discovered that light weight water increased the percent of oat seeds germination. At the same time light water has strong stimulating influence on the roots of oat seeds too – lighter is water, faster the growth rate of the oat shots.

 

Note:  the data of  presented above material are taken from article  “Main effects of light water”  (by Timakov A.A.) which was presented in 8-th Russian International Scientific Conference of “Physical-chemical processes during selection of atoms and molecules”, 6-10 November, 2003. See Russian version in

http://www.dd-water.ru/properties/osnovnye_effekty_legkoi_vody.pdf

Literature:

1. Лобышев В.Н., Калиниченко Л.П. Изотопные эффекты D₂О в биологических системах. М.: Наука, 1978.
2. Синяк Ю.Е., Левинских М.А., Гайдадымов В.В., Гуськова Е.И., Сигналова О.Б., Дерендяева Т.А.. Влияние воды с пониженным содержанием дейтерия на культивирование высших  растений: Arabidopsis thaliana и Brassica rapa. Организм и окружающая среда: жизнеобеспечение и защита человека в экстремальных условиях. Материалы Российской конференции. Москва, 2000 г., т. 2, с. 90.
3. Синяк Ю.Е., Григорьев А.И., Гайдадымов В.В., Медникова Е.И., Лебедева З.Н., Гуськова Е.И. Метод получения бездейтериевой воды и исследование ее влияния на физиологический статус японского перепела. Космическая биология и авиакосмическая медицина. Материалы XI конференции, 1998, т. II, с. 201.
4. Варнавский И.Н. Новая технология и установка для получения очищенной биологически активной целебной питьевой воды. Диссертация на соискание ученой степени доктора технических наук. М.:2000г. 20
5. Y.Sinyak, V. Turusov, A. Grigoriev, D. Zaridze, V. Gaidadimov, E. Antoshina, T. Gorkova, L. Truhanova. Possibility of deuterium free water using as Antitumoral means with reference to conditions of Martian expedition. COSPAR 02-A-01575 F.4.3-0016-02, “34th COSPAR Scientific Assembly – The Second World Space Congress”, 2002.
6. G. Somlyai “The biological effect of deuterium depletion”, Budapest, Akademiai Klado, 2002.
7. G. Somlyai and at “The biological effect of deuterium-depleted water. A possible new tool in cancer therapy” Anticancer Research International Journal , Volume 21. Number 3A, May-June 2001.
8. Вода – космическое явление. - Под ред. Рахманина Ю.А., Кондратова В.К. М.: РАЕН, 2002, 427 с.
9. Мартынов А.К., Артемкина И.В., Тимаков А.А., Москвичева Т.И. Оценка биологической активности воды с пониженным содержанием дейтерия. Материалы междисциплинарной конференции с международным участием «Новые биокибернетические и телемедицинские технологии XXI века», Петрозаводск, 23-25 июня 2003, с. 57
10. Методическое руководство по биотестированию воды РД 118-02-90, с. 73.
11. W.Bild and at “Research concerning the radioprotective and immunostimulating effects of deuterium-depleted water”, Rom. J. Physiol., 1999.36, 3-4. p. 205-218.
12. G.Somlyai, G. Jancso at all, “Naturally occurring deuterium is essential for the normal growth rate of cells”, FEBS Lett. 317, (1993), 1-4.
13. Сергеева Н.С., Свиридова И.С. Тимаков А.А.. Исследование влияния воды с пониженным содержанием дейтерия на рост перевивных культур опухолевых клеток человека в экспериментах in vitro.. Материалы междисциплинарной конференции с международным участием «Новые биокибернетические и телемедицинские технологии XXI века», Петрозаводск, 23- 25 июня 2003, с. 39
14. Турова Е.А., Головач А.В., Тимаков А.А., Акимов Б.К. Влияние воды с пониженным содержанием изотопов водорода и кислорода на больных метаболическим синдромом. Там же, с. 28.