Physiology of magnesium metabolism and the use of magnesium in intensive care (literature review with the results of personal observations, part 3)

In this review, we presented the results of experimental and clinical studies that most convincingly demonstrate the role of magnesium metabolism disorders in the development of myocardial damage, fatal arrhythmias, and arterial hypertension. We also highlighted the diagnosis of latent magnesium deficiency in the body and the role of magnesium deficiency in the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, and mitral valve prolapse. Oral Mg supplementation helps to reduce mean arterial pressure, peripheral vascular resistance, and the frequency of isolated and burst ventricular extrasystoles and attacks of unstable ventricular tachyarrhythmia. The researchers found that many patients with severe mitral valve prolapse had low serum Mg levels, and Mg supplementation was associated with improved patient outcomes. Monitoring the status of magnesium metabolism in the body is ne-cessary not only in intensive care and in the hospital as a whole but is also relevant in outpatient practice. The cost of magnesia therapy is quite low, but at the same time, regular intake of magnesium preparations or dietary supplements, containing mainly magnesium, can significantly improve the results of treatment of many diseases and prevent the development of complications that are dangerous for the body.

The role of boron in the functioning of the osteoarticular system

Background: Boron was classified by the World Health Organization as ‘possible essential elements for human health’. It can be found in different forms in the environment, has beneficial effects on bones and its deprivation can impair calcium and magnesium metabolism and bone development, their health and maintenance. Dietary boron supplementation can help prevent and manage degenerative and inflammatory bones and articular diseases, such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. Relevant articles were identified in PubMed, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and Scopus databases published until June 2021, describing the role of boron in the functioning of the osteoarticular system. Conclusions: From organic and inorganic boron forms that can enter the human body, organic plant based boron compounds are highly bioavailable. In the functioning of the osteoarticular system boron acts by regulation of calcium and magnesium metabolism, enhancing the vitamin D activation process and influencing serum steroid hormone levels. A boron intake equal to or higher than 3 mg per day can help prevent/or correct arthritis, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Calcium fructoborate can reduce pain, joint discomfort and increase endogenous vitamin D level in patients with osteoarthritis. Boron may play a role in pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis and its severity and a supplementation with boron element may be useful.

Physiology of magnesium metabolism and the use of magnesium in intensive care (part 2)

In the second part of the review, aspects of changes in magnesium metabolism under conditions of severe stress, mechanisms of anti-stress protection of the body with the participation of magnesium, features of magnesium participation in water-electrolyte metabolism at the cellular level, the anti-inflammatory effect of magnesium and the role of magnesium in the processes of detoxification of the body in acute poisoning with certain poisons are consi-dered. The main mechanisms of the body’s magnesium defence are to suppress the mechanisms of oxidative stress by limiting the production of stress hormones, the intake of ionized calcium and sodium into cells with a decrease in the severity of transmineralization and sodium retention in the body, suppressing the action of factors that initiate the development of inflammation and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, in blocking and protecting glutamate receptors. Magnesium therapy can help keep effective energy production in the body in critical conditions by maintaining the functioning of the Na+/K+-ATPase, the work of the Na+/H+-exchanger, helping reduce the severity of cellular acidosis. The mechanisms of functioning and the prescription of the sodium-magnesium antiporter are discussed. Hypertonic solutions of magnesium sulfate are being injected at a high rate to create the effect of rapid low-volume fluid resuscitation, thereby eliminating the dangerous effects of severe hyperchloremia and hypernatremia that occur when using hypertonic sodium chloride solutions. In toxico-logy, magnesium preparations are used to protect the body when exposed to heavy metals, organophosphorus compounds. They also help reduce the severity of oxidative stress caused by heavy metals, inhibit excess production of endogenous carbon monoxide, and limit free radical damage in its pathological effect. During detoxification, magnesium prevents depletion of the antioxidant system by helping maintain sufficient levels of glutathione and other antioxidants in cells.

MAGNESIUM, “THE UNSUNG HERO”

Magnesium participates in more than 600 enzymatic reactions in the body. Its role in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and pre-eclampsia is already well established. Magnesium`s role in preventive medicine is not very well described in medicine literature. We have carefully studied the pathophysiology of magnesium and explained its role in hypertension, chronic kidney disease, vascular calcication, metabolic syndrome and mortality from cardiovascular disease. Through this article we hope to add to the existing knowledge of magnesium metabolism, its role in cardiovascular pathology and potential benets of magnesium supplements on health.

Evaluation of feed restriction effects on mineral metabolism of intact male, female and castrated male goat kids

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of feed restriction on calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium metabolism in goat kids from 15 to 30 kg bodyweight, and to evaluate the role of sex in these processes. The study used a split plot design comprising three sex groups (intact males, castrated males and females), and the subplot comprised three levels of feed restriction (0% (ad libitum), 25% and 50%). Mineral intake and retention, mineral concentration in the blood, alkaline phosphatase activity and bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur were determined. The data were analysed as mixed models. Daily Ca, P and magnesium retention in the body decreased linearly with increasing feed restriction (P < 0.05). At 50% feed restriction, we observed a 22% reduction of alkaline phosphatase activity, and 9% and 7% reductions of Ca and P contents in blood serum. The BMD of females fed ad libitum was greater than castrated and intact males, whereas when subjected to 50% feed restriction, no differences in BMD were noted among the sexes (P < 0.01). Irrespective of feed restriction, females tended to retain less P in their bodies (P < 0.10) and tended to have the lowest P serum concentrations (P = 0.08). Our results indicated that only females showed decreased BMD under feed restriction; Ca, P and magnesium metabolism in prepubertal Saanen goat kids was mainly affected by feed restriction, whereas sex mainly affected the P metabolism.