Erythrocyte Magnesium Levels Research Articles

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.

Risk factors in autism spectrum disorder: A Tunisian case-control study

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that causes disability in social interaction, communication, and restrictive and repetitive behaviors. Common environmental factors like prenatal, perinatal, and/or postnatal factors play a key role in ASD etiologies. Moreover, specific metabolic disorders can be associated with ASD. Subjects and methodsWe performed a retrospective case-control study in child psychiatry clinics, involving 51 children with ASD and 40 typical development controls (TDC). ResultsWe found a correlation between children being breastfed for less than 6 months, having fathers more than 40 years old at childbirth in ASD compared to TDC group. Our study also associated low blood cholesterol and low erythrocyte magnesium levels with increased risk for ASD. ConclusionFindings support the implication of total cholesterol (TC) and erythrocyte magnesium level in defining autism outcome.

Differences in Erythrocyte Magnesium Levels between Men with Schizophrenia Treated with Risperidone and Haloperidol in Prof. Dr. M Ildrem Psychiatric Hospital Medan

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia according to the world health organization is one of the top ten causes of disability in developed countries around the world. Because of the severity, chronicity, and prevalence of schizophrenia, it has a very large economic burden. Magnesium is a micronutrient needed by the body which can affect mental health. Erythrocyte magnesium levels are considered more sensitive than serum magnesium levels to reflect intracellular magnesium status. AIM: The objective of the study was to determine the differences in erythrocyte magnesium levels between men with schizophrenia who received risperidone and haloperidol treatment at Prof. Dr. M Ildrem Psychiatric Hospital, Medan. METHODS: This study is an intention to treat and is an experimental pre-test and post-test that compares two groups, namely the intervention group and the control group. The sampling method is non-probability sampling with a consecutive sampling type. The research was conducted at Prof. Dr. M. Ildrem Psychiatric Hospital Medan between July and October 2019. The subjects of the study were 60 men with schizophrenia, namely, 30 who received risperidone and 30 who received haloperidol. RESULTS: There was a difference in the levels of male erythrocyte magnesium with schizophrenia who received risperidone and haloperidol between the initial week and the third week with a value of p = 0.007. Where there was a higher increase in the haloperidol group which showed a significant difference, namely, p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: The increase in magnesium levels will improve the symptoms of schizophrenia where magnesium activity decreases glutamate release associated with N-Methyl D-Aspartate receptors and results in the activity of the gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic system.

Magnesium in the prevention of gestational complications in women with pregnancy induced in the art cycle

This article provides data on the role of magnesium in ensuring the vital activity of the human body, its role in reproduction and the development of obstetric complications. The methods of diagnostics and medications for the correction of magnesium deficiency are considered.Purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of complex water-soluble agent containing magnesium citrate and vitamin B6 in the complications prevention of pregnancy induced in cycles of assisted reproductive technologies (ART).Materials and methods. 215 women with pregnancy induced in ART cycles were randomized into two groups: the main group received a prophylactic complex water-soluble drug Metida containing magnesium citrate 1970 mg (elemental magnesium 300 mg) and vitamin B6 30 mg from 1 to 36 weeks of pregnancy, 1 time per day. The comparison group (105 women) did not receive magnesium. The control group consisted of 53 relatively healthy women with pregnancy after natural conception.Serum and erythrocyte magnesium levels were studied at 6–8, 18–20 and 30–32 weeks of gestation. Clinical course of pregnancy and childbirth were evaluated. Magnesium deficiency should be determined by the content of magnesium in erythrocytes, as its level in serum is still normal, i.e. within the reference interval.Results. Metida in women with induced pregnancy in ART cycles compared to the group in which magnesium drugs were not prescribed reduced the number of preterm birth in 2.62 times, placental dysfunction in 2.24 times, gestational diabetes mellitus in 2.62 times, premature birth in 2.28 times and increased the number of timely births in 1.12 times.Conclusion. Use of the magnesium-containing drug Metida from the earliest stages of pregnancy has optimized the course and outcome of pregnancy and reduced the number of miscarriage and complications, as well as increased the number of timely births. Safety and bioavailability of magnesium are important properties of Metida. This drug has maximum compliance – high efficiency and digestibility.

Impact of Magnesium Supplementation in Muscle Damage of Professional Cyclists Competing in a Stage Race.

Magnesium is a cofactor of different enzymatic reactions involved in anabolic and catabolic processes that affect muscular performance during exercise. In addition, it has been suggested that magnesium could participate in maintaining muscle integrity during demanding effort. The main purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of magnesium supplementation in preventing muscle damage in professional cyclists taking part in a 21-day cycling stage race. Eighteen male professional cyclists (n = 18) from two teams were recruited to participate in the research. They were divided into 2 groups: the control group (n = 9) and the magnesium-supplemented group (n = 9). The supplementation consisted of an intake of 400 mg/day of magnesium during the 3 weeks of competition. Blood samples were collected according to World Anti-Doping Agency rules at three specific moments during competition: immediately before the race; mid competition; and before the last stage. Levels of serum and erythrocyte magnesium, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine kinase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, myoglobin, aldolase, total proteins, cortisol and creatinine were determined. Serum and erythrocyte magnesium levels decreased during the race. Circulating tissue markers increased at the end of the race in both groups. However, myoglobin increase was mitigated in the supplemented group compared with the controls. We conclude that magnesium supplementation seems to exert a protective effect on muscle damage.

Fecal pancreatic elastase-1 and erythrocyte magnesium levels in diabetes type 1 and type 2.

In the examinees, (56 with T1DM (F = 35 and M = 21), 62 with T2DM (F = 30 and M = 32), and 40 in the control group (F = 19 and M = 21)), we examined anthropometric parameters, and using standard biochemical methods, we measured the level of FE-1, magnesium concentration in blood and erythrocytes, and selected blood parameters. FE-1 concentration < 200μg/g was present in 14.2% of the examinees with T1DM, 20.9% with T2DM, and 2.5% in the control group. In all examinees with DM, there was a statistically significant correlation (P < 0.05) between the level of FE-1 and Mg concentration in the erythrocytes (R = 0.40). Prevalence of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI), according to the level of FE-1, is significantly higher in patients with DM than in the control group, while it is a bit higher in patients with T2DM than the ones with T1DM. In both types of DM, Mg concentration in erythrocytes is in a significant correlation with the level of FE-1.

Effect of magnesium supplementation on blood rheology in NOS inhibition-induced hypertension model.

This study investigated the effects of magnesium on blood rheological properties and blood pressure in nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition-induced hypertension model. Hypertension was induced by oral administration of the nonselective NOS inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 25 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks and systolic blood pressure was measured by the tail-cuff method. The groups receiving magnesium supplementation were fed with rat chow containing 0.8% magnesium oxide during the experiment. At the end of experiment, blood samples were obtained from abdominal aorta, using ether anesthesia. Plasma and erythrocyte magnesium levels were determined by the atomic absorption spectrometer. RBC deformability and aggregation were determined by rotational ektacytometry. Plasma fibrinogen concentration was evaluated by ELISA. Whole blood and plasma viscosities were determined by viscometer and intracellular free Ca++ level was measured by using spectroflurometric method. Blood pressure was elevated in hypertensive groups and suppressed by magnesium therapy. Plasma viscosity and RBC aggregation were found to be higher in hypertensive rats than control animals and these parameters significantly decreased in magnesium supplemented hypertensive animals. Other measurements were not different between experimental groups. These results confirm that blood pressure, plasma viscosity and RBC aggregation increased in NOS inhibition-induced hypertension model and oral magnesium supplementation improved these parameters.

There is chronic latent magnesium deficiency in apparently healthy university students.

Magnesium is an essential micronutrient for human body, and its deficiency has been associated with risk of non-communicable diseases. Assessment of magnesium status, and evaluation of the frequency of magnesium deficiency in a group of healthy adults. Plasma and erythrocyte magnesium levels, and magnesium intake were determined in 115 students (55 women and 60 men), from a public university in Brazil. The medians of magnesium concentration in plasma (0.76 mmol/L), erythrocyte (1.97 mmol/L), and of dietary daily intake (8.84 mmol/d) were low. Forty two percent of participants had plasma or erythrocyte magnesium below the limit of 0.75 and 1.65 mmol/L, respectively. A high percentage showed high probability of inadequate magnesium intake. There was a high frequency of subclinical magnesium deficiency in the adults assessed, that could be related to low dietary magnesium intake.

Serum and Erythrocyte Magnesium levels in Offsprings of Essential Hypertensive Parents

Hypertension is an important public health challenge worldwide, 95% of which are primary or essential hypertension, where the exact causes are not known. It has been thought that magnesium level has an association with hypertension and plays role in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. Several evidences suggested that decreased magnesium level may be a significant modifiable risk factor for developing essential hypertension. To explore the relationship between serum and erythrocyte magnesium level with blood pressure, this case control study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), during the year 2006. Thirty offsprings of essential hypertensive parents were taken as cases and 30 age and sex-matched offsprings of normotensive parents were taken as controls. Serum &amp; erythrocyte magnesium were measured by colorimetric Calmagite method. Significantly lower serum magnesium level (mg/dl) was found in cases than that of controls (1.90±0.210 vs 2.13±0.366, p&lt;0.01) and erythrocyte magnesium (mg/dl) was also found to be lower in cases when compared with that of controls (4.46±0.699 vs 5.43±0.775, p&lt;0.001). Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were found to be significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) in cases as compared to controls. Though it is difficult to draw any definite conclusion, it may be assumed that, a hereditary predisposition to hypertension may be related to magnesium metabolism and magnesium deficiency might have a role in the future development of hypertension in the offsprings of essential hypertensive parents. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v5i2.13339 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2012; 5(2): 40-43

Abstract 4478: Erythrocyte magnesium, TRPM7 Thr1482Ile polymorphism, and colorectal adenoma risk

Abstract Background: Several epidemiologic studies indicate high intake of magnesium may be related to a reduced risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma. However, results from previous studies have not been consistent. We reported previously the inverse association between dietary magnesium and risk of colorectal adenoma primarily appeared in those who carried at least one Thr1482Ile allele in the transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) gene, which plays an essential role in the homeostasis and sensing of magnesium. Serum magnesium is regulated in a narrow range and previous studies indicate erythrocyte magnesium may be a better biomarker of body magnesium status than serum magnesium. Objective: To examine whether erythrocyte magnesium is associated with adenoma risk and if the association is modified by the Thr1482Ile polymorphism. Design: Included in this nested case-control study were 341adenoma cases and 343 matched polyp-free controls from the Tennessee Colorectal Polyp Study (TCPS), a colonoscopy-based case control study conducted in Nashville, TN. Total erythrocyte magnesium levels were measured using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Genotyping assay was performed using the TaqMan OpenArray platform. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals as a measure of the strength of associations. The association of each genotype with colorectal adenoma risk was evaluated under dominant, recessive and additive models, respectively. Results: Overall erythrocyte magnesium level was not associated with risk of colorectal adenoma. However, erythrocyte magnesium tended to be associated with a reduced risk among those who carried at least one Thr1482Ile allele in the TRPM7 gene (rs8042919), particularly after adjusting for potential confounding factors, such as age, assay batch, family history, and dietary intakes of magnesium and fiber with the ORs (95% CI) of 0.19 (0.05, 0.76) and 0.34 (0.08, 1.49) respectively for the medium and highest tertile of erythrocyte magnesium levels versus the lowest tertile. In addition, among people with erythrocyte magnesium below the median, we found people who carried at least one 1482Ile allele tended to be at an elevated risk of adenoma with an OR (95% CI) of 1.7(0.85, 3.43), compared to those who did not carry the polymorphism; while the corresponding OR (95% CI) was 0.94 (0.49, 1.81) for those who carried at least one Thr1482Ile allele if erythrocyte magnesium was above the median. Conclusions: Our findings indicate the TRPM7 Thr1482Ile polymorphism may interact with erythrocyte magnesium levels in relation to colorectal adenoma risk even after controlling for dietary intake of magnesium. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4478. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4478

Is magnesium citrate treatment effective on pain, clinical parameters and functional status in patients with fibromyalgia?

The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between magnesium levels and fibromyalgia symptoms and to determine the effect of magnesium citrate treatment on these symptoms. Sixty premenopausal women diagnosed with fibromyalgia according to the ACR criteria and 20 healthy women whose age and weight matched the premenopausal women were evaluated. Pain intensity, pain threshold, the number of tender points, the tender point index, the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), the Beck depression and Beck anxiety scores and patient symptoms were evaluated in all the women. Serum and erythrocyte magnesium levels were also measured. The patients were divided into three groups. The magnesium citrate (300 mg/day) was given to the first group (n = 20), amitriptyline (10 mg/day) was given to the second group (n = 20), and magnesium citrate (300 mg/day) + amitriptyline (10 mg/day) treatment was given to the third group (n = 20). All parameters were reevaluated after the 8 weeks of treatment. The serum and erythrocyte magnesium levels were significantly lower in patients with fibromyalgia than in the controls. Also there was a negative correlation between the magnesium levels and fibromyalgia symptoms. The number of tender points, tender point index, FIQ and Beck depression scores decreased significantly with the magnesium citrate treatment. The combined amitriptyline + magnesium citrate treatment proved effective on all parameters except numbness. Low magnesium levels in the erythrocyte might be an etiologic factor on fibromyalgia symptoms. The magnesium citrate treatment was only effective tender points and the intensity of fibromyalgia. However, it was effective on all parameters when used in combination with amitriptyline.

Distinguishing patients with glossopyrosis from those with oropyrosis based upon clinical differences and differences in saliva and erythrocyte magnesium

ObjectiveBurning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a complex of clinical symptoms defined by burning sensations in the oral cavity without observed oral pathology. Clinically two patient groups within BMS were distinguished, one with burning limited to the anterior tongue (glossopyrosis) and the other with burning in multiple mouth regions, including tongue, lips, palate, gums and cheeks (oropyrosis). Biochemical differences between these two groups could assist in distinguishing them. DesignEighty-three patients with BMS, 47 with oropyrosis and 31 with glossopyrosis were studied. Measurements of zinc, copper, magnesium and calcium in blood plasma, erythrocytes and parotid saliva were obtained in patients and in normal subjects and mean levels were compared. ResultsClinical history differentiated patients into categories of oropyrosis and glossopyrosis. Erythrocyte and saliva levels of magnesium were significantly lower in patients with glossopyrosis than in patients with oropyrosis or in normal volunteers whereas levels of zinc and calcium were similar. ConclusionsThese data suggest that patients with glossopyrosis not only differ clinically from those with oropyrosis but also exhibit magnesium deficiency as manifested by lower than normal magnesium levels in saliva and erythrocytes. Lingual burning in patients with glossopyrosis is consistent with hyperalgesia and neurogenic inflammation observed in patients and animals with magnesium deficiency and in magnesium deficient tissues. These results suggest a possible biochemical mechanism for pyrosis in patients with glossopyrosis.

Correction of Furosemide-Induced Magnesium Deficiency with Different Stereoisomers of Organic Magnesium Salts: A Comparative Study

We compared the efficiency of different stereoisomers of organic magnesium salts (Mg DL-, Mg D-, and Mg L-aspartate and Mg L- and Mg DL-glutamate) after oral administration under conditions of furosemide-induced magnesium deficiency. The time to complete compensation of erythrocyte magnesium level was 5 days for Mg L-aspartate, 10 and 8 days for Mg L-glutamate and Mg D-aspartate, respectively, and 11 days for Mg DL-aspartate and Mg DL-glutamate. These findings attest to better bioavailability of Mg complex with L-stereoisomer of aspartate in comparison with DL and D-stereoisomers and stereoisomers of Mg glutamate.

Influence of magnesium status and magnesium intake on the blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes

This study was undertaken to assess magnesium intake and magnesium status in patients with type 2 diabetes, and to identify the parameters that best predict alterations in fasting glucose and plasma magnesium. A cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 51; 53.6 ± 10.5 y) selected within the inclusion factors, at the University Hospital Onofre Lopes. Magnesium intake was assessed by three 24-h recalls. Urine, plasma and erythrocytes magnesium, fasting and 2-h postprandial glucose, HbA1, microalbuminuria, proteinuria, and serum and urine creatinine were measured. Mean magnesium intake (9.37 ± 1.76 mmol/d), urine magnesium (2.80 ± 1.51 mmol/d), plasma magnesium (0.71 ± 0.08 mmol/L) and erythrocyte magnesium (1.92 ± 0.23 mmol/L) levels were low. Seventy-seven percent of participants presented one or more magnesium status parameters below the cut-off points of 3.00 mmol/L for urine, 0.75 mmol/L for plasma and 1.65 mmol/L for erythrocytes. Subjects presented poor blood glucose control with fasting glucose of 8.1 ± 3.7 mmol/L, 2-h postprandial glucose of 11.1 ± 5.1 mmol/L, and HbA1 of 11.4 ± 3.0%. The parameters that influenced fasting glucose were urine, plasma and dietary magnesium, while plasma magnesium was influenced by creatinine clearance. Magnesium status was influenced by kidney depuration and was altered in patients with type 2 diabetes, and magnesium showed to play an important role in blood glucose control.

Neurological aspects of the clinical features, pathophysiology, and corrections of impairments in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

The prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in young schoolchildren in Nefteyugansk (Khanty-Mansiiskii Autonomous Region) was found to be 8%, with rates of 13% amongst boys and 3% amongst girls. Clinical investigation of a cohort of 122 children aged 6-11 years identified risk factors for the formation of ADHD as perinatal CNS injuries, inherited predisposition, and unfavorable social-psychological influences. Neuropsychological, neurophysiological (electroencephalography), and biochemical studies identified minor neurological abnormalities, some characteristic features of the motor and emotional spheres, and changes in higher mental functions. In addition, biochemical changes consisting of decreases in plasma and erythrocyte magnesium levels and decreases in Mg(2+)-ATPase activity were identified. Treatment with MAGNE-B(6) allowed correction of many of these changes.

The effect of aging on intestinal absorption and status of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper in rats: A stable isotope study

Many investigators have reported changes in mineral status with age but conflicting observations were done concerning mineral absorption. This study was conducted to clarify the effect of aging on intestinal absorption and status of minerals, using a stable isotope approach. To do so, 40 rats of different ages: 9, 22, 44, and 88 weeks were fed with a semi-purified diet for a total of 30 days. At the beginning of the 4th week, the rats received a stable isotope solution containing 44Ca, 25Mg, 67Zn, and 65Cu. Individual feces and urine were then collected during 4 consecutive days in order to measure stable isotopes by inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP/MS) and blood and tissues were sampled for mineral status determination. Intestinal absorption of 44Ca and 67Zn considerably decreased with age, whereas intestinal 25Mg absorption decreased only moderately and intestinal 65Cu absorption was unaffected. Plasma and bone calcium (Ca) were not modified with age whereas urinary Ca excretion considerably increased. Plasma and erythrocyte magnesium (Mg) levels were unaffected with age whereas urinary Mg excretion and Mg bone level decreased. Plasma zinc (Zn) level decreased and bone Zn level increased with age whereas red blood cell and liver Zn level and urinary Zn excretion remained unchanged. Plasma Cu level increased with age whereas liver and bone Cu levels and urinary Cu excretion remained unchanged. These results show that the effect of aging on the intestinal mineral absorption and status differ largely according to the mineral considered. Further studies are required under different nutritional conditions to explore the underlying mechanisms during aging and to adjust a better nutrition of the elderly.

The Influence of Some Antipsychotics on Erythrocyte Magnesium and Plasma Magnesium, Calcium, Copper and Zinc in Patients with Paranoid Schizophrenia

Objective: The aim of the study was the investigation of plasma magnesium, calcium, copper and zinc and erythrocyte magnesium levels in patients with paranoid schizophrenia and the influence of the therapy with two antipsychotic drugs (haloperidol and risperidone) on these concentrations.Methods: We investigated the influence of treatment with haloperidol and risperidoneon plasma and erythrocyte magnesium and on plasmatic levels of zinc, calcium and copper on hospitalized 56 patients diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia (DSM IV).Results: Our data indicate a decrease of erythrocyte magnesium levels in schizophrenic patients (4.82 ± 3.1 mg/L vs. 59.2 ± 1.1 mg/L in control group, p < 0.01). The plasma level of magnesium was unchanged (18.9 ± 2.17 mg/L in schizophrenic patients vs. 18.26 ± 1.9 mg/L in control group).Conclusions: We consider plasma Cu2+/erythrocyte Mg2+ and plasma Cu2+/Zn2+ ratio two important biological markers of the acute paranoid schizophrenia.

Magnesium metabolism in mice selected for high and low erythrocyte magnesium levels

A genetic control of blood magnesium (Mg) levels has been suggested. To investigate the mechanisms and the biologic significance of this genetic regulation, a mouse model, ie, mice selected for low magnesium level (MGL) and high magnesium level (MGH), was developed. The purpose of this study was to explore the Mg status and Mg metabolism in female MGL and MGH mice. We observed that MGL mice had reduced total and ionized plasma Mg, lower erythrocyte Mg, lower tibia, and kidney Mg levels. In contrast, total urinary Mg and 25Mg levels were significantly higher in MGL mice. MGL mice had smaller total Mg exchangeable pool masses compared with MGH, and fractional transport rates of Mg (exchange constant) were different. In vitro 25Mg enrichments in erythrocytes from MGL mice were significantly lower. Moreover, Mg efflux from erythrocytes was significantly higher in MGL. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that MGL mice present lower body stores of Mg than MGH mice and lower body Mg retention. This is confirmed at a cellular level by a lower enrichment of 25Mg in erythrocytes. The lower retention of Mg by MGL erythrocyte in comparison to MGH appears to be partly due to a higher Mg efflux in MGL erythrocyte. It can be hypothesized that a genetic factor that modulates Na +/Mg 2+ exchanger activity may be important in the regulation of Mg metabolism. Further investigations on the mechanisms responsible for differences in Mg retention between MGL and MGH mice could contribute to a better understanding of the genetic regulation of cellular Mg.

Plasma and erythrocyte magnesium, manganese, zinc, and plasma calcium levels in G-6-PD-deficient and normal male children.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency is the most common human enzymopathy in the world. Trace elements are important for normal hematopoiesis and can play a role in acute hemolytic anemia induced by G-6-PD deficiency. For this purpose, we studied two groups consisting of 10 male children who are G-6-PD-deficient and 12 age-matched normal male children to compare plasma and erythrocyte magnesium, manganese, zinc, and plasma calcium levels between G-6-PD-deficient and normal children. All assays were performed under normal conditions free of any oxidative attack that may result in hemolytic crisis in G-6-PD-deficient subjects. All parameters in each group did not differ significantly except for erythrocyte G-6-PD activities. These data show that plasma and erythrocyte trace element contents of G-6-PD-deficient subjects do not differ in normal conditions.

Magnesium levels in plasma and erythrocytes before and after histamine challenge.

Previous studies have assessed the protective effect of nebulized magnesium sulphate on bronchial hyperreactivity. This study investigated the effect of histamine challenge on intracellular (erythrocytes) and extracellular (plasma) levels of magnesium and the possible relationship between degree of bronchial hyperreactivity and levels of Mg in plasma and erythrocytes. The authors studied 42 mildly asthmatic patients (10 on inhaled steroids) and 20 healthy subjects. Histamine challenge was performed by the dosimeter method and provocative dose causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (PD20) (FEV1) was calculated. Mg levels were measured with a calmagite colourimetric assay, both at baseline and when FEV1 had fallen by 20%. The results showed that Mg levels in plasma did not significantly change after histamine challenge (from 2.06+/-0.02 mg x dL(-1) to 2.08+/-0.02 mg x dL(-1) respectively, p=0.14). Conversely there was a statistically significant decrease in Mg levels in erythrocytes between these two time points (from 1.84+/-0.02 fmmol x cell to 1.78+/-0.02 fmmol x cell p<0.0001). Similar results were observed when the subgroups were studied separately. There was no significant correlation between PD20, the difference in both magnesium concentrations (baseline-PD20 time) or the initial values of Mg levels in erythrocytes and plasma. To conclude, histamine challenge reduces magnesium levels in erythrocytes while plasma levels remain unchanged. This histamine-induced decrease in magnesium levels occurs regardless of the diagnosis of asthma, and it is not correlated with the degree of bronchial hyperreactivity.