Effects of sulphur-containing mineral water intake on oxidative status and markers for inflammation in healthy subjects

Context: Sulphurous mineral waters (SMW) have a wide range of applications. Sulphur content of mineral waters is considered as possible determinant for their anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory effects. Objective: To explore the healing properties of Varna basin mineral water by analysing possible antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Materials and methods: An intervention with Varna SMW intake was performed with healthy volunteers. Total thiols, total glutathione and its fractions, reactive oxygen metabolites, malondialdehyde, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) were measured. Expression of gamma-gluthamyl-cysteinyl ligase (GCL) and sICAM-1 genes was also analysed. Results: A significantly increased total glutathione and total thiols were observed at the end of the intervention. GCL and sICAM-1 gene expressions were increased after the intervention. Conclusion: SMW consumption improved redox status of the body. We suggested that these beneficial effects may be attributed to the established high levels of sulphur-containing compounds in Varna mineral water.