Beneficial effects of mineral water with human-like electrolytic content in a pre-clinical model of vascular inflammaging

Background The term “inflammaging” has been introduced to describe the chronic, low-grade inflammatory process associated with the increase in age and the senescence of the immune system, that confers susceptibility to suffering age-related pathologies. In this context, previous studies have already demonstrated that the regular consumption of mineral water can be a valuable tool for detoxifying the body from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and for mitigating the systemic inflammation. Objective Herein, we tested the beneficial effects of a mineral water with human-like electrolytic content (San Carlo® water) in a pre-clinical model of vascular inflammaging and investigated the mechanisms underlying this effect. San Carlo® water was administered ad libitum to both young (10-week old) and aged rats (40-week old) for 3 months. Methods Vascular functionality, oxidative stress (fluorescent dye dihydroethidium assay, levels of MDA, and levels of 8-isoprostanes in the urine), and systemic inflammation (levels of IL-1β and TNF) were assessed. Results San Carlo® water ingestion mitigated the inflammation by reducing TNF plasma levels and improved endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation, acting against ROS production. Conclusion The present study suggests that the use of San Carlo® water can effectively counteract the low-grade inflammation typically associated with age and the related vascular dysfunction, likely through both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.