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Published on: July 26, 2017
Erythrocyte magnesium fluxes in mice with nutritionally and genetically low magnesium status
Christine Feillet-Coudray1, A Trzeciakiewicz, C Coudray
1Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d'Auvergne, Unité Maladies Métaboliques et Micronutriments INRA, Theix, 63122, St Genès Champanelle, France. feillet@clermont.inra.fr
Abstract:
Low intracellular magnesium (Mg) contents may be observed in case of severe Mg insufficient intake or because of genetic regulation. This work was conducted to investigate the influence of intracellular Mg content on erythrocyte Mg(2+) influx and efflux in mice with low nutritionally and genetically (MGL and MGH mice) Mg status. C57BL6 mice were fed for 2 wks a diet containing 1000 mg Mg/kg diet Mg (control group), 100 mg Mg/kg diet (Mg-marginal group) or 30 mg Mg/kg diet (Mg deficient group), while mice with low (MGL) and high (MGH) Mg levels were fed a control diet for 2 wks. The quantification of erythrocyte Mg(2+) influx and efflux was performed using a stable isotope of Mg. Our results showed that erythrocyte Mg(2+) influx and efflux were respectively increased and decreased in nutritional Mg deficiency; while in genetically determined Mg status Mg(2+) fluxes were lower in MGL mice compared to MGH mice. Moreover Mg(2+) efflux was significantly correlated to Mg level in erythrocytes in all the mice studied (p < 0.001). In conclusion, erythrocyte Mg(2+) influx and efflux are modulated by low Mg status, namely decreased Mg(2+) efflux compensate for nutritional Mg deficiency, while the genetic regulation of erythrocyte Mg(2+) content depends on modification of Mg(2+) influx.
Insights
Low magnesium (Mg) status affects red blood cell Mg(2+) transport. Nutritional deficiency increases Mg(2+) influx and decreases efflux, while genetic factors alter Mg(2+) influx for regulation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Intracellular magnesium (Mg) levels can be low due to insufficient dietary intake or genetic factors.
- Erythrocytes (red blood cells) play a role in Mg homeostasis.
- Understanding Mg transport is crucial for managing Mg-related health conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how intracellular Mg content influences erythrocyte Mg(2+) influx and efflux in mice.
- To differentiate the effects of nutritional Mg deficiency versus genetic Mg status on Mg transport.
Main Methods:
- Mice were subjected to dietary Mg restriction (30-100 mg/kg diet) or fed a control diet.
- Genetically selected low (MGL) and high (MGH) Mg level mice were used.
- Stable isotope of Mg was employed to quantify erythrocyte Mg(2+) influx and efflux.
Main Results:
- Nutritional Mg deficiency led to increased erythrocyte Mg(2+) influx and decreased efflux.
- In genetically determined Mg status, MGL mice exhibited lower Mg(2+) fluxes compared to MGH mice.
- Erythrocyte Mg(2+) efflux was significantly correlated with intracellular Mg levels across all groups (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Erythrocyte Mg(2+) influx and efflux are modulated by Mg status.
- Decreased Mg(2+) efflux can compensate for nutritional Mg deficiency.
- Genetic regulation of erythrocyte Mg content involves modifications in Mg(2+) influx.

