Reversal of age-associated oxidative stress in rats by MRN-100, a hydro-ferrate fluid

Aging is associated with an increase in the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause cellular damage. This study examined the protective effects of MRN-100, an iron-based hydro-ferrate fluid, against age-associated oxidative stress using young (4 months old) and aged (22 months old) rats. The effect of MRN-100 intake on lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and antioxidant status was studied in the blood, liver, and brain. Aged rats were treated with tap water or MRN-100 (100%) orally daily for 40 days. Results revealed that in aged rats treated with MRN-100 (100%) there was: (i) an inhibition of the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers: malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, protein carbonyl groups and total free radicals; (ii) an augmentation in glutathione and total thiol contents; (iii) an enhancement in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase; and (iv) an enhancement in plasma iron and ferritin concentrations, and in transferrin saturation. MRN-100 reversed age-related oxidative changes, bringing levels to within the limits of the young control rats in the blood, liver and brain. MRN-100 showed effectiveness in modulating age-associated oxidative stress in rats, and it may therefore be useful to reduce age-associated disorders where free radicals and oxidative stress are the major cause.