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Modulation of circulating macrophage migration inhibitory factor in the elderly
Christos Rammos1, Ulrike B Hendgen-Cotta1, Julia Pohl1
1Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstraß 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
Abstract:
Aging increases the risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Chronic low-grade inflammation deteriorates vascular function, increases age-related vascular stiffness, and affects hemodynamics. The proinflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a major mediator of atherosclerosis. Plasma MIF levels are associated with arterial stiffness, a hallmark of vascular aging. Preclinical studies show that blockade of MIF leads to atherosclerotic plaque regression. Nutritional approaches provide opportunities to counteract age-related inflammation. Following a chronic dietary supplementation with the micronutrient nitrate has been demonstrated to improve vascular stiffness. Whether dietary nitrate affects circulating MIF levels is not known. In a randomized placebo-controlled, double-blinded study, elderly subjects received a dietary nitrate supplementation for 4 weeks. Dietary nitrate led to a decrease in plasma MIF levels in the elderly and to an improvement in vascular functions. This was associated with a reduction in central systolic blood pressure. Our data show that supplementation with dietary nitrate is associated with a reduction of circulating MIF levels along with an improvement in vascular function. This supports the concept of dietary approaches to modulate age-related changes of vascular functions.
Insights
Dietary nitrate supplementation reduced inflammation by lowering macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels in older adults. This dietary approach also improved vascular function and reduced blood pressure, supporting its role in combating age-related vascular changes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Aging is linked to increased cardiovascular risk, partly due to chronic low-grade inflammation.
- Proinflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) drives atherosclerosis and is associated with arterial stiffness, a marker of vascular aging.
- Dietary nitrate supplementation has shown promise in improving vascular stiffness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of dietary nitrate supplementation on plasma macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels in elderly individuals.
- To assess the impact of dietary nitrate on vascular function and hemodynamics in the aging population.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study was conducted.
- Elderly subjects received dietary nitrate supplementation for 4 weeks.
- Plasma MIF levels, vascular function, and central systolic blood pressure were measured.
Main Results:
- Dietary nitrate supplementation significantly decreased plasma MIF levels in elderly participants.
- The supplementation led to improvements in vascular function.
- A reduction in central systolic blood pressure was observed, associated with MIF reduction and improved vascular function.
Conclusions:
- Dietary nitrate supplementation can reduce circulating MIF levels in older adults.
- This nutritional strategy improves vascular function and may help mitigate age-related vascular deterioration.
- Dietary approaches targeting inflammation offer a viable method to modulate age-related vascular changes.
