Water Structure Differences between Healthy and Cancerous Tissues

Kenneth S. Marsh, Thomas E. Wagner, Carlton F. Hazlewood

Abstract:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used to diagnose disease by presenting differences between healthy and diseased tissues.  MRI measures response of water protons, and therefore differences in water structure.  Measurable differences in water structure between healthy and cancer cells could potentially be exploited for improved treatment if such differences resulted in altered solubility, drug action or sensitivities to radiation.  This study was designed to differentiate Magnetic Resonance response between water in the extracellular matrix and intracellular water in cancer and healthy cells.  The discussion concludes that water structure in cancer cells does differ from that in healthy cells.  This conclusion suggests that further studies on drug action are warranted.

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Water Structure Changes in Dilute Solutions of Physiologically Active Substances

Kenneth S. Marsh, Ki Brissey, Su-il Park

Abstract:

100 samples of dilute solutions of physiologically active substances were prepared in water and a vicinal water solution which simulated cellular interfaces.  The solutions were then scanned in a medical MRI.  The results demonstrate that dilute solutions of these substances yield a wide range of response suggesting that the water protons are experiencing variations in the water environment.  The vicinal solutions exhibited more contrast than the corresponding bulk water solutions. The suggestion is that physiologically active substances modify water structure, especially interfacial water, and that this influence on water structure is part of their physiological effect.

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