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Cellular ionic alterations with age: relation to hypertension and diabetes
M Barbagallo1, R K Gupta, L J Dominguez
1Institute of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, Italy.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|September 13, 2000
Summary
Aging alters cellular calcium (Cai) and magnesium (Mgi) levels, mimicking changes seen in hypertension and diabetes. These age-related ionic shifts may increase cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cellular Biology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cytosolic free calcium (Cai) and magnesium (Mgi) are crucial for cellular homeostasis and function.
- Age-related changes in cellular ion concentrations are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cellular divalent cation levels (Cai and Mgi) in normal aging.
- To compare these levels with those found in essential hypertension (EH) and type 2 diabetes (DM).
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 103 subjects (young/middle-aged and older).
- Erythrocyte Cai and Mgi levels measured using 19F and 31P NMR spectroscopy.
- Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed to assess metabolic parameters.
Main Results:
- Older normal subjects showed lower Mgi and higher Cai compared to younger subjects.
- Aging correlated with increased Cai and decreased Mgi in normal individuals.
- No significant differences in Mgi or Cai were found between older normal subjects and those with EH or DM.
Conclusions:
- Aging is associated with altered Cai and Mgi levels, similar to those in hypertension and diabetes.
- These ionic changes may predispose older individuals to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
- The findings suggest potential clinical significance of age-related ionic alterations.