ARTICLE
This first 2003 issue of volume 16 of Magnesium
Research continues to illustrate the multidisciplinary nature
of the journal. It includes several of the main studies on the
relationship between “Magnesium and Connective Tissue” presented
and discussed at the XXXth Annual French Magnesium Colloquium. It
brings together basic and clinical original papers on an
international basis.
1. Seven original experimental papers are presented.
J. Busseroles et al. (Theix, France) have assessed whether
dietary carbohydrate could influence the consequences of magnesium
deficiency particularly on lipid metabolism and oxidative stress.
Sucrose feeding in magnesium deficient rats was associated with
higher plasma triglyceride concentration and higher tissue
susceptibility to lipid peroxidation. This eating pattern increases
cardiovascular risk.
C.P. Hans et al. (Chandigarh, India) have demonstrated that
alloxanic diabetes in rats is associated with decreased magnesium
status and increased oxidative stress and that magnesium
supplementation can partly restore the antioxidant parameters and
decrease the oxidative stress.
P. Bac et al. (Chatenay-Malabry, Paris XI, France) have
studied muricide behaviour in LONG-EVANS rats. Magnesium
deficiency, even moderate, may aggravate the neurotoxicity of Δ
9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9 TΗC) low doses. If the same
occurs in human beings, latent chronic magnesium deficiency might
aggravate immediate and long term toxic effects of Δ
9 THC.
N. Pagès et al. (Strasbourg, France) compared the effects
of a short illumination (50 sec.) on audiogenic seizures in
magnesium deficient adult male DBA/2 mice of
6 wavelengths of the visible spectrum. Yellow protected mice
from seizure occurrence while green increased the survival of mice
but without preventing seizures. The other four colors showed a
tendancy to accelerate death.
M. Bara et al. (Paris VI, France) studied the elemental
ionic distribution in human amnion through Particle Induced X-ray
Emission (PIXE) and Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) in
a physiological fluid and after addition of 2 mM
MgCl2. They demonstrated the role of amniotic connective
tissue in the stockage of elemental monovalent and divalent ions.
They hypothesized the possible pathophysiological role of
connective tissue in pregnancies complicated by poly- or
oligo-hydramnios.
N. Pagès et al. (Strasbourg, France) analysed the
connective tissular alterations of the vascular wall in magnesium
deficient mice. The Matrix Metallo Proteinases (MMP) -2 and -9
were present as zymogens (inactive forms) in controls and were
supposed to be present in their active and inactive forms in
magnesium deficient mice.
F.C. Mooren et al. (Münster, Germany) have shown that,
while magnesium had a significant impact on in vitro immune
cell function a two months magnesium supplementation neither
affected resting immune status and function nor prevented exercise
associated immune alterations in athletes with balanced magnesium
status.
2. Next come two original clinical papers.
S. Igondjo-Tchen et al. (Montrouge-Paris V, France) have
considered the present medical management of Marfan Syndrome (MFS)
which mainly relies on early prevention of aortic complications.
Hemodynamic treatments aim at reducing the forcefulness of cardiac
contractions and lowering blood pressure. Gene therapy might
constitute an etiologic treatment of MFS. FBN1-RZ1 hammerhead
antisense ribozyme is able to suppress expression of the mutant
FBN1 allele, but its use will depend on efficient delivery to its
target. A hydrogel angioplasty balloon might be a possible vector
for delivering the ribozyme in the aortic wall specifically.
Ribozymes may be taken up by tissue upon local application. Further
research should concern ex vivo local application on the
human aortic wall before assessing in vivo efficiency and
tolerance of this aortic local vectorisation.
It remains necessary to maintain a balanced magnesium intake in
patients with MFS to prevent the noxious effects of magnesium
deficiency on cardiovascular targets and to ensure the best
possible efficiency and least toxicity of the medical
treatments.
R. Smetana et al. (Vienna, Austria) have highlighted the
possible importance of MAGIC : a multicenter, randomized,
double blind, placebo controlled trial, covering a total of 6100
patients meant to point out future directions for the management of
intravenous magnesium therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction. One
can regret that this important trial is being carried out routinely
with MgSO4, without previous pharmacological and
toxicological studies of the diverse magnesium salts used in
magnesium therapy : the comparative therapeutic ratio of these
various salts appears particularly significant : the larger
its value the greater the efficiency and safety margin (see
Magnes. Res., J. Durlach et al. 1998 ; 11,
4 : 323-5).
3. One review paper by K. Senni et al. (Montrouge-Paris
V, France) follows.
Magnesium is involved in fundamental cellular functions such as
adhesion, migration and protein synthesis. Magnesium is associated
with elastin and collagen and with non fibrillar molecules namely
proteoglycans and glycoproteins. Magnesium can be considered a
pivotal actor in tissue homeostasis.
4. Selected magnesium abstracts of the last 2 issues
of the Journal of Elementology and of the Journal of the
Japanese Society of Magnesium Research, the Calendar of Magnesium
Meetings followed by the Forthcoming Contents
complete this first 2003 issue of “Magnesium Research”.
Jean Durlach
Editor-in-Chief, Magnesium
Research President, SDRM
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