Erythrocytes from magnesium-deficient hamsters display an enhanced susceptibility to oxidative stress

Abstract

Previous studies in our laboratory have indicated a role for free radical participation in magnesium deficiency cardiomyopathy. We have demonstrated the ability of various antioxidant drugs and nutrients to protect against magnesium deficiency-induced myocardial injury. In this study, we have examined erythrocytes from normal and magnesium-deficient animals and compared their susceptibility to an in vitro oxidative stress. Syrian male hamsters were placed on either magnesium-deficient or magnesium-supplemented diets. Animals from each group also received vitamin E in doses of 10 and 25 mg as subcutaneous implants. Erythrocytes obtained after 14 days on the diet were exposed to an exogenous hydroxyl (.OH) radical generating system (dihydroxyfumarate not equal to Fe3+ ADP) at 37 degrees C for 20 min. Erythrocyte crenation was observed and quantified by scanning electron microscopy. Lipid peroxidation, hemolysis (%), and intracellular glutathione levels were determined. In addition, serum lipid changes and membrane phospholipids were characterized. Our data demonstrate that erythrocytes from magnesium-deficient animals are more susceptible to free radical injury, supporting our hypothesis that magnesium deficiency reduces the threshold antioxidant capacity.

Magnesium: Effect on ocular health as a calcium channel antagonist

“…Magnesium also influences superoxide dismutase activity in retinal tissue [19]. Magnesium is required for glutathione biosynthesis and its depletion has been associated with decreased antioxidant properties [68,69]. Oxidative stress is involved in glaucoma pathogenesis [70].…”

Effects of Glutathione on Red Blood Cell Intracellular Magnesium

“…Increased oxygen free radical production, which may contribute to several human diseases, 31 is associated with both low plasma GSH/GSSG ratios 4 and with low intracellular magnesium concentrations, 16 and antioxidants drugs or nutrients such as ␣-tocopherol, 15,32,33 probucol, and captopril 33 have been demonstrated to protect against magnesium deficiency-associated cerebral vascular damage 32 and magnesium deficiency-induced myocardial injury. 15,17,33 Conversely, prior magnesium depletion renders cells more sensitive to oxidative damage. 15,17 Furthermore, magnesium may itself possess antioxidant properties, scavenging oxygen radicals, possibly by affecting the rate of spontaneous dismutation of the superoxide ion.…”

“…15,17,33 Conversely, prior magnesium depletion renders cells more sensitive to oxidative damage. 15,17 Furthermore, magnesium may itself possess antioxidant properties, scavenging oxygen radicals, possibly by affecting the rate of spontaneous dismutation of the superoxide ion. 34 Chronic hypomagnesemia results in excessive production of oxygen-derived free radicals, 33 supporting a role for magnesium in altering the threshold antioxidant capacity.…”

“…Because magnesium deficiency is also associated with increased free radical-dependent oxidative tissue damage [15][16][17] and because magnesium supplementation may lower blood pressure 18 -20 and improve circulating glucose levels and tissue glucose oxidation in subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), 21 we wondered whether changes in intracellular magnesium might mediate the relation of GSH to glucose metabolism.…”

Vitamin E and selenium: contrasting and interacting nutritional determinants of host resistance to parasitic and viral infections

“…1994). Babesia belong to the same phylum of protozoan parasites as Plasmodium and Mg deficiency is known to exert an increased oxidative stress on erythrocytes in hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus; Freedman et al 1992). In his pioneering studies, Godfrey (19576) showed that fish oil in a low-vitamin E diet protected against Babesia rodhaini in mice.…”