Oral Magnesium Treatment Reduces Anemia and Levels of Inflammatory Markers in Experimental Diabetes

Abstract

ABSTRACT Magnesium has been reported to improve glucose utilization in diabetes mellitus. However, information on its effects on anemic and inflammatory markers in diabetes mellitus is limited. This study investigated the effect of oral magnesium (Mg) treatment on some markers of anemia and inflammation in 25 male Wistar rats. Rats (200 ± 15 g) were randomly divided into five groups (n = 5). Group 1 was control (received orally 0.2 mL distilled water daily), group 2 (Diabetic Untreated), group 3 (Diabetic Mg treated—100 mg/kg bw), group 4 (Diabetic Mg treated—250 mg/kg bw), group 5 (Diabetic Insulin treated—1 IU/kg bw). Diabetes was induced with a single dose of alloxan (100 mg/kg intraperitoneal (i.p.)). All treatments were done for 14 days. Anemic and inflammatory markers were investigated on blood samples obtained from each animal using standard laboratory methods. Significant increase (p < 0.05) in total white blood cell (WBC) count was observed in diabetic untreated rats (7.67 ± 0.397 × 109/L) compared to control (5.88 ± 0.25 × 109/L), DMg 100 (5.86 ± 0.74 × 109/L) and DMg 250 (5.06 ± 0.78 × 109/L). Hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell (RBC) count was decreased (p < 0.05) in DU compared to control, DMg 100, and DI rats. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in DU compared to control, DMg 100, DMg 250, and DI groups. Fibrinogen level was increased (p < 0.05) in DU rats (0.44 ± 0.02 g/dL) compared to control(0.26 ± 0.02 g/dL). Values obtained in DMg 100 (0.30 ± 0.03 g/dL), DMg 250 (0.22 ± 0.04 g/dL), and DI (0.36 ± 0.02 g/dL) rats were comparable to control (0.26 ± 0.02 g/dL). Total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were decreased in DU rats compared to normal control, DMg 100, DMg 250, and DI rats. In conclusion, anemia and increased hematologic and metabolic inflammatory markers may be associated with untreated diabetes mellitus. Treatment of alloxan-induced diabetic rats with magnesium improved the anemic state and reduced hematologic and metabolic inflammatory markers.