Modulation of Circulating Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in the Elderly

Abstract EN

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.