HEALTH NEWS

Study Title:

Magnesium Helps Reverse Cardiovascular Calcification

Study Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
To observe the role of magnesium sulfate in vascular calcification, to explore the role and the mechanism of magnesium sulfate in vascular calcification.

METHODS:
The vascular calcification model was established by administration of vitamin D3 plus nicotine (VDN) in SD rats. To estimate the extent of calcification by Von Kossa staining, calcium content and alkaline phosphatase activity, osteopontin (OPN) mRNA were determined by using semi-quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.The malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) content and activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD) were measured by biochemistry.

RESULTS:
A strong positive staining of black/brown areas among the elastic fibers of the medial layer in calcified aorta by Von Kossa staining, calcium content and ALP activity in calcified arteries increased by 3.9-and 3.4-fold as compared with the controls. The expression of OPN mRNA was up-regulated by 40% (P < 0.01). The lipid peroxidation products MDA in vascular were increased 2.0-fold (P < 0.01). The NO content and SOD activity were greatly decreased by 64% and 72% (P < 0.01), respectively, compared with controls. However, calcium content and ALP activity in VDN plus magnesium sulfate group were lower than those in VDN group. Low and high dosage magnesium sulfate obviously relieved degree of calcification in the cardiovascular tissues in a dosage-dependent manner (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION:
Magnesium sulfate plays a role in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification by reducing vascular calcification and decreasing vascular injury.

Study Information

Pen JX, Li L, Wang X, Zhang YH, Li XF, Wu SY.
The effect of the magnesium supplementation on vascular calcification in rats
Zhongguo Ying Yong Sheng Li Xue Za Zhi
2012 January
Laboratory of Medical Functions, HuBei University of Medicine, the Affiliated Taihe Hospital, Shiyan 442000, China.