A Mini Review on the Various Facets Effecting Brain Delivery of Magnesium and Its Role in Neurological Disorders

Intranasal delivery of kaempferol via magnesomes for brain seizure treatment: Design, characterization, and biodistribution studies

The current study aims to develop phospholipid magnesomes retaining the inherent neuroprotective activities of kaempferol as a proposed treatment approach for epilepsy. Magnesomes were prepared using varied amounts of phospholipid, magnesium sulfate and poloxamer 188, and evaluated on in-vitro and in-vivo levels. The prepared vesicles possessed nanosizes (112-625 nm), negative charges (-16 to -20 mV), and entrapment efficiency (80-96 %) with negligible changes in their colloidal properties after 3 months' storage. Magnesomes showed sustained release of kaempferol as well as superior permeability relative to drug solution. Radiolabeling of kaempferol with iodine-131 was successfully performed using electrophilic substitution. The superior brain uptake of intranasally delivered 131I-kaempferol-magnesomes containing 3.13 µg/20µl of kaempferol compared to intravenous and intranasal solutions was demonstrated employing biodistribution and pharmacokinetic tests conducted using Swiss Albino male mice. Brain to blood ratio of the intranasally administered kaempferol was significantly higher compared to intravenous injection showing uptake of 9.9 ± 0.3 % injected dose per gram organ at the first 5 min ensuring a rapid onset of action. The drug targeting efficiency and nose to brain direct transport percentages of 131I- kaempferol-magnesomes were 215.0 and 87.0 %, respectively with relative bioavailability of 810.24 ± 119.1 %. Accordingly, intranasal kaempferol-magnesomes showed effectiveness in brain targeting and could be beneficial for managing epileptic seizures.

Magnesium and Migraine

Migraine is a widespread and intricate neurological condition that involves various factors and is marked by recurring headache episodes. Migraine is among the ten neurological conditions accounting for the greatest disability in the whole population, the leading cause of disability for children and adolescents aged 5-19 years, and the second cause of disability for adults aged 20-59 years. Magnesium deficiency is also a very common condition resulting from diverse reasons, including insufficient dietary consumption or increased loss through the gastrointestinal or renal system. Accumulated evidence from case reports, case-control studies, observational studies, and randomized, placebo-controlled trials has shown the effectiveness of magnesium supplementation in alleviating migraine, both acutely and chronically. Mechanisms that may help explain these results include the potential link between magnesium deficit and spreading cortical depression, vascular changes, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, nervous excitation, neurotransmitter release, and electrolyte imbalances. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the available evidence on the links between magnesium and migraine, considering the role of magnesium in the pathogenesis of migraine and the utility of magnesium in its prevention and treatment.

Effect of nutritional interventions on the psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in women of reproductive age: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

CONTEXT

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects approximately 48% of women of reproductive age worldwide. It can lead to functional impairment, lower quality of life, and decreased work productivity. Despite the availability of medical treatment options, women are seeking alternative interventions because of concerns of harmful side effects and limited evidence of efficacy associated with pharmacological treatments. To date, high-quality research investigating the effects of dietary and nutrient intervention on PMS is limited.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review investigated the effect of nutritional interventions on the psychological symptoms of PMS.

DATA SOURCES

Five electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English from inception to October 2022. Trials eligible for inclusion were nutritional intervention studies involving women of reproductive age that measured PMS-associated psychological outcomes.

DATA EXTRACTION

Articles were selected using prespecified inclusion criteria. Data screening and extraction and risk-of-bias assessments were conducted by 3 independent reviewers using article screening software and the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool.

DATA ANALYSIS

Thirty-two articles reporting on 31 RCTs involving 3254 participants, ranging in age from 15 to 50 years were included and narratively reviewed. Only 1 of the included studies had a low risk of bias. Treatment with vitamin B6, calcium, and zinc consistently had significant positive effects on the psychological symptoms of PMS. There was insufficient evidence to support the effects of vitamin B1, vitamin D, whole-grain carbohydrates, soy isoflavones, dietary fatty acids, magnesium, multivitamin supplementation, or PMS-specific diets.

CONCLUSIONS

There is some evidence to support the use of nutritional interventions for improving psychological symptoms of PMS. However, more research using consistent protocols, procedures to minimize risk of bias, intention-to-treat analysis, and clearer reporting is required to provide conclusive nutritional recommendations for improving PMS-related psychological outcomes.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NO

CRD42022369999.

Magnesium Matters: A Comprehensive Review of Its Vital Role in Health and Diseases

Magnesium (Mg), an essential mineral abundantly present within the human body, is intricately involved in a multitude of biochemical processes vital for maintaining health and overall well-being. This review aims to delve into the multifaceted impact of Mg on human health, exploring its physiological functions, dietary sources, and potential health implications of deficiency or insufficiency. Mg plays a pivotal role in various physiological processes, including energy metabolism, muscle contraction, protein synthesis, and DNA synthesis. It acts as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymatic reactions, facilitating the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) for energy production. Moreover, Mg is essential for the proper functioning of ion channels, particularly calcium channels, influencing nerve transmission and muscle relaxation. Mg is naturally found in a wide array of foods, with green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes being particularly rich sources. Additionally, certain fortified foods and dietary supplements provide supplemental Mg intake. Deficiency or insufficiency of mg can have profound implications for health. Inadequate mg levels have been associated with increased risks of various chronic diseases, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, mg deficiency may manifest as symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, tremors, and irregular heartbeat. Numerous studies have elucidated the relationship between mg intake and the risk of developing chronic diseases. For instance, epidemiological evidence suggests that higher mg intake is associated with a reduced risk of hypertension, possibly due to its vasodilatory effects and influence on blood pressure regulation mechanisms. Similarly, mg has been implicated in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes, with mg deficiency contributing to insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism. Furthermore, adequate mg intake is crucial for maintaining bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis, as mg plays a vital role in bone mineralization and bone health. Understanding the importance of mg in human physiology underscores the significance of ensuring adequate mg intake through diet or supplementation. Healthcare professionals play a critical role in educating individuals about the importance of incorporating mg-rich foods into their diets and considering mg supplementation when necessary, particularly for individuals at risk of deficiency or those with chronic diseases. Mg is an indispensable mineral with far-reaching implications for human health. Its involvement in various physiological processes underscores its importance in maintaining overall health and well-being. Ensuring adequate mg intake is essential for preventing deficiency-related health complications and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Further research is warranted to elucidate the optimal strategies for mg supplementation and its potential therapeutic applications in disease prevention and management.

The neurotransmitter puzzle of Alzheimer's: Dissecting mechanisms and exploring therapeutic horizons

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) represents a complex interplay of neurological pathways and molecular mechanisms, with significant impacts on patients' lives. This review synthesizes the latest developments in AD research, focusing on both the scientific advancements and their clinical implications. We examine the role of microglia in AD, highlighting their contribution to the disease's inflammatory aspects. The cholinergic hypothesis, a cornerstone of AD research, is re-evaluated, including the role of Alpha-7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in disease progression. This review places particular emphasis on the neurotransmission systems, exploring the therapeutic potential of GABAergic neurotransmitters and the role of NMDA inhibitors in the context of glutamatergic neurotransmission. By analyzing the interactions and implications of neurotransmitter pathways in AD, we aim to shed light on emerging therapeutic strategies. In addition to molecular insights, the review addresses the clinical and personal aspects of AD, underscoring the need for patient-centered approaches in treatment and care. The final section looks at the future directions of AD research and treatment, discussing the integration of scientific innovation with patient care. This review aims to provide a comprehensive update on AD, merging scientific insights with practical considerations, suitable for both specialists and those new to the field.

Influence of Magnesium Degradation on Schwannoma Cell Responses to Nerve Injury Using an In Vitro Injury Model

Nerve guidance conduits for peripheral nerve injuries can be improved using bioactive materials such as magnesium (Mg) and its alloys, which could provide both structural and trophic support. Therefore, we investigated whether exposure to Mg and Mg-1.6wt%Li thin films (Mg/Mg-1.6Li) would alter acute Schwann cell responses to injury. Using the RT4-D6P2T Schwannoma cell line (SCs), we tested extracts from freeze-killed cells (FKC) and nerves (FKN) as in vitro injury stimulants. Both FKC and FKN induced SC release of the macrophage chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), a marker of the repair SC phenotype after injury. Next, FKC-stimulated cells exposed to Mg/Mg-1.6Li reduced MCP-1 release by 30%, suggesting that these materials could have anti-inflammatory effects. Exposing FKC-treated cells to Mg/Mg-1.6Li reduced the gene expression of the nerve growth factor (NGF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and myelin protein zero (MPZ), but not the p75 neurotrophin receptor. In the absence of FKC, Mg/Mg-1.6Li treatment increased the expression of NGF, p75, and MPZ, which can be beneficial to nerve regeneration. Thus, the presence of Mg can differentially alter SCs, depending on the microenvironment. These results demonstrate the applicability of this in vitro nerve injury model, and that Mg has wide-ranging effects on the repair SC phenotype.