Erythrocyte Magnesium Concentrations Research Articles

Magnesium and Zinc in Bipolar Disorders

Bipolar disorder ( BD ) is a severe and recurrent mood disorder. The influence of magnesium and zinc on animal behavior is certain and this has been experimentally demonstrated repeatedly. However, some clinical studies have positively correlated the decrease in the concentration of the two cations with a more severe symptomatology of BD, but in other cases no modified values ​​of the concentration of magnesium and zinc were found or no relationship was identified between these concentrations and the clinical manifestations of the disease. This diversity of results has various causes but the most important of these are: problems regarding the diagnosis of BP and the diagnostic criteria used; the phases of the disease in which the cationic concentrations were determined were different; determination of intracellular magnesium was rarely done; the different ages of the patients and different associated diseases influenced the interpretation of the results. In some studies, the administration of some mood modulators (sodium valproate, carbamazepine or quetiapine) in BD type I hospitalized adult patients during the maniacal episode has increased plasma zinc and erythrocyte magnesium concentration . Missing correlations between how long is the evolution of the disease and the levels of these cations. Existing date support the idea that a low level of magnesium and zinc play a role in pathogenesis of BD. The assertion of a definite beneficial role of the association of magnesium and zinc with mood modulators in BD therapy requires more clinical studies.

Leptin and its relationship with magnesium biomarkers in women with obesity

Some studies have demonstrated the participation of leptin in magnesium metabolism. On the other hand, there is evidence of the role of magnesium in the leptin intracellular signaling pathway. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the existence of a relationship between serum leptin concentrations and magnesium biomarkers in women with obesity. Case-control study involving 108 women aged between 20 and 50years, divided into two groups: obese (n = 52) and control (n = 56). Body weight, height and waist circumference, body mass index, dietary magnesium intake, magnesium biomarkers and serum leptin concentrations were measured. Serum leptin concentrations showed a statistically significant difference between groups (p < 0.001). Mean values of magnesium intake were lower than intake recommended, and with no statistically significant difference between two groups (p > 0.05). Women with obesity had lower plasma and erythrocyte magnesium concentrations than control group did (p < 0.001). Magnesium concentrations found in the urine of women with obesity were higher than the control group was, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). There was a correlation between serum leptin and magnesium biomarkers (p < 0.001). Women with obesity show an inadequate magnesium nutritional status characterized by low plasma and erythrocyte concentrations and high concentrations in urine, and they also have high serum leptin concentrations. Thus, it was possible to observe a correlation between hyperleptinemia and magnesium biomarkers, requiring further studies to determine whether the dysfunction of this hormone can influence the compartmentalization of the mineral in obese organisms.

Plasma and erythrocyte magnesium levels: from validation of the method to analysis in volunteers diagnosed to migraine

Deficiency of serum magnesium is associated with the incidence of migraine attacks. The present study aimed to evaluate plasma and erythrocyte magnesium levels in a group of patients diagnosed with migraine. Human donors were selected from basic health units (migraine, n = 25) and from a collection and transfusion unit (control, n = 25), both located in the city of Sinop, Brazil. Plasma and erythrocyte magnesium were assessed using flame atomic absorption. Plasma magnesium concentration was significantly lower in the migraine group (0.172 ± 0.018) compared to the control group (0.197 ± 0.020 mg/L), and erythrocyte magnesium concentration was also lower in the migraine group (0.393 ± 0.053 mg/L) compared to the control group (0.432 ± 0.056 mg/L). The method for analysis of magnesium in human plasma and erythrocytes by flame atomic absorption was shown to be in accordance with validation guidelines. This study shows that plasma and erythrocyte magnesium levels were significantly lower in volunteers diagnosed with migraine compared to healthy volunteers. Furthermore, erythrocyte magnesium proved to be a better marker than plasma magnesium for patients with migraine.

Influence of physical load of maximum aerobic power on hemodynamics and morpho-biochemical changes in erythrocytes in female volleyball players

Purpose: to study the types of cardiohemodynamic response of the organism and morpho-biochemical changes of erythrocytes of peripheral blood of volleyball players to physical activity of maximum aerobic capacity.&#x0D; Material and methods In 18 highly qualified volleyball players aged 22.0±0.60 years, cardiohemodynamics (by functional methods), functional changes (by biochemical methods) and the structure of erythrocytes (using scanning electron microscopy) were studied before and after the maximum (3.5 W/kg of body weight) of physical activity.&#x0D; Results. It was found that maximal physical activity causes significant changes in cardiohemodynamics, which result in morphological rearrangement of peripheral blood erythrocytes (increase in erythrocyte deformation index) and closely correlate with biochemical changes (decrease in ATP concentration and increase in magnesium concentration in erythrocytes). Possible mechanisms of realization of features of reaction of an organism of volleyball players to physical activity of the maximum aerobic power depending on type of regulation of blood circulation and morpho-biochemical changes of erythrocytes of peripheral blood are discussed.&#x0D; Conclusions. Physical activity of maximum aerobic power in highly qualified female volleyball players reveals the typological features of the cardiohemodynamic response of the body of volleyball players, which is expressed by conformational changes in peripheral blood erythrocytes and depends on the concentration of individual macroelements in these cells and on the type of cardiohemodynamics.

The relation between acute changes in the systemic inflammatory response and circulating thiamine and magnesium concentrations after elective knee arthroplasty

Thiamine diphosphate (TDP) and magnesium are co-factors for key enzymes in human intermediary metabolism. However, their role in the systemic inflammatory response (SIR) is not clear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the relation between acute changes in the SIR and thiamine and magnesium dependent enzyme activity in patients undergoing elective knee arthroplasty (a standard reproducible surgical injury in apparently healthy individuals). Patients (n = 35) who underwent elective total knee arthroplasty had venous blood samples collected pre- and post-operatively for 3 days, for measurement of whole blood TDP, serum and erythrocyte magnesium, erythrocyte transketolase activity (ETKA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose and lactate concentrations. Pre-operatively, TDP concentrations, erythrocyte magnesium concentrations, ETKA and plasma glucose were within normal limits for all patients. In contrast, 5 patients (14%) had low serum magnesium concentrations (< 0.75 mmol/L). On post-operative day1, both TDP concentrations (p < 0.001) and basal ETKA (p < 0.05) increased and serum magnesium concentrations decreased (p < 0.001). Erythrocyte magnesium concentrations correlated with serum magnesium concentrations (rs = 0.338, p < 0.05) and remained constant during SIR. Post-operatively 14 patients (40%) had low serum magnesium concentrations. On day1 serum magnesium concentrations were directly associated with LDH (p < 0.05), WCC (p < 0.05) and neutrophils (p < 0.01). Whole blood TDP and basal ETKA increased while serum magnesium concentrations decreased, indicating increased requirement for thiamine and magnesium dependent enzyme activity during SIR. Therefore, thiamine and magnesium represent potentially modifiable therapeutic targets that may modulate the host inflammatory response. Erythrocyte magnesium concentrations are likely to be reliable measures of status, whereas serum magnesium concentrations and whole blood TDP may not.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03554668.

Hypomagnesemia and Its Relationship with Oxidative Stress Markers in Women with Breast Cancer.

Reduced serum magnesium concentrations in women with breast cancer compromises one of the antioxidant defense system involved in the carcinogenesis process. To evaluate parameters of magnesium, the enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase, and its relation with oxidative stress markers in women with breast cancer. A case-control study was conducted, involving 60 women in the age range between 29 and 65years, divided into two groups: women with breast cancer (n = 30) and women without breast cancer (n = 30). Plasma; ionized, erythrocytic, and urinary magnesium intake; plasma concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase enzyme activity were evaluated. The mean value of the amount of dietary magnesium was below the recommended level in both groups studied, with no statistical difference (p > 0.05). Plasma, ionized, and erythrocyte magnesium concentrations of women with breast cancer were reduced in relation to the control group (p < 0.0001) and inadequate according to the reference values. Urinary excretion was high, with a significant difference between groups (p < 0.0001). The mean concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was high in the study participants, with no significant statistical difference between the groups (p > 0.05). The mean values of superoxide dismutase enzyme activity were adequate, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Women with breast cancer have impaired magnesium homeostasis, characterized by its reduction in diet, plasma, and erythrocytes and its increase in urine.

Influence of physical activity of the maximum aerobic power on hemo-dynamic and morpho-biochemical of change of erythrocytes of female volleyball players

Purpose : to study types of the cardio-hemo-dynamic reaction of an organism and morpho-biochemical changes of erythrocytes of peripheral blood of female volleyball players on physical activity of the maximum aerobic power. Material : 18 female volleyball players with different qualification participated in the experiment (age - 22,0±0,6 years). It is investigated cardio-hemo-dynamic (by functional methods), functional changes (by biochemical methods) and structure of erythrocytes (by means of the scanning electronic microscopy) before and after maximum (3,5 W/kg of body mass) physical activity. Results : It is determined that the maximum physical activity causes essential changes in cardio-hemo-dynamic. Such changes depend on the morphological reorganization of peripheral blood erythrocytes (increase in the index of erythrocytes deformation) and closely correlate with biochemical changes (decrease of ATP concentration and increase of magnesium concentration in erythrocytes). It is discussed the possible mechanisms of realization of reaction features of the organism of female volleyball players to physical activity of the maximum aerobic power. Conclusions : the physical activity of the maximum aerobic power finds typological features of the cardio-hemo-dynamic reaction of the female volleyball players’ organism. Such features are expressed by conformational changes of erythrocytes of peripheral blood. They depend on the concentration of separate macroelements in these cells and type of cardio-hemo-dynamic.

Change in magnesium concentration in erythrocytes in fish under stress

At present, the role of erythrocyte magnesium in the respiratory processes of fish (and other animals) under conditions of stress load is not known. This article presents the results of research on change in the concentration of magnesium in erythrocytes under the action of stressors of different quality and quantity for bream (Abramis brama L.), silver crucian carp (Carassius auratus gabelio Bloch) and tench, (Tinca tinca L.) in Rybinsk Reservoir. The concentration of magnesium ions was analyzed on an atomic absorption spectrometer AAS-1 manufactured by Carl Zeiss (Germany) in the absorption regime in an air-acetylene flame. For the first time, the dependence of the change in magnesium concentration in erythrocytes on the intensity of the stress load of different nature on the example of fishes was revealed. Weak and moderate strength effects (low doses of epinephrine, norepinephrine, small changes in water temperature, saline injection, prick into the abdominal cavity, short-term removal of fish from the water, short-term keeping of fish in a limited volume of water) increased the concentration of magnesium in erythrocytes up to 2.5 times. At the same time, an increase in the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen and a decrease in oxygen consumption were observed. However, strong stressors such as catching, transporting fish to the laboratory (representing complex effects of hypoxia, limited water volume, mechanical effects, etc.), as well as a sharp and large change in water temperature, high doses of adrenaline reduced the concentration of magnesium in erythrocytes 3 times. At the same time, the hemoglobin affinity for oxygen decreased and oxygen absorption increased. However, before the death of fish (from exhaustion), with a low level of magnesium in erythrocytes the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen increased and the intensity of gas exchange decreased. The research conducted allow us to consider the change in the concentration of magnesium ions in erythrocytes – which are positive modulators of the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen – in fish exposed to stress as one of the mechanisms for reducing the gas exchange intensity for weak and medium short-term stress effects and increasing it for strong short-term ones. Especially important is the role of erythrocyte magnesium as a molecular mechanism for reducing oxygen uptake and, consequently, increasing anabolism and, thus, increasing the growth and development of animals under the action of mild, short-term stressors, i.e. with eustress. In addition, the concentration of magnesium in erythrocytes can serve as an indicator of the state of fish. A high level of this cation in erythrocytes (1.5–2.0 times higher and more than normal) is characteristic for strong, healthy animals in a state of eustress or physiological stress, and extremely low values of this indicator (1.5–2.0 and more times below the norm) are an indicator of reversible or permanent ill-being (distress or pathological stress). Weakened, exhausted animals are not capable of a response to eustress or physiological stress. The possible causes of low magnesium concentrations in human erythrocytes are discussed.

Correlation between gamma-background of environment and indicators of electrolyte metabolism in patients with arterial hypertension depending on the variant of antihypertensive therapy

Arterial hypertension and ischemic heart diseases continue to lead among cardiovascular diseases. In this regard, an importance of fixed-combination antihypertensive therapy is noted. There is an evidence that in years of high solar activity in a group of healthy persons and patients with arterial hypertension and ischemic heart disease reduces the quality of professional activity, cardiovascular diseases exacerbate so that some patients end up developing a heart attack or stroke. There was revealed the correlation between γ-background dynamics of the external environment (within the boundaries of the regional standards) and indicators of electrolyte metabolism in patients with arterial hypertension with different temperament and anxiety, which take an empirical variant of antihypertensive therapy or another variant targeted to the blockade of temperamental peculiarities of psychosomatic status, the most effective antihypertensive therapy was determined. When the power of γ-background in medium was increased, the concentration of potassium and magnesium in blood serum and erythrocytes decreased, but the concentration of sodium increased as the erythrocyte resistance decreased. These shifts are closely related to the increase in osmolar pressure of blood plasma, permeability of erythrocyte membranes for sodium ions, and hemolysis (low resistance of red blood cells, increased indirect bilirubin), and hepatocytes (increase of direct bilirubin). On the background of the targeted antihypertensive therapy the severity of the processes is low and nearly similar to those in healthy persons of corresponding temperament that is the evidence of high efficiency of targeted treatment option.

Relationship between magnesium status and cardiovascular risk in obese women

Abstract Introduction The literature has shown reduced plasma concentrations of magnesium in obese individuals. It has been suggested that magnesium deficiency or changes in metabolism of this mineral participate in the pathophysiology of hypertension, arrhythmia and other cardiovascular diseases in obese patients. Objective This study evaluated the relationship between magnesium status and cardiovascular risk parameters in obese women. Methods Cross-sectional study involving 127 women, divided into two groups: obese (n = 63) and eutrophic (n = 64). The analysis of magnesium intake was carried out through the three-day food record and also Nutwin software. The plasma, erythrocyte and urinary magnesium concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Waist circumference was measured, and waist/height ratio and conicity index were calculated for assessment of cardiovascular risk. Results The mean value of magnesium intake was lower than those recommended. All the patients showed adequate mean concentrations of magnesium in plasma and erythrocytes. The urinary excretion of this mineral was lower than the reference values in both groups. Values of waist circumference, waist/height ratio and conicity index were higher in obese women (P Conclusion Obese patients intake foods with low dietary magnesium content, and they show hypomagnesuria as a compensatory mechanism to keep the plasma concentration of this mineral in adequate levels. The correlation analysis does not reveal the influence of magnesium on cardiovascular risk markers.

Ionized magnesium in plasma and erythrocytes for the assessment of low magnesium status in alcohol dependent patients

BackgroundStudies on the homeostasis of magnesium in alcohol-dependent patients have often been characterized by low hypomagnesemia detection rates. This may be due to the fact that the content of magnesium in blood serum constitutes only 1% of the average magnesium level within the human body. However, the concentration of ionized magnesium is more physiologically important and makes up 67% of the total magnesium within a human organism. There are no data concerning the determination of the ionized fraction of magnesium in patients addicted to alcohol and its influence on mental health status. MethodsThis study included 100 alcohol-dependent patients and 50 healthy subjects. The free magnesium fraction was determined using the potentiometric method by means of using ion-selective electrodes. The total magnesium level was determined by using a biochemical Indiko Plus analyzer. In this study, different psychometric scales were applied. ResultsOur results confirm the usefulness of ionized magnesium concentrations in erythrocytes and plasma as a diagnostic parameter of low magnesium status in alcohol-dependent patients. ConclusionsThe lower the concentration of ionized magnesium, the worse the quality of life an alcohol-dependent person might experience. In the case of total magnesium, no such correlation was determined.

Magnesium Status and Its Association with Oxidative Stress in Obese Women.

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between magnesium status and oxidative stress in obese and nonobese women. This cross-sectional study included 83 women, aged between 20 and 50years, who were divided into two groups: the obese group (n=31) and the control group (n=52). The control group was age-matched with the obese group. Magnesium intake was monitored using 3-day food records and NutWin software version 1.5. The plasma and erythrocyte magnesium concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Plasma levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were determined as biomarkers for lipid peroxidation and therefore of oxidative stress. The mean values of the magnesium content in the diet were found to be lower than those recommended, though there was no significant difference between groups (p>0.05). The mean concentrations of plasma and erythrocyte magnesium were within the normal range, with no significant difference between groups (p>0.05). The mean concentration of plasma TBARS was higher in obese woman, and the difference between the groups was statistically different (p<0.05). There was a positive correlation between erythrocyte magnesium and plasma TBARS in the obese group (p=0.021). Obese patients ingest low dietary magnesium content, which does not seem to affect the plasma and erythrocyte concentrations of the mineral. The study showed a negative correlation between erythrocyte magnesium concentrations and plasma TBARS, suggesting the influence of magnesium status on the parameters of oxidative stress in obese women.

Low magnesium concentration in erythrocytes of children with acute asthma

Objectives Magnesium (Mg) is thought to be an important element in the pathogenesis of acute asthma attacks. This study aimed at investigating plasma and erythrocyte Mg of acute asthmatic children and correlating them with asthma severity. Background Continuous efforts are still exerted to understand the natural history and pathogenesis of acute asthma to alleviate its burden on children and their families. Mg is an abundant intracellular cation. It is involved in numerous physiological functions, including protein folding, intracellular signaling, enzymatic reactions involving protein and nucleic acid metabolisms, and enzyme catalysis. Mg is involved in pathophysiological reactions related to asthma; it has been shown to relax bronchial smooth muscles in vitro and to dilate asthmatic airways in vivo . It has been shown that intravenous administration or inhalation of Mg could alleviate symptoms in acute asthma. Patients and methods This case-control study included 43 Egyptian outpatients with acute asthma. A total of 21 apparently matched healthy children were included as controls. All candidates had measurements of plasma and erythrocytic Mg levels during an acute asthma exacerbation. Findings No significant differences were detected in plasma Mg levels between cases and controls (0.71 ± 0.12 vs. 0.76 ± 0.1 mmol/l, respectively, P = 0.14). However, erythrocytic Mg levels were significantly reduced in cases when compared with controls (1.2 ± 0.08 vs. 2.01 ± 0.14 mmol/l, respectively, P Conclusion Erythrocytic Mg levels were significantly lower during acute asthma, and were negatively correlated with severity of exacerbation, whereas plasma Mg did not significantly change.

Association between magnesium status, oxidative stress and inflammation in preeclampsia: A case–control study

Preeclampsia is responsible for more than one-third of all maternal deaths in Brazil. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate magnesium status and its association with oxidative stress and inflammation in preeclamptic women, and to identify the predictor variables of the disorder. The study population consisted of 36 women divided into preeclamptic (n = 18) and control groups (n = 18). The preeclamptic group included women (≥20 weeks of pregnancy) with arterial pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg and proteinuria >0.3 g/24 h, while the control group comprised pregnant women with no clinical/obstetric complications. Magnesium intake was assessed via a food frequency questionnaire validated for pregnant women in Brazil. Plasma, erythrocyte and urinary magnesium levels were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, while oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were assessed using standard protocols. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of preeclampsia. Preeclamptic and control groups were similar with respect to magnesium intake and urinary excretion, while plasma and erythrocyte magnesium concentrations were higher in the former group. Plasma magnesium was positively correlated with catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities and with concentrations of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Regression analysis showed that plasma magnesium and urinary 8-isoprostane were associated with preeclampsia. Magnesium status appears to result from homeostatic imbalance and physiological alterations typical of preeclampsia. Increased plasma magnesium and decreased urinary 8-isoprostane were considered predictors of preeclampsia.

Influence of magnesium on insulin resistance in obese women.

The present study evaluated the influence of magnesium on insulin resistance in obese women. A case-control study involving 114 women on the age between 20 and 50 years old, divided into two groups: control (eutrophic women, n = 59) and case (obese women, n = 55). The analysis of magnesium intake was carried out through the 3-day food record and also NutWin software version 1.5. The plasma, erythrocyte, and urinary magnesium concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The determinations of serum glucose and serum insulin were performed by enzymatic colorimetric method and chemiluminescence, respectively. The insulin resistance was assessed by homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The mean values of magnesium intake were lower than those recommended, without difference between groups (p > 0.05). All the patients who were evaluated showed adequate mean concentrations of magnesium in the plasma and erythrocyte. The urinary excretion of this mineral was lower than the reference values in both groups and did not show significant difference (p > 0.05). The values of serum glucose, serum insulin, and HOMA-IR were higher in obese women compared to the control group. A negative correlation was observed between erythrocyte magnesium and glycemic parameters (p < 0.05). Obese patients take in foods with low dietary magnesium content, and they show hypomagnesuria as a compensatory mechanism to keep the plasma concentration of this mineral in adequate levels. The correlation between the erythrocyte magnesium concentration and the parameters of glycemic control suggests the influence of this mineral on the index of insulin resistance in obese women.

Dextromethorphan as a potential rapid-acting antidepressant

Dextromethorphan shares pharmacological properties in common with antidepressants and, in particular, ketamine, a drug with demonstrated rapid-acting antidepressant activity. Pharmacodynamic similarities include actions on NMDA, μ opiate, sigma-1, calcium channel, serotonin transporter, and muscarinic sites. Additional unique properties potentially contributory to an antidepressant effect include actions at ß, alpha-2, and serotonin1b/d receptors. It is therefore, hypothesized that dextromethorphan may have antidepressant efficacy in bipolar, unipolar, major depression, psychotic, and treatment-resistant depressive disorders, and may display rapid-onset of antidepressant response. An antidepressant response may be associated with a positive family history of alcoholism, prediction of ketamine response, increased AMPA–to–NMDA receptor activity ratio, antidepressant properties in animal models of depression, reward system activation, enhanced erythrocyte magnesium concentration, and correlation with frontal μ receptor binding potential. Clinical trials of dextromethorphan in depressive disorders, especially treatment-resistant depression, now seem warranted.

Influence of Therapy with Metformin on the Concentration of Certain Divalent Cations in Patients with Non-insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Research was performed on a group of 30 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), who never received antidiabetic medication before, and on a group of 17 healthy adults. The patients were administered treatment with metformin, 1,000 mg/day. Plasmatic and urinary concentration of magnesium have been measured, copper and zinc along with the concentrations of glucose, HDL, LDL, cholesterol, tryglicerides, HbA1c, and total erythrocyte magnesium, in advance and after 3 months of treatment. Data showed significant differences in the NIDDM group vs the control group: for plasma magnesium-1.95 ± 0.19 vs 2.20 ± 0.18 mg/dl, p < 0.001; urine magnesium-237.28 ± 34.51 vs 126.25 ± 38.22 mg/24 h, p < 0.001; erythrocyte magnesium-5.09 ± 0.63 vs 6.38 ± 0.75 mg/dl, p < 0.001; plasma zinc-67.56 ± 6.21 vs 98.41 ± 20.47 μg/dl, p < 0.001; urine zinc-1,347.54 ± 158.24 vs 851.65 ± 209.75 μg/24 h, p < 0.001; plasma copper-111.91 ± 20.98 vs 96.33 ± 8.56 μg/dl, p < 0.001; and urine copper-51.70 ± 23.79 vs 36.00 ± 11.70 μg/24 h, p < 0.05. Treatment with metformin for 3 months modified significant erythrocyte magnesium-5.75 ± 0.61 vs 5.09 ± 0.63 mg/dl, p < 0.001 and urine magnesium-198.27 ± 27.07 vs 237.28 ± 34.51 mg/24 h, p < 0.001, whereas it did not modify significant the plasmatic and urinary concentration of the other cations. The erythrocyte magnesium concentration was inversely correlated with HbA1c (r = -0.438, p = 0.015). The plasma level of copper was positively correlated with HbA1c (r = 0.517, p < 0.003), tryglicerides (r = 0.534, p < 0.003), and cholesterol (r = 0.440, p < 0.05), and the plasma level of zinc was inversely correlated with glycemia (r = -0.399, p = 0.029). Our data show a significant action of metformin therapy, by increasing the total intraerythrocyte magnesium concentration and decreasing the urinary magnesium elimination, positively correlated with the decrease of glycemia and HbA1c in NIDDM patients.

Magnesium in major depression

There are contradictory data regarding the levels of magnesium in patients with major depression (MD) and how antidepressants influence their concentration. Our results show erythrocyte magnesium in patients with MD (44.39 +/- 2.7 mg/L vs. 59.1 +/- 3.2 mg/L in control group, p < 0.05) and only in patients with severe MD (Hamilton score > 23) was a moderate decrease in plasmatic magnesium observed (17.7 +/- 1.5 mg/L vs. 22.9 +/- 3.3 mg/L in control group). Therapy with antidepressants from different groups and with different mechanisms of action, such as amytriptiline (25 mg x 3/day per os, 4 weeks) and sertraline (50 mg x 3/day per os, 4 weeks) leads to a significant increase of magnesium concentration in erythrocytes (57.6 +/- 4.5 mg/L after amytriptiline, respectively 56.9 +/- 3.2 mg/L after sertraline, p < 0.05 vs. before therapy). At the same time, in patients with MD, plasmatic levels of zinc were significantly decreased before therapy and increased after treatment with amytriptiline and sertraline (0.68 +/- 0.09 mg/L before treatment vs. 0.9 +/- 0.07 after amytriptiline). There is a positive correlation between concentrations of magnesium in erythrocytes and the clinical evolution of patients with MD. We consider that increasing intracellular concentration is a component of the antidepressant mechanism of sertraline and amytriptiline and maybe of other antidepressants. Anhedonia and autolytic tendencies are important elements of MD symptomatology. We tested the influence of MgCl2 0.2 mM/kg/day on a reward system using conditioned place preference (Panlab) in rats. Our data show a moderate stimulation of the reward system by magnesium (290.6 +/- 27 s time spent in a conditioned compartment before magnesium treatment and 363.3 +/- 16 s after magnesium treatment) that reflects a stimulation of the reward system (RS). We consider that a magnesium-induced stimulation of the RS is an important issue for treating anhedonia in patients with MD. An increase of intracellular magnesium may be part of the mechanism of action of antidepressants.

Magnesium concentration in plasma and erythrocytes in MS.

There are few reports of Mg in MS and none dealing with Mg content in erythrocytes. Mg concentration was determined in serum and in erythrocytes with the help of a BIOTROL Magnesium Calmagite colorimetric method (average sensitivity: 0.194 A per mmol/I) and a Hitachi autoanalyzer in 24 MS patients (7 men and 17 women, age 29-60; 37 years on average with the duration of the disease: 3-19; 11 years on average, at clinical disability stages according to the Kurtzke scale: 1-7; 3.2 on average, in remission stage. A statistically significant decrease (p < 0.001) of Mg concentration in erythrocytes and no changes in plasma of MS patients were found. The results obtained suggest the presence of changes in membrane of erythrocytes which could be connected with their shorter life and with affection of their function.

Reversal of ionoregulatory disruptions in occupational lead exposure by vitamin C

In order to investigate the toxic effects of lead during occupational exposure to this metal and the antidotal efficacy of ascorbic acid directed against these toxic effects, various artisans in Abeokuta, Nigeria, who have been shown to be occupationally exposed to lead were supplemented daily with 500 mg ascorbic acid for 2 weeks. Ca 2+-Mg 2+-ATPase activity in erythrocyte membrane, as well as calcium and magnesium concentrations in plasma, erythrocytes, erythrocyte membrane and urine of the artisans were determined before and after ascorbic acid supplementation. The 2-week ascorbic acid administration resulted in the reversal of lead-induced accumulation of calcium and magnesium in the erythrocyte membranes of the artisans. Ascorbic acid also reversed lead-induced inhibition of erythrocyte membrane Ca 2+-Mg 2+-ATPase. Urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium was not affected by ascorbic acid. There may be some scope in introducing ascorbic acid as an intervention strategy for the prevention and therapy of lead intoxication, especially in cases where the subjects cannot be removed from the source of lead exposure.