Is low magnesium concentration a risk factor for coronary heart disease? The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Global prevalence of hypomagnesemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus - a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

PURPOSE

Hypomagnesemia, characterized by low magnesium levels, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This meta-analysis aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of hypomagnesemia prevalence in individuals with T2DM as well as its potential implications for diabetes management and complications.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis using databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Research Gate to identify relevant studies between January 2008 and August 2023. We focused on observational studies related to serum magnesium levels and Type 2 Diabetes in individuals aged 19 and older. Newcastle Ottawa tool was used for quality assessment. A random effect meta-analysis was performed to calculate the prevalence of hypomagnesemia in T2DM.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 671 studies, and after screening 383 abstracts and full texts by two independent reviewers, we identified 19 eligible studies encompassing 4192 patients diagnosed with T2DM. The mean age was 55.4 (SD, 4.39) years with a mean HbA1C level of 8.01. The pooled prevalence of hypomagnesemia in T2DM was 32% (95% CI: 22-36%) out of 4192 cases. On subgroup analysis, the prevalence of hypomagnesemia in male and female were 19.8% and 20.1%, respectively. Geographically, Asia had the highest prevalence of hypomagnesemia with 31.9% (95% CI: 24-41.1%).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis highlights a significant prevalence of hypomagnesemia in individuals with T2DM, emphasizing the need for further investigation due to the intricate nature of the association between serum magnesium levels and T2DM.

Serum Magnesium Is Associated with Long-Term Survival of Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients

BACKGROUND

Low serum magnesium (sMg) is associated with cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerotic disease.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between sMg levels on admission and clinical outcomes in hospitalized non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all patients admitted to a single tertiary center with a primary diagnosis of NSTEMI. Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease were excluded. Clinical data were collected and compared between lower sMg quartile patients (Q1; sMg < 1.9 mg/dL) and all other patients (Q2-Q4; sMg ≥ 1.9 mg/dL).

RESULTS

The study cohort included 4552 patients (70% male, median age 69 [IQR 59-79]) who were followed for a median of 4.4 (IQR 2.4-6.6) years. The median sMg level in the low sMg group was 1.7 (1.6-1.8) and 2.0 (2.0-2.2) mg/dL in the normal/high sMg group. The low sMg group was older (mean of 72 vs. 67 years), less likely to be male (64% vs. 72%), and had higher rates of comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation (59% vs. 29%, 92% vs. 85%, and 6% vs. 5%; p < 0.05 for all). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated significantly higher cumulative death probability at 4 years in the low sMg group (34% vs. 22%; p log rank <0.001). In a multivariable analysis model adjusted for sex, significant comorbidities, coronary interventions during the hospitalization, and renal function, the low sMg group exhibited an independent 24% increased risk of death during follow up (95% CI 1.11-1.39; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Low sMg is independently associated with higher risk of long-term mortality among patients recovering from an NSTEMI event.

Serum Magnesium Levels and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial Participants

Rationale and Objective

Serum magnesium levels have been inversely yet inconsistently associated with cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. In this study, we examined the association of serum magnesium levels with CV outcomes in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) participants.

Study Design

Case-control post hoc analysis of SPRINT.

Setting & Participants

A total of 2,040 SPRINT participants with available serum samples at baseline level were included in this study. Case participants (n = 510) who experienced a CV event during the SPRINT observation period (median follow-up of 3.2 years) and control participants (n = 1,530) without CV events were sampled in a 1:3 ratio for measurements of serum magnesium level at baseline and 2-year follow-up.

Predictors

Baseline serum magnesium levels and 2-year percentage change in serum magnesium levels (ΔSMg).

Outcome

SPRINT primary composite CV outcome.

Analytical Approach

Multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis, accounting for matching factors, was used to evaluate the association of baseline and ΔSMg with CV outcomes. Individual matching of cases and controls was based on the SPRINT treatment arm allocation (standard vs intensive) and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Results

The median serum magnesium level at baseline was similar among the case and control groups. In a fully adjusted model, each standard deviation (SD) (0.18 mg/dL) higher of the baseline serum magnesium level was independently associated with a lower risk for composite CV outcomes in all study participants (adjusted odds ratio 95% CI, 0.79 [0.70-0.89]). This association was similar when serum magnesium levels were analyzed in quartiles but dissipated in the standard (vs intensive) arm of SPRINT (0.88 [0.76-1.02] vs 0.65 [0.53-0.79], respectively; Pinteraction = 0.06). The presence or absence of CKD at baseline did not modify this association. ΔSMg was not independently associated with CV outcomes occurring after 2 years.

Limitations

ΔSMg was small in magnitude, limiting effect size.

Conclusions

Higher baseline serum magnesium levels were independently associated with reduced risk for CV outcomes in all study participants, but ΔSMg was not associated with CV outcomes.

The Role of Txnip in Mediating Low-Magnesium-Driven Endothelial Dysfunction

Magnesium deficiency is associated with a greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases since this cation is fundamental in regulating vascular function. This clinical evidence is sustained by in vitro studies showing that culturing endothelial cells in low concentrations of magnesium promotes the acquisition of a pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory phenotype. Here, we show that the increase in reactive oxygen species in endothelial cells in low-magnesium-containing medium is due to the upregulation of the pro-oxidant protein thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), with a consequent accumulation of lipid droplets and increase in endothelial permeability through the downregulation and relocalization of junctional proteins. Silencing TXNIP restores the endothelial barrier and lipid content. Because (i) mitochondria serve multiple roles in shaping cell function, health and survival and (ii) mitochondria are the main intracellular stores of magnesium, it is of note that no significant alterations were detected in their morphology and dynamics in our experimental model. We conclude that TXNIP upregulation contributes to low-magnesium-induced endothelial dysfunction in vitro.

Circulating Magnesium and Risk of Major Adverse Cardiac Events among Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in the ARIC Cohort

Background: Serum magnesium (Mg) has been reported to be inversely associated with the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), coronary artery disease (CAD), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The association between serum Mg and the risk of MACE, heart failure (HF), stroke, and all-cause mortality among patients with AF has not been evaluated. Objective: We aim to examine whether higher serum Mg is associated with a lower risk of MACE, heart failure (HF), stroke, and all-cause mortality among patients with AF. Methods: We evaluated prospectively 413 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study with a diagnosis of AF at the time of Mg measurement participating in visit 5 (2011-2013). Serum Mg was modeled in tertiles and as a continuous variable in standard deviation units. Endpoints (HF, MI, stroke, cardiovascular (CV) death, all-cause mortality, and MACE) were identified and modeled separately using Cox proportional hazard regression adjusting for potential confounders. Results: During a mean follow-up of 5.8 years, there were 79 HFs, 34 MIs, 24 strokes, 80 CV deaths, 110 MACEs, and 198 total deaths. After adjustment for demographic and clinical variables, participants in the second and third tertiles of serum Mg had lower rates of most endpoints, with the strongest inverse association for the incidence of MI (HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.07, 0.61) comparing top to bottom tertile. Serum Mg modeled linearly as a continuous variable did not show clear associations with endpoints except MI (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.31, 0.80). Due to the limited number of events, the precision of most estimates of association was relatively low. Conclusions: Among patients with AF, higher serum Mg was associated with a lower risk of developing incident MI and, to a lesser extent, other CV endpoints. Further studies in larger patients with AF cohorts are needed to evaluate the role of serum Mg in preventing adverse CV outcomes in these patients.

Hypomagnesemia as a Risk Factor and Accelerator for Vascular Aging in Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Kidney Disease

The age-old axiom that one is as old as his or her vessels are, calls for ongoing critical re-examination of modifiable risk factors of accelerated vascular ageing in chronic kidney diseases. Attempts to modulate vascular risk with cholesterol-lowering agents have largely failed in advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition to nitrogen waste products, many pathological biochemical processes also play a role in vascular calcification in chronic kidney damage. Magnesium, a cation vital for the body, may substantially reduce cardiovascular diseases' risk and progression. This narrative review aimed to address the relationship between hypomagnesemia and vascular calcification, which promotes further cardiovascular complications in diabetes, aging, and CKD. Articles with predefined keywords were searched for in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. We hypothesized that a decrease in serum magnesium levels contributes to increased vascular calcification and thereby increases cardiovascular mortality. In summary, based on existing evidence in the literature, it appears that simple and inexpensive oral magnesium supplementation may reduce the cardiovascular mortality of patients who are already severely affected by such diseases; in this context, the concept of 'normal' vs. 'ideal' serum magnesium levels should be carefully re-examined.

Is the magnesium phosphate ratio a predictor of arrhythmia in patients undergoing hemodialysis?

Aim: Koroner arter hastalığı, kalp yetmezliği, aritmi veya hiperkalemi nedenli ani ölüm son dönem böbrek yetmezliği hastalarında kardiyovasküler nedenlerin büyük çoğunluğunu oluşturmaktadır. Kanda bulunan Magnezyum, endotel fonksiyonu, damar tonusunun düzenlenmesi ve miyokardiyal uyarılabilirlik gibi kardiyovasküler fonksiyonları düzenleyen birçok süreçte önemli rol oynamaktadır. bu çalışmadaki amacımız; hemodiyaliz alan son dönem böbrek yetmezliği hastalarında Mg / P oranının aritmiyi öngörücülüğünü saptamaktır. Material and method: 18 yaşından büyük, kardiyoloji polikliniğine başvuran, kronik böbrek yetmezliği nedeniyle hemodiyaliz almakta olan ardışık 103 hasta çalışmaya dahil edildi. Ocak 2018 – Ekim 2022 tarihleri arasında 24 saatlik ritm holter ECG ile monitörize hastalar alındı. Hastalar 24 saatlik ritm holter EKG’ de aritmi saptananlar (grup 1: 51 hasta) ve saptanmayanlar (grup 2: 52 hasta) olarak 2 gruba ayrılarak analiz edildi. Result: Çalışmadaki hastaların yaş ortalamaları grup 1’ in grup 2’ ye kıyasla anlamlı daha yüksekti (66.96±10,27 ve 62,21±10,50, p=0.02, sırasıyla). Hastaların 24 saatlik ritm Holter EKG’ leri incelendiğinde en sık izlenen aritmi %18.4 (n=19)’ lük oran ile ventriküler ekstrasistol iken ikinci sırada %9.7 (n=10)’ lik oranı ile paroksismal AF’ ydi. ROC curve analizi (Resim-1) göstermiştir ki LVEF

Calciprotein Particles Cause Physiologically Significant Pro-Inflammatory Response in Endothelial Cells and Systemic Circulation

Calciprotein particles (CPPs) represent an inherent mineral buffering system responsible for the scavenging of excessive Ca²⁺ and PO₄^3- ions in order to prevent extraskeletal calcification, although contributing to the development of endothelial dysfunction during the circulation in the bloodstream. Here, we performed label-free proteomic profiling to identify the functional consequences of CPP internalisation by endothelial cells (ECs) and found molecular signatures of significant disturbances in mitochondrial and lysosomal physiology, including oxidative stress, vacuolar acidification, accelerated proteolysis, Ca²⁺ cytosolic elevation, and mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilisation. Incubation of intact ECs with conditioned medium from CPP-treated ECs caused their pro-inflammatory activation manifested by vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) upregulation and elevated release of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/ C-C motif ligand 2 (MCP-1/CCL2). Among the blood cells, monocytes were exclusively responsible for CPP internalisation. As compared to the co-incubation of donor blood with CPPs in the flow culture system, intravenous administration of CPPs to Wistar rats caused a considerably higher production of chemokines, indicating the major role of monocytes in CPP-triggered inflammation. Upregulation of sICAM-1 and IL-8 also suggested a notable contribution of endothelial dysfunction to systemic inflammatory response after CPP injections. Collectively, our results demonstrate the pathophysiological significance of CPPs and highlight the need for the development of anti-CPP therapies.

Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease Markers in Relation to Serum and Dietary Magnesium in Individuals from the General Population: The KORA-MRI Study

Several studies have implied a role of magnesium in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Thus, magnesium might serve as a potential risk marker for early CVD. Therefore, we investigated the association of serum magnesium and dietary magnesium intake with markers of subclinical CVD in a population-based study. We used cross-sectional data from the sub-study of the Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA-FF4). Markers of subclinical CVD, namely, left and right ventricular structure and function and carotid plaque and carotid wall thickness, were derived by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Multivariable-adjusted regression models were applied to assess the relationship between serum and dietary magnesium and MRI-derived subclinical CVD markers. Among 396 included participants (mean age: 56.3 ± 9.2 years; 57.8% male), 181 (45.7%) had low serum magnesium levels (<2.07 mg/dL). Among 311 subjects with complete dietary data (mean age: 56.3 ± 9.1 years; 56.3% male), 154 (49.5%) had low dietary magnesium intake (≤155.2 mg/1000 kcal/day). Serum and dietary magnesium were not correlated (p-value = 0.5). Serum magnesium was significantly associated with presence of carotid plaque (OR 1.62, p-value 0.033). Dietary magnesium was associated with higher left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volume (0.04 mL/m2, 0.06 mL/m2; p-value 0.011, 0.013, respectively), and also with a decrease in left ventricular remodeling index and mean diastolic wall thickness (−0.001 g/mL/m2, −0.002 mm/m2; p-value 0.004, 0.029, respectively). In summary, there was no consistent association of serum and dietary magnesium with imaging markers of subclinical CVD.

Magnesium and Hypertension: Decoding Novel Anti-hypertensives

Hypertension (HTN) is a complex multifactorial disease that is one of the most prevalent disorders in our modern world. It can lead to fatal complications like coronary artery disease (CAD) and congestive heart failure (CHF) in high-risk individuals. The silent nature of HTN also contributes to its immense caseload and, today, with a number of combinations and various antihypertensive agents, patient compliance is becoming increasingly difficult. This article has reviewed the role and mechanisms of magnesium (Mg) in reducing HTN in the human body so as to provide more information that may help include it as a mainstream antihypertensive regimen. This review has also shed light on the cardioprotective nature of Mg against pathologies like CHF with special mention to patient groups who are at high risk for low Mg levels. Many studies included in this article solidify the former link, but some also provide contradicting data.

Impact of Post-Transplantation Hypomagnesemia on Long-Term Graft and Patient Survival after Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Post-transplant hypomagnesemia is commonly observed among patients prescribed calcineurin inhibitor (CNIs).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective single-center analysis (2000-2013, N = 726) to examine the association of hypomagnesemia with long-term patient and allograft outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. A median serum magnesium (Mg) level of all measured Mg levels from 1 month to 1 year posttransplant was calculated.

RESULTS

For every increase in Mg of 0.1 mg/dL, the risk for either graft loss or death, overall mortality, and death with a functioning graft increased by 11%, 14%, and 12%, respectively (p < 0.01). In a multivariate model, patients with median Mg level ≥1.7 mg/dL had a reduced overall survival rate (HR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.04-2.38, p = 0.033) compared to those with median Mg level <1.7 mg/dL. This association was observed in subgroups of patients above 60 years old, in those who had a slow graft function (SGF) and in females.

CONCLUSIONS

Posttransplant hypomagnesemia is associated with better patient and allograft survival up to 10 years posttransplant. This relationship remained significant after accounting for baseline allograft function, presence of SGF and CNI trough levels.

Effect of vitamin D supplementation on OPG/RANKL signalling activities in endothelial tissue damage in diet-induced diabetic rat model

BACKGROUND

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that causes endothelial damage and is an important risk factor for atherosclerosis. In the present study vitamin D3 supplementation in rats was used to determine the role of Osteoprotegerin (OPG)/Receptor activator kB ligand (RANKL) signalling in endothelial damage and changes in the expression levels of genes involved in this pathway. We hypothesized that vitamin D3 supplementation affects OPG and RANKL activity in the aorta.

METHODS

Diabetes was induced in rats via injections of 40 mg/kg of streptozotocin followed by a high fructose (10%) diet. Group 2 (healthy) and 4 (diabetic) received 170 IU/kg of vitamin D3 weekly for 5 weeks, while Group 1 (healthy) and 2 (diabetic) received sterile saline. The aortas of each group were collected to analyse mRNA expression using the real-time PCR method and also to evaluate magnesium and calcium levels using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Opg and Il-1b expression levels were significantly associated with both diabetes and vitamin D3 supplementation in the aortas of the study groups (p ≤ 0.05). Opg mRNA expression was also found to correlate with both Icam-1 and Nos3 mRNA expression levels (r = 0.699, p = 0.001 and r = 0.622, p = 0.003, respectively). In addition, when mineral levels in the aortic tissues were compared among all groups, it was found that the interaction of diabetes and vitamin D3 supplementation significantly affected Mg levels and Mg/Ca ratios.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that vitamin D3 supplementation has a modulatory effect on OPG/RANKL activity in the vessel wall by ameliorating endothelial damage in diabetes. This effect may contribute to the regulation of cytokine-mediated vascular homeostasis and mineral deposition in the aorta; therefore, further comprehensive studies are proposed to demonstrate this relationship.

Renal Magnesium Handling: A Comparison Between Dogs With Chronic Kidney Disease and Healthy Elderly Dogs

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and aging are known to possibly cause a progressive reduction in glomerular filtration rate, which may be associated with an increase in fractional excretion of electrolytes due to an adaptive response of the remaining functioning nephrons. However, the behavior of magnesium excretion has not been studied in CKD and healthy elderly dogs. The objective was to evaluate the fractional excretion of magnesium (FEMg) in dogs with (CKD) compared to healthy elderly dogs. Sixteen healthy elderly dogs and 43 dogs with CKD were divided into 3 groups (CKD 2 [n = 14], CKD 3 [n = 17], CKD 4 [n = 12]), in accordance with the current International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) criteria that were used in this study. Blood samples were obtained by jugular venipuncture and urine samples were obtained by cystocentesis. The FEMg was evaluated at a single time point in both urine and blood samples. FEMg was significantly higher in dogs with CKD compared to healthy elderly dogs, especially in advanced stages. This preliminary study demonstrates that FEMg may be altered in dogs with CKD. Further research is warranted to elucidate magnesium's potential role in cardiovascular and arterial calcification in dogs with CKD as observed in humans with CKD.

Association of Proton Pump Inhibitors With Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Heart Failure

OBJECTIVE

To examine associations of cumulative exposure to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with total cardiovascular disease (CVD; composed of stroke, coronary heart disease, and heart failure [HF]) and HF alone in a cohort study of White and African American participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

METHODS

Use of PPIs was assessed by pill bottle inspection at visit 1 (January 1, 1987 to 1989) and up to 10 additional times before baseline (visit 5; 2011 to 2013). We calculated cumulative exposure to PPIs as days of use from visit 1 to baseline. Participants (n=4346 free of total CVD at visit 5; mean age, 75 years) were observed for incident total CVD and HF events through December 31, 2016. We used Cox regression to measure associations of PPIs with total CVD and HF.

RESULTS

After adjustment for potential confounding variables, participants with a cumulative exposure to PPIs of more than 5.1 years had a 2.02-fold higher risk of total CVD (95% CI, 1.50 to 2.72) and a 2.21-fold higher risk of HF (95% CI, 1.51 to 3.23) than nonusers.

CONCLUSION

Long-term PPI use was associated with twice the risk of total CVD and HF compared with nonusers. Our findings are in concordance with other research and suggest another reason to be cautious of PPI overuse.

Suggested Reference Ranges of Blood Mg and Ca Level in Childbearing Women of China: Analysis of China Adult Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance (2015)

Background: Magnesium and calcium play a variety of biological roles in body functions. Reference values of these elements have not yet been systematically determined in China, especially in childbearing women. We proposed to establish the reference range of Mg, Ca, and Ca/Mg ratio in plasma and whole blood for 18–44 years healthy childbearing women in China. Method: A total of 1921 women of childbearing age (18–44 years) were randomly selected from the 2015 China National Nutrition and Health Survey by taking into account the regional types and monitoring points. Among them, 182 healthy women were screened out with a series strict inclusion criteria to study the reference ranges of elements. Fundamental indicators (weight, height, waist, blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, fast glucose, HbA1c, blood pressure, uric acid) and elements concentrations in plasma and whole blood were collected. The 2.5th to 97.5th was used to represent the reference range of Mg, Ca, and Ca/Mg ratio. Results: The reference range of Mg, Ca, and Ca/Mg ratio in plasma were 0.75–1.13 mmol/L, 2.27–3.43 mmol/L, and 2.41–3.44, respectively. Additionally, the reference range of Mg, Ca, and Ca/Mg ratio in whole blood were 1.28–1.83 mmol/L, 1.39–2.26 mmol/L, and 0.90–1.66, respectively. According to the established reference range, the prevalence of magnesium deficiency was 4.79% in 1921 childbearing women, 21.05% in type 2 diabetes, and 5.63% in prediabetes. Conclusion: The reference values of Mg, Ca and Ca/Mg proportion in plasma and entire blood of healthy childbearing women can be utilized as a pointer to assess the status of component lack and over-burden. The lower limit of plasma Mg is in good agreement with the recommended criteria for the determination of hypomagnesemia.

A Pilot study on correlation between Zinc and Magnesium serum concentrations and coronary slow flow phenomenon

BACKGROUND

The pathophysiology of slow flow includes microvascular disorders, endothelial dysfunction, subclinical atherosclerosis, inflammation and anatomical factors. The role of magnesium and zinc in the development of microvascular and endothelial dysfunctions as well as atherosclerosis has been proven in previous studies, and the mechanism of the development has been studied. The aim of current study was to evaluate the serum concentration of zinc and magnesium in patients with epicardial coronary artery slow flow.

DESIGN

125 patients who referred to Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Magnesium and Zinc levels were evaluated in patients. The plasma levels of studied elements were compared among the different groups and the rate of coronary artery slow flow was evaluated based on the TIMI score.

RESULTS

The results of present study indicated that the serum level of Magnesium in the studied groups did not show a significant correlation with rate of coronary artery slow flow (P> 0.05). Serum Zinc concentration was significantly different in the studied groups, which means serum Zinc level in patients without coronary artery occlusion and  without epicardial slow flow were significantly higher than other groups (P> 0.01).

CONCLUSION

In the present study, no significant relationship was found between the serum level of zinc and magnesium with the intensity of coronary artery slow flow based on TIMI, and further studies seem to be needed to investigate this relationship.

The Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on Endothelial Function: A Randomised Cross-Over Pilot Study

Evidence supports an association between low magnesium (Mg) intake and coronary heart disease and between Mg intake and endothelial function. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of one week of Mg supplementation on endothelial function, assessed by flow mediated dilatation (FMD). Nineteen healthy men and women completed this cross-over pilot study in which participants were randomised to take an over-the-counter magnesium supplement for one week or to follow their usual diet. Weight, FMD and blood pressure (BP) were taken on completion of each intervention and 24 h urine collections and blood samples were taken to assess compliance. Baseline serum Mg was within normal range for all participants. Urinary Mg and urinary magnesium-creatinine ratio (Mg/Cr) significantly increased between interventions, (p = 0.03, p = 0.005, respectively). No significant differences in FMD or BP were found between the interventions. A significant negative correlation was seen between age and FMD (r = −0.496, p = 0.031). When adjusted for age, saturated fat was negatively associated with FMD (p = 0.045). One week of Mg supplementation did not improve FMD in a healthy population.

Evaluation of the Effects of Aging on the Aorta Stiffness in Relation with Mineral and Trace Element Levels: an Optimized Method via Custom-Built Stretcher Device

Aortic stiffness represents the major cause of aging and tightly associated with hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, and increased mortality. Mechanical characteristics of the aorta play a vital role in the blood flow, circulation, systolic pressure, and aortic stiffness; however, the correlation of trace element and mineral levels with aortic stiffness has not been studied before. Balance in the trace elements and minerals is vital for the biological functions; however, natural aging may alter this balance. Thus, after measuring aortic stiffness of aged and young rat aortas by a custom-built stretcher device, trace element and mineral levels were evaluated via ICP-MS. Also, biomarkers of aging including blood pressure, arterial pressure glucose, insulin levels, and histochemical parameters were investigated as well. Aortic stiffness, blood glucose, plasma insulin, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure significantly increased by aging in the aorta of aged rats compared with the young ones. Also, Fe, Al, Co, Ni, Zn, Sr, Na, Mg, and K levels increased in the aged aorta samples compared with the young aorta samples of rats. Increased levels of the indicated elements may be correlated with the development and progression of aortic stiffness and vascular complications. Thus, possible mechanisms correlating aortic stiffness with the imbalance in the trace element and mineral levels should be further investigated.

Crosstalk of Magnesium and Serum Lipids in Dyslipidemia and Associated Disorders: A Systematic Review

Dyslipidemia is a significant threat to public health worldwide and the identification of its pathogenic mechanisms, as well as novel lipid-lowering agents, are warranted. Magnesium (Mg) is a key element to human health and its deficiency has been linked to the development of lipid abnormalities and related disorders, such as the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or cardiovascular disease. In this review, we explored the associations of Mg (dietary intake, Mg concentrations in the body) and the lipid profile, as well as the impact of Mg supplementation on serum lipids. A systematic search was computed in PubMed/MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library and 3649 potentially relevant papers were detected and screened (n = 3364 following the removal of duplicates). After the removal of irrelevant manuscripts based on the screening of their titles and abstracts (n = 3037), we examined the full-texts of 327 original papers. Finally, after we applied the exclusion and inclusion criteria, a number of 124 original articles were included in this review. Overall, the data analyzed in this review point out an association of Mg concentrations in the body with serum lipids in dyslipidemia and related disorders. However, further research is warranted to clarify whether a higher intake of Mg from the diet or via supplements can influence the lipid profile and exert lipid-lowering actions.

Circulating Serum Magnesium and the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Men: A Long-Term Prospective Cohort Study

Background and Objective

Serum magnesium, an essential trace element involved in processes that regulate cardiovascular function, has been linked to the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, the potential association between serum magnesium and venous thromboembolism (VTE) has not been previously investigated. We aimed to assess the prospective association of serum magnesium with the risk of VTE.

Methods

Serum magnesium was measured using atomic absorption spectrometry in 2,361 men aged 42-61 years with no history of VTE at baseline in the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease prospective cohort. Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for VTE.

Results

A total of 159 incident VTE events were recorded during a median follow-up of 27.1 years. The risk of VTE per 1 SD increase in serum magnesium in the age-adjusted analysis was (HR 1.30; 95% CI 0.46-3.69). The association remained consistent in analyses adjusted for systolic blood pressure, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, smoking status, a history of type 2 diabetes, a history of coronary heart disease, medication for dyslipidemia, alcohol consumption, physical activity, socioeconomic status, serum active calcium, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and a history of cancer (HR 1.38; 95% CI 0.48-3.96). Comparing the extreme tertiles of serum magnesium, the corresponding adjusted HRs were 1.17 (95% CI 0.81-1.70) and 1.17 (95% CI 0.81-1.70), respectively.

Conclusion

In a middle-aged Caucasian male population, serum-circulating magnesium was not associated with a future risk of VTE. Further studies in women, other age groups, and other populations are required to generalize these findings.

Mg2+ Transporters in Digestive Cancers

Despite magnesium (Mg²⁺) representing the second most abundant cation in the cell, its role in cellular physiology and pathology is far from being elucidated. Mg²⁺ homeostasis is regulated by Mg²⁺ transporters including Mitochondrial RNA Splicing Protein 2 (MRS2), Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily M, Member 6/7 (TRPM6/7), Magnesium Transporter 1 (MAGT1), Solute Carrier Family 41 Member 1 (SCL41A1), and Cyclin and CBS Domain Divalent Metal Cation Transport Mediator (CNNM) proteins. Recent data show that Mg²⁺ transporters may regulate several cancer cell hallmarks. In this review, we describe the expression of Mg²⁺ transporters in digestive cancers, the most common and deadliest malignancies worldwide. Moreover, Mg²⁺ transporters’ expression, correlation and impact on patient overall and disease-free survival is analyzed using Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEx) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. Finally, we discuss the role of these Mg²⁺ transporters in the regulation of cancer cell fates and oncogenic signaling pathways.

Electrocardiogram findings at the initiation of hemodialysis and types of subsequent cardiovascular events

The prognostic value of electrocardiograms (ECGs) has been reported in predialysis patients but not in incident hemodialysis patients with overhydration and electrolyte disturbances, both of which potentially affect ECG results. We performed a retrospective multicenter cohort study involving incident hemodialysis patients and examined whether ECG parameters immediately before hemodialysis initiation can predict subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) using Cox proportional hazards models. We explored potential effect modifications by several electrolytes on the predictive power of ECG abnormalities. Among the 618 enrolled patients, 16%, 10%, 46%, and 22% showed a PR interval ≥ 200 ms, QRS interval ≥120 ms, QTc interval ≥ 450/460 ms (male/female), and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) by voltage criteria, respectively. Over a median 3-year follow-up, 19% and 16% of the patients developed atherosclerotic and nonatherosclerotic CVD, respectively. The Cox regression model results revealed that the sum of the number of abnormalities in PR, QRS, and QT intervals was a significant risk factor for nonatherosclerotic CVD (hazard ratios (HRs) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.58 [1.24-2.01] per number of abnormalities). The predictive value of LVH for atherosclerotic CVD was attenuated over time. At up to 36 months, although the proportional hazards assumption was met, LVH was significantly associated with atherosclerotic CVD (HR [95% CI]: 1.89 [1.15-3.11]). The adjusted HR was particularly high (HR [95% CI]: 4.02 [1.68-9.60]) among patients who were in the lowest tertile of serum magnesium levels (P for interaction = 0.04). PR, QRS, and QT prolongation additively predicted nonatherosclerotic CVD, while LVH predicted atherosclerotic CVD in the short term.

Intra-erythrocytes magnesium deficiency could reflect cognitive impairment status due to vascular disease: a pilot study

Background and aims

Magnesium is a fundamental cation that regulates neuronal transmission, protein synthesis, energy metabolism. Magnesium deficiency mostly affects nervous and cardiovascular systems determining weakness, tremors, seizure and arrhythmias. This condition retains also a role in memory function and neuronal plasticity. Importantly magnesium deficiency could remain latent and asymptomatic resulting a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In this sense we aim to determine magnesium status in patient presenting cognitive impairment of vascular origin.

Methods

21 healthy subjects and 27 patients presenting vascular cognitive impairment were included in this study. Both plasma and intraerythrocitary magnesium level were measured to detect magnesium deficiency and cognitive performance was evaluated trough Mini Mental State Evaluation (MMSE).

Results

Here we showed that patients presenting vascular cognitive impairment present intraerythrocitary magnesium level lower than age-matched healthy subjects. To note their plasma magnesium resulted within reference limit.

Conclusion

We suggest that intracellular magnesium laboratory measurement is needed to detect occult magnesium deficiency in population at risk. Magnesium supplementation could represent an adjuvant for healthy aging in high risk population.

Posttransplantation Hypomagnesemia as a Predictor of Better Graft Function after Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Hypomagnesemia is frequently seen after transplantation and is particularly associated with the use of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, single-center analysis (2000-2013, N = 726) to explore the relationship between hypomagnesemia and long-term allograft outcome in kidney transplant recipients. For this study, a median serum magnesium (Mg) level of all measured Mg levels from 1 month to 1 year after renal transplantation was calculated.

RESULTS

For every increase in Mg by 0.1 mg/dL, the GFR decreased by 1.1 mL/min at 3 years posttransplant (p < 0.01) and by 1.5 mL/min at 5 years posttransplant. A median blood Mg level of ≥1.7 was found to be an independent predictor of a GFR <60 mL/min at 3 years posttransplant. The odds of having a GFR <60 mL/min 3 years posttransplant was almost 2-fold higher in the high Mg group than in the low Mg group.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypomagnesemia from 1 to 12 months after renal transplantation is associated with a better allograft function up to 5 years posttransplant. This relationship was found to hold true after accounting for baseline allograft function and the presence of slow graft function.

Quantitative Association Between Serum/Dietary Magnesium and Cardiovascular Disease/Coronary Heart Disease Risk: A Dose-Response Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies

BACKGROUND

The quantitative association between serum/dietary magnesium and cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains unclear. We conducted a dose-response meta-analysis to evaluate the quantitative association between serum/dietary magnesium and CVD, including coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Web of Science were searched for publications. STATA 12.0 was used to analyze data. We used the random-effects model to reduce heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Eighteen prospective cohort studies with 544,581 participants and 22,658 CVD cases were included. The follow-up duration was 1-28 years. The pooled relative risk (RR) of CVD for the relatively normal versus lowest serum and dietary magnesium level was 0.64 {[95% confidence interval (CI): 0.51-0.80] and 0.90 [95% CI: 0.84-0.96]}. The pooled RR of CHD for the relatively normal versus lowest serum and dietary magnesium level was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.57-0.85) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.77-0.94). We noted a significant association between increasing serum magnesium levels (per 0.1-mg/dL increase) and risk of CVD (RR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88-0.97) and CHD (RR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.84-0.96) and between dietary magnesium levels (per 100-mg/d increase) and risk of CVD (RR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83-0.96) and CHD (RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.82-0.98). Serum/dietary Mg level comparisons presented a 7%-10% decrease in CVD/CHD risk. The dose-response meta-analyses showed linear relationships between serum magnesium and CVD (Pnonlinearity = 0.833) or CHD (Pnonlinearity = 0.193) and dietary magnesium and CVD (Pnonlinearity = 0.463) or CHD (Pnonlinearity = 0.440).

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing dietary magnesium or serum magnesium level is linearly and inversely associated with the risk of total CVD and CHD events.

Relation of Low Serum Magnesium to Mortality and Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy Following Heart Transplantation

Hypomagnesemia is commonly observed in heart transplant (HT) recipients receiving calcineurin inhibitors. Since low serum magnesium (s-Mg) has been implicated in the progression of atherosclerosis, potentially leading to worsening coronary heart disease, arrhythmias and sudden death, we investigated the association between s-Mg and HT outcomes. Between 2002 and 2017, 150 HT patients assessed for s-Mg were divided into high (≥1.7 mg/dL) and low s-Mg groups according to the median value of all s-Mg levels recorded during the first 3 months post-HT. Endpoints included survival, cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), any-treated rejection (ATR) and NF-MACE. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that at 15 years after HT, both survival (76 vs 33%, log-rank p = 0.007) and freedom from CAV (75 vs 48%, log-rank p = 0.01) were higher in the high versus low s-Mg group. There were no significant differences in freedom from NF-MACE or ATR. Multivariate analyses consistently demonstrated that low s-Mg was independently associated with a significant 2.6-fold increased risk of mortality and 4-fold increased risk of CAV (95%CI 1.06 to 6.4, p = 0.04; 95%CI 1.12 to 14.42, p = 0.01, respectively). In conclusion, low s-Mg is independently associated with increased mortality and CAV in HT patients. Larger multi-center prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and to examine the effect of Mg supplementation.

Association between Serum Mg2+ Concentrations and Cardiovascular Organ Damage in a Cohort of Adult Subjects

Magnesium (Mg²⁺) levels are associated with insulin resistance, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We evaluated the clinical utility of physiological Mg²⁺ in assessing subclinical cardiovascular organ damage including increased carotid artery intima- media thickness (c-IMT) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in a cohort of well-characterized adult non-diabetic individuals. Age- and gender-adjusted correlations between Mg²⁺ and metabolic parameters showed that Mg²⁺ circulating levels were correlated negatively with body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, and 2h-oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) glucose. Similarly, Mg²⁺ levels were significantly and negatively related to c-IMT and LVMI. A multivariate regression analysis revealed that age (β = 0.440; p < 0.0001), BMI (β = 0.225; p < 0.0001), and Mg²⁺ concentration (β = −0.122; p < 0.01) were independently associated with c-IMT. Age (β = 0.244; p = 0.012), Mg²⁺ (β = −0.177; p = 0.019), and diastolic blood pressure (β = 0.184; p = 0.038) were significantly associated with LVMI in women, while age (β = 0.211; p = 0.019), Mg²⁺ (β = −0.171; p = 0.038) and the homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (β = −0.211; p = 0.041) were the sole variables associated with LVMI in men. In conclusion, our data support the hypothesis that the assessment of Mg²⁺ as part of the initial work-up might help unravel the presence of subclinical organ damage in subjects at increased risk of cardiovascular complications.

Relationship Between Dietary Magnesium Intake and Incident Heart Failure Among Older Women: The WHI

Background

Women represent a large proportion of the growing heart failure (HF) epidemic, yet data are lacking regarding optimal dietary and lifestyle prevention strategies for them. Specifically, the association between magnesium intake and HF in a multiracial cohort of women is uncertain.

Methods and Results

We included 97 725 postmenopausal women from the WHI (Women's Health Initiative) observational studies and placebo arms of the hormone trial. Magnesium intake was measured at baseline by a 122‐item validated food‐frequency questionnaire and stratified into quartiles based on diet only, total intake (diet with supplements), and residual intake (calibration by total energy). Incident hospitalized HF (2153 events, median follow‐up 8.1 years) was adjudicated by medical record abstraction. In Cox proportional hazards models, we evaluated the association between magnesium intake and HF adjusting for potential confounders. Analyses were repeated on a subcohort (n=18 745; median‐follow‐up, 13.2 years) for whom HF cases were subclassified into preserved ejection fraction (526 events), reduced ejection fraction (291 events) or unknown (168 events). Most women were white (85%) with a mean age of 63. Compared with the highest quartile of magnesium intake, women in the lowest quartile had an increased risk of incident HF, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.32 (95% CI, 1.02–1.71) for diet only (P trend=0.03), 1.26 (95% CI, 1.03–1.56) for total intake, and 1.31 (95% CI, 1.02–1.67) for residual intake. Results did not significantly vary by race. Subcohort analyses showed low residual magnesium intake was associated with HF with reduced ejection fraction (hazard ratio, 1.81, lowest versus highest quartile; 95% CI, 1.08–3.05) but not HF with preserved ejection fraction.

Conclusions

Low magnesium intake in a multiracial cohort of postmenopausal women was associated with a higher risk of incident HF, especially HF with reduced ejection fraction.

Environmental heavy metals and cardiovascular diseases: Status and future direction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and environmental degradation are leading global health problems of our time. Recent studies have linked exposure to heavy metals to the risks of CVD and diabetes, particularly in populations from low- and middle-income countries, where concomitant rapid development occurs. In this review, we 1) assessed the totality, quantity, and consistency of the available epidemiological studies, linking heavy metal exposures to the risk of CVD (including stroke and coronary heart disease); 2) discussed the potential biological mechanisms underlying some tantalizing observations in humans; and 3) identified gaps in our knowledge base that must be investigated in future work. An accumulating body of evidence from both experimental and observational studies implicates exposure to heavy metals, in a dose-response manner, in the increased risk of CVD. The limitations of most existing studies include insufficient statistical power, lack of comprehensive assessment of exposure, and cross-sectional design. Given the widespread exposure to heavy metals, an urgent need has emerged to investigate these putative associations of environmental exposures, either independently or jointly, with incident CVD outcomes prospectively in well-characterized cohorts of diverse populations, and to determine potential strategies to prevent and control the impacts of heavy metal exposure on the cardiometabolic health outcomes of individuals and populations.

Serum magnesium and the incidence of coronary artery disease over a median 27 years of follow-up in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study and a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Low serum magnesium (Mg) concentrations have been associated with higher coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. A previous Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study article that evaluated the Mg-CAD association, based on 319 events occurring over 4-7 y, identified a sex-interaction whereby the inverse Mg-CAD association was much stronger among women than men. More than 1700 additional ARIC CAD events have since accrued.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to test our hypothesis that serum Mg is inversely and independently associated with long-term CAD risk in ARIC and in a meta-analysis with other prospective studies.

METHODS

A total of 14,446 ARIC study participants (baseline mean ± SD age: 54 ± 6 y, 57% women, 27% African American) were followed for incident CAD through 2017. CAD events were defined by myocardial infarction or CAD mortality. Serum Mg was modeled as quintiles based on mean visit 1 (1987-1989) and visit 2 (1990-1992) concentrations. Cox regression models were used. We also conducted a random-effects meta-analysis incorporating these contemporary ARIC findings.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 27 y, 2131 incident CAD cases accrued. Overall, low serum Mg was associated with higher CAD risk after adjustment for demographics, lifestyle factors, and other CAD risk factors than was higher serum Mg (HR Q1 compared with Q5: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.47; P-linear trend <0.001). The association was stronger among women (HR Q1 compared with Q5: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.22, 1.92) than men (HR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.92, 1.34) (P-interaction = 0.05). In the meta-analysis including 5 studies, the pooled RR (95% CI) for CAD in the lowest compared with the highest circulating Mg category was 1.18 (1.06, 1.31) (I2 = 22%, P-heterogeneity = 0.27).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large community-based cohort and updated meta-analysis, low circulating Mg was associated with higher CAD risk than was higher Mg. Whether increasing Mg concentrations within healthy limits is a useful strategy for CAD prevention remains to be seen.

Ingestion of magnesium was not associated with coronary calcium score in a cross-sectional study

Background and aims: Magnesium plays a key role in glucose metabolism, vascular tone, and inflammation. Therefore, it might be a dietary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In vitro and animal studies have suggested a decrease in vascular calcification with an increase in the magnesium intake. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between magnesium intake and coronary artery calcium (CAC) score among participants of the ELSA-Brasil. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional study undertaken with a sub-sample from the ELSA-Brasil baseline data. In this sub-sample, only participants with CAC examination data were included (n = 4,306). Dietary intake was assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire. The association between magnesium intake and presence of CAC (0 versus > 0) was investigated using multiple logistic regression models. Results: The participants were predominantly female (54.4 %), with self-reported white skin color (59.1 %), no smoking habit (53.7 %) and undergraduate or postgraduate education (44.4 %). The range of magnesium consumption was 37.24 - 1266.31 mg/day. CAC prevalence was 28.4 %. No significant association was found between magnesium intake and CAC after adjustments for diet, lifestyle, and clinical characteristics. In a first univariate model, the fifth quintile of magnesium intake, in comparison to the first quintile (lowest intake), resulted in an OR = 1.25, 95 % CI: 1.01 - 1.54 (P-linear trend = 0.005). However, in the last fully adjusted model, the fifth quintile of magnesium intake resulted in OR = 0.86, 95 % CI: 0.64 - 1.17 (P-linear trend = 0.239). Conclusions: In ELSA-Brasil, the intake of magnesium was not associated with the presence of coronary artery calcification.

Association of serum magnesium with all-cause mortality in patients with and without chronic kidney disease in the Dallas Heart Study

Background

Low serum magnesium (SMg) has been linked to increased mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population. We examined whether this association is similar in participants with versus without prevalent chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the multiethnic Dallas Heart Study (DHS) cohort.

Methods

SMg was analyzed as a continuous variable and divided into tertiles. Study outcomes were all-cause death, cardiovascular (CV) death or event, and CVD surrogate markers, evaluated using multivariable Cox regression models adjusted for demographics, comorbidity, anthropometric and biochemical parameters including albumin, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone, and diuretic use. Median follow-up was 12.3 years (11.9-12.8, 25th percentile-75th percentile).

Results

Among 3551 participants, 306 (8.6%) had prevalent CKD. Mean SMg was 2.08 ± 0.19 mg/dL (0.85 ± 0.08 mM, mean ± SD) in the CKD and 2.07 ± 0.18 mg/dL (0.85 ± 0.07 mM) in the non-CKD subgroups. During the follow-up period, 329 all-cause deaths and 306 CV deaths or events occurred. In a fully adjusted model, every 0.2 mg/dL decrease in SMg was associated with ∼20-40% increased hazard for all-cause death in both CKD and non-CKD subgroups. In CKD participants, the lowest SMg tertile was also independently associated with all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio 2.31; 95% confidence interval 1.23-4.36 versus 1.15; 0.55-2.41; for low versus high tertile, respectively).

Conclusions

Low SMg levels (1.4-1.9 mg/dL; 0.58-0.78 mM) were independently associated with all-cause death in patients with prevalent CKD in the DHS cohort. Randomized clinical trials are important to determine whether Mg supplementation affects survival in CKD patients.

Bioinorganics and Wound Healing

Wound dressings and the healing enhancement (increasing healing speed and quality) are two components of wound care that lead to a proper healing. Wound care today consists mostly of providing an optimal environment by removing waste and necrotic tissues from a wound, preventing infections, and keeping the wounds adequately moist. This is however often not enough to re-establish the healing process in chronic wounds; with the local disruption of vascularization, the local environment is lacking oxygen, nutrients, and has a modified ionic and molecular concentration which limits the healing process. This disruption may affect cellular ionic pumps, energy production, chemotaxis, etc., and will affect the healing process. Biomaterials for wound healing range from simple absorbents to sophisticated bioactive delivery vehicles. Often placing a material in or on a wound can change multiple parameters such as pH, ionic concentration, and osmolarity, and it can be challenging to pinpoint key mechanism of action. This article reviews the literature of several inorganic ions and molecules and their potential effects on the different wound healing phases and their use in new wound dressings.

Serum Magnesium is associated with Carotid Atherosclerosis in patients with high cardiovascular risk (CORDIOPREV Study)

This study aimed to ascertain whether there is an independent association between serum magnesium (Mg) and the Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (IMT-CC), a well-accepted atherosclerotic-biomarker surrogate of cardiovascular disease (CVD), in a population with high cardiovascular risk. Serum Mg and traditional atherosclerotic risk factors were recorded in 939 patients (mean age, 59.6 ± 0.3 years, 83.2% men) with coronary heart disease (CHD) enrolled in the CORDIOPREV trial. Serum Mg strongly associated with IMT-CC. Before adjusting for potential confounding factors, IMT-CC decreased by 0.111 ± 0.011 mm per mg/dl increase in serum Mg (p < 0.001). After adjustment, the effect of Mg did not appear mediated through factors related to glucose metabolism, the lipid profile or the mineral metabolism and renal function. Multivariate models showed the lower Mg levels (quartile 1) as a strong independent factor contributing to IMT-CC along with age, sex, SBP, HDL-C, and diuretic use. Logistic regression analysis confirmed the predictive ability of serum Mg to differentiate patients at higher atherosclerotic risk as defined by an IMT-CC ≥ 1.0 mm, yielding a OR for the lower quartile of 10.623 (95%CI 2.311–48.845; P = 0.002) and a ROC-derived cutoff of 1.61 mg/dl. Therefore, our findings outline low serum magnesium as a possible independent risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis.

Effect of oral magnesium sulfate administration on lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 gene expression to prevent atherosclerosis in diabetic rat vessels

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possible effect of oral magnesium sulfate (MgSO4 ) in the reduction of atherosclerosis plaques through inhibition of lectin-like low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) gene expression in diabetic vessels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 50 rats were divided into five groups, including non-diabetic control, Mg-treated non-diabetic control, chronic diabetic, Mg-treated chronic diabetic and insulin-treated chronic diabetic. The induction of diabetes was carried out by streptozotocin. The Mg-treated chronic diabetic and Mg-treated non-diabetic control groups were treated with 10 g/L of MgSO4 added to their drinking water. The insulin-treated chronic diabetic group received 2.5 U/kg of insulin twice per day. The fasting blood glucose level and bodyweight were determined weekly. Blood pressure measurement and the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test were carried out after 16 weeks, and the plasma levels of Mg, lipid profile and oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (oxLDL) were determined. The mesenteric bed was isolated and perfused according to the McGregor method. The aorta was isolated for LOX-1 genes and proteins expression, and pathological investigation.

RESULTS

MgSO4 administration improved blood pressure, sensitivity to phenylephrine, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, lipid profile and plasma ox-LDL level, and also lowered the blood glucose level to the normal range, and decreased LOX-1 gene and protein expressions. Insulin decreased blood pressure, sensitivity to phenylephrine, blood glucose, lipid profiles and plasma oxLDL level, but it did not decrease LOX-1 gene and protein expressions.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings suggested that MgSO4 improves blood pressure and vessel structure through decreasing oxLDL, and LOX-1 gene and protein expressions; however, insulin did not repair vessel structure, and LOX-1 gene and protein expressions.

Low serum magnesium is associated with faster decline in kidney function: the Dallas Heart Study experience

Hypomagnesemia associates with inflammation and risk of diabetes and hypertension, which may contribute to kidney function decline. We hypothesized that low serum magnesium (SMg) levels independently associate with a significant decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We analyzed SMg levels in 2056 participants from the Dallas Heart Study, a longitudinal, population-based, multiethnic, cohort study involving residents of Dallas County, Texas, USA. The primary study outcome was the change in eGFR using multivariable linear regression models adjusted for demographics, anthropometric and biochemical parameters, medications, C reactive protein levels, prevalent hypertension and diabetes. During a median follow-up of 7.0 years (25th, 75th percentile: 6.5, 7.6), the median decrease in eGFR was -0.71 (25th, 75th percentile: -2.43, +0.68) mL/min/1.73 m² per year in the entire cohort. In a fully adjusted model, the lowest SMg quintile (≤1.9 mg/dL or ≤0.8 mM) was associated with a -0.50 mL/min/1.73 m² per year drop in eGFR (95% CI -0.95 to -0.05; p=0.028) compared with the highest SMg quintile (≥2.3 mg/dL or ≥1.0 mM). Every 0.2 mg/dL (0.08 mM) decrease in SMg was associated with an eGFR decline of -0.23 mL/min/1.73 m² per year (95% CI -0.38 to -0.08; p=0.003), a decline that was more pronounced in participants with prevalent diabetes compared with patients without diabetes (-0.51 vs -0.18 mL/min/1.73 m² per year, respectively). In conclusion, low SMg was independently associated with eGFR decline. Further studies are needed to determine whether Mg repletion can ameliorate inflammation, lower blood pressure and serum glucose and ultimately prevent or retard kidney function decline.

Does the use of proton pump inhibitors increase the risk of hypomagnesemia: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used in the treatment of acid-related diseases; however, the association between the use of PPIs and potential risk of hypomagnesemia is controversial.

METHODS

In the present study, databases including PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, and 4 Chinese databases were searched since the inception until April 2018. Previous observational studies on the incidence of hypomagnesemia in individuals exposed to PPIs were included.

RESULTS

This systematic review involved 15 studies including 129,347 participants, and the sample size varied from 52 to 95,205. Meta-analysis of 14 studies indicated that the use of PPIs increased the risk of hypomagnesemia [RR, 1.44, 95% CI, 1.13-1.76; I, 85.2%]. Subgroup analysis revealed that the use of PPI was not associated with the incidence of hypomagnesemia in outpatients [RR, 1.49; 95% CI, 0.83-2.14; I, 41.4%] and hospitalized patients [RR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.81-1.29; I, 62.1%], respectively. The use of PPIs was not related to the risk of hypomagnesemia based on the cut-off values of 1.8 mg/dL [RR, 1.73; 95% CI, 0.87-2.58; I, 65.2%], 1.7 mg/dL [RR, 1.48; 95% CI, 0.90-2.06; I, 87.6%], and 1.6 mg/dL [RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.69-1.27; I, 67.9%].

CONCLUSION

The association between the exposure to PPI and the incidence of hypomagnesemia remained unclear. Due to the remarkable heterogeneity in previous studies, a definitive conclusion could not be drawn. Further research should be conducted to investigate the relationship between the use of individual PPI and potential risk of hypomagnesemia, and a dose-response analysis may be required.

Medications and Micronutrients: Identifying Clinically Relevant Interactions and Addressing Nutritional Needs

Objective: Prescription drug use is on the rise, and the use of dietary supplementation remains common. In the United States, more than half of all adults take a dietary supplement in any given month. As a result, drug-nutrient interactions are becoming an important consideration when pharmacists counsel patients about their drug regimens. We reviewed the literature to identify common and/or clinically relevant drug-nutrient interactions that pharmacists may encounter in practice. Data Sources: A MEDLINE search for English-language publications from 1970 through March 2017 was performed using search terms (and variations) related to drugs, medications, micronutrients, and interactions. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Relevant studies, case reports, and reviews describing drug-nutrient interactions were selected for inclusion. Data Synthesis: Some drug-nutrient interactions may result in micronutrient insufficiencies or even frank deficiencies, thereby necessitating augmentation with multivitamin/minerals or individual vitamin/mineral dietary supplements. This most often occurs with long-term therapy for chronic conditions, such as treatment with proton-pump inhibitors and histamine-2 receptor antagonists. In addition, some chronic diseases themselves, such as diabetes, may predispose patients to micronutrient insufficiencies, and dietary supplementation may be advisable. Conclusions: Drug-nutrient interactions can often be resolved through specific dosing strategies to ensure that the full effect of the medication or the dietary supplement is not compromised by the other. In rare cases, the dietary supplement may need to be discontinued or monitored during treatment. Pharmacists are in a key position to identify and discuss these drug-nutrient interactions with patients and the health care team.

Uromodulin regulates renal magnesium homeostasis through the ion channel transient receptor potential melastatin 6 (TRPM6)

Up to 15% of the population have mild to moderate chronic hypomagnesemia, which is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and chronic kidney disease. The kidney is the key organ for magnesium homeostasis, but our understanding of renal magnesium regulation is very limited. Uromodulin (UMOD) is the most abundant urinary protein in humans, and here we report that UMOD has a role in renal magnesium homeostasis. Umod-knockout (Umod ^-/-) mice excreted more urinary magnesium than WT mice and displayed up-regulation of genes promoting magnesium absorption. The majority of magnesium is absorbed in the thick ascending limb. However, both mouse strains responded similarly to the diuretic agent furosemide, indicating appropriate function of the thick ascending limb in the Umod ^-/- mice. Magnesium absorption is fine-tuned in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) via the apical magnesium channel transient receptor potential melastatin 6 (TRPM6). We observed decreased apical Trpm6 staining in the DCT of Umod ^-/- mice. Applying biotinylation assays and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, we found that UMOD enhances TRPM6 cell-surface abundance and current density from the extracellular space. UMOD physically interacted with TRPM6 and thereby impaired dynamin-dependent TRPM6 endocytosis. WT mice fed a low-magnesium diet had an increased urinary UMOD secretion compared with the same mice on a regular diet. Our results suggest that increased urinary UMOD secretion in low-magnesium states reduces TRPM6 endocytosis and thereby up-regulates TRPM6 cell-surface abundance to defend against further urinary magnesium losses.

Routine hemodialysis induces a decline in plasma magnesium concentration in most patients: a prospective observational cohort study

In hemodialysis patients, lower plasma magnesium (Mg) concentrations are associated with a higher overall and cardiovascular mortality. The optimal concentration appears to be above the reference range for the healthy population. Plasma Mg is not routinely measured after hemodialysis. Aim of this study was to determine the effect of routine hemodialysis on plasma Mg. Plasma Mg was measured in duplicate before (Mgpre) and after (Mgpost) dialysis in 6 consecutive hemodialysis sessions of 34 patients using a fixed 0.50 mmol/L dialysate Mg concentration. Mean Mgpre was 0.88 mmol/L (±0.14) and mean Mgpost was statistically significantly lower: mean intra-dialytic decline 0.10 mmol/L (95%-CI 0.06-0.13). A 0.10 mmol/L higher Mgpre was associated with a 0.03 mmol/L higher Mgpost (95%-CI 0.024-0.037). At a Mgpre of 0.74 mmol/L, Mgpost equalled Mgpre. There was an intra-dialytic decline of plasma Mg at higher Mgpre values and an increase at lower Mgpre values. In conclusion, in the majority of the hemodialysis patients, Mgpre concentrations are in the reference range of the healthy population, which may be too low for hemodialysis patients. Routine hemodialysis with the widely used 0.50 mmol/L dialysate Mg concentration, further declines magnesium in the majority of patients. Current dialysate Mg concentrations may be too low.

Serum Magnesium after Kidney Transplantation: A Systematic Review

Magnesium (Mg) status has recently drawn close attention in chronic kidney disease and in kidney transplant recipients. This review aims to evaluate the body of evidence linking hypomagnesemia to clinical consequences in these specific populations. After a brief summary of the main mechanisms involved in Mg regulation and of Mg status in end-stage renal disease, the review focuses on the relationship between hypomagnesemia and cardiovascular risk in kidney transplant recipients. A body of evidence in recent studies points to a negative impact of hypomagnesemia on post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) and cardiovascular risk, which currently represent the main threat for morbidity and mortality in kidney transplantation. Deleterious biological mechanisms induced by hypomagnesemia are also discussed. While data analysis enables us to conclude that hypomagnesemia is linked to the development of PTDM, studies prospectively evaluating the impact of hypomagnesemia correction after kidney transplantation are still lacking and needed.

Magnesium and Cardiovascular Disease

Magnesium is the most abundant intracellular divalent cation and essential for maintaining normal cellular physiology and metabolism, acting as a cofactor of numerous enzymes, regulating ion channels and energy generation. In the heart, magnesium plays a key role in modulating neuronal excitation, intracardiac conduction, and myocardial contraction by regulating a number of ion transporters, including potassium and calcium channels. Magnesium also has a role in regulating vascular tone, atherogenesis and thrombosis, vascular calcification, and proliferation and migration of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. As such, magnesium potentially has a major influence on the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. As the kidney is a major regulator of magnesium homeostasis, kidney disorders can potentially lead to both magnesium depletion and overload, and as such increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Observational data have shown an association between low serum magnesium concentrations or magnesium intake and increased atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure. However, major trials of supplementation with magnesium have reported inconsistent benefits and also raised potential adverse effects of magnesium overload. As such, there is currently no firm recommendation for routine magnesium supplementation except when hypomagnesemia has been proven or suspected as a cause for cardiac arrhythmias.

Magnesium as a Calcification Inhibitor

Vascular calcification (VC) is associated with elevated cardiovascular mortality rates in patients with CKD. Recent clinical studies of patients with advanced CKD have observed an association between low serum magnesium (Mg) levels on one hand and elevated VC and cardiovascular mortality on the other. These findings have stimulated interest in understanding Mg's impact on CKD in general and the associated VC in particular. In vitro and preclinical in vivo data indicate that Mg has the potential to protect vascular smooth muscle cells against calcification via several different molecular mechanisms. Accordingly, data from pilot interventional studies in the clinic suggest that oral Mg supplementation reduces VC in patients with CKD. The present review provides an overview of our current understanding of the impact of Mg on the development of VC in patients with CKD.

Mechanisms of the effect of magnesium salts in preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a heterogeneous pregnancy-specific syndrome associated with abnormal trophoblast invasion and endothelial dysfunction. Magnesium (Mg²⁺) level may be normal or decreased in women with preeclampsia. However, the use of Mg²⁺ salts, such as Mg²⁺ sulphate, are useful in reducing the pathophysiological consequences of preeclampsia with severe features and eclampsia. Although the mechanism of action of this Mg²⁺ salt is not well understood, the available evidence suggests a beneficial effect of Mg²⁺ for the mother and foetus. The mechanisms include a lower level of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 and endoglin, blockage of brain N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, decreased inflammation mediators, activation of nitric oxide synthases, blockage of arginases, and reduced free radicals level. The maintenance of Mg²⁺ homeostasis in pregnancy is crucial for an appropriate pregnancy progression. Oral Mg²⁺ salts can be used for this purpose which could result in mitigating the deleterious consequences of this syndrome to the mother, foetus, and newborn.

Serum magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium levels and subclinical calcific aortic valve disease: A population-based study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common valve disease. Although micronutrients are known to contribute to cardiovascular disease, the relationship with CAVD remains poorly evaluated. We examined the association of serum levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium with prevalence, incidence, and progression of aortic valve calcification (AVC).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective study in a population-based sample of Japanese men aged 40-79 years without known cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease at baseline, and quantified AVC from serial computed tomographic images with the Agatston method.

RESULTS

Of 938 participants at baseline (mean age, 63.7 ± 9.9 years), AVC prevalence was observed in 173 (18.4%). Of 596 participants without baseline AVC at follow-up (median duration, 5.1 years), AVC incidence was observed in 138 (23.2%). After adjustment for demographics, behaviors and cardiovascular risk factors, relative risks (95% confidence intervals) in the highest versus lowest categories of serum magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium were 0.62 (0.44-0.86), 1.45 (1.02-2.04), and 1.43 (0.95-2.15), respectively, for AVC prevalence and 0.62 (0.42-0.92), 1.93 (1.28-2.91), and 1.09 (0.77-1.55), respectively, for AVC incidence. Their linear trends of serum magnesium and phosphorus were also all statistically significant. Of 131 participants with baseline AVC, there was no association of any serum micronutrients with AVC progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum magnesium was inversely associated, while serum phosphorus was positively associated with AVC prevalence and incidence, suggesting that these serum micronutrients may be potential candidates for risk prediction or prevention of CAVD, and warranting further studies.