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RESEARCH ON THE MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF SULFUR-CONTAINING MINERAL WATERS FROM THE VARNA BASIN ON HUMAN METABOLISM IN REGARD TO THEIR USE AS A DRINKING REMEDY

Todorka Sokrateva, Milka Nashar, Diana Ivanova

Abstract

The mineral waters from the Bulgarian region of the Northern Black Sea comprise almost a quarter of the hydro-mineral resource of Bulgaria, the second richest country in the world in natural resources of mineral waters with balneologic and healing potential. The Varna Basin mineral waters belong to the category of the so-called sulphur waters, containing hydrogen sulfide and soluble sulfides. Experimental data from models, systems or interventional studies on the biological effects of these type of mineral waters is lacking. At the same time, thousands of people actively use them daily as drinking water.

The aim of the current research is to explore the molecular mechanisms of the impact of the sulfur-containing mineral waters from the Varna Basin on the human metabolism and thus elucidate their health effects as reported by the traditional medicine.

After a detailed physico-chemical analysis of the mineral water from the Varna Basin, up to 50 healthy volunteers are to be enrolled in a 12-week intervention study with the mineral water replacing their daily drinking water. Blood and urine samples collected before and after the intervention period will be analyzed for markers for oxidative status, inflammation, lipid metabolism and vascular tone. Gene expression analyses of factors involved in nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB) dependent signaling pathways will be focusing on the mechanisms of mineral water metabolic effects.

The research will provide new knowledge regarding the impact and the mechanisms of the effects of Varna Basin sulfur-containing mineral water on human metabolism.

Acknowledgements: Bulgarian National Research Fund support, Project DN 01/12 - 16/12/2016





DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14748/ssp.v4i1.3964

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About The Authors

Todorka Sokrateva

Milka Nashar

Diana Ivanova

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