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High cholesterol feeding may induce tubular dysfunction resulting in hypomagnesemia
Vanessa F Favaro1, Fabíola M Oshiro-Monreal, Ana Carolina de Bragança
1Laboratório de Pesquisa Básica (LIM-12), Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Kidney & Blood Pressure Research
|November 23, 2011
Summary
High cholesterol levels in rats led to low magnesium levels and increased magnesium excretion. This was due to impaired epithelial magnesium channels in the kidneys, not the loop of Henle.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Physiology
Background:
- Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium) can cause hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), but the reverse is not well-established.
- This study investigates magnesium homeostasis in hypercholesterolemic rats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate magnesium homeostasis in rats with diet-induced hypercholesterolemia.
- To determine the renal mechanisms underlying hypomagnesemia in hypercholesterolemia.
Main Methods:
- Hypercholesterolemic (HC) and normocholesterolemic (NC) rats were studied.
- Measurements included hemodynamic parameters, urine concentrating ability, intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) changes, and transporter protein expression.
Main Results:
- HC rats developed hypomagnesemia and magnesuria (high urinary magnesium) without hemodynamic changes.
- Angiotensin II-induced calcium responses were higher in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (TAL) in HC rats.
- Epithelial magnesium channel expression was reduced in the renal cortex of HC rats.
Conclusions:
- Hypercholesterolemia impairs the distal convoluted tubule's magnesium transport.
- This impairment leads to increased urinary magnesium excretion and hypomagnesemia.
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