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Magnesium supplementation reduces inflammation in rats with induced chronic kidney disease
Rodrigo López-Baltanás1, Maria Encarnación Rodríguez-Ortiz1,2, Antonio Canalejo3
1Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofia University Hospital/University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain.
Background:
Inflammation is a common feature in chronic kidney disease (CKD) that appears specifically associated with cardiovascular derangements in CKD patients. Observational studies have revealed a link between low Mg levels and inflammation. In this study, we hypothesize that Mg might have a modulatory effect on the inflammation induced under the uraemic milieu.
Methods:
In vivo studies were performed in a 5/6 nephrectomized rat model of CKD. Furthermore, a possible direct effect of Mg was addressed through in vitro studies with vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).
Results:
Uraemic rats fed a normal (0.1%) Mg diet showed a systemic inflammatory response evidenced by the elevation in plasma of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and GPx activity, a marker of oxidative stress. Importantly, an increased expression of these cytokines in the aortic tissue was also observed. In contrast, a dietary Mg supplementation (0.6%) greatly prevented the oxidative stress and the pro-inflammatory response. In vitro, in VSMCs cultured in a pro-inflammatory high phosphate medium, incubation with Mg 1.6 mM inhibited the increase in the production of ROS, the rise in the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 and the activation of NF-κB signalling that was observed in cells incubated with a normal (0.8 mM) Mg.
Conclusion:
Mg supplementation reduced inflammation associated with CKD, exerting a direct effect on vascular cells. These findings support a possible beneficial effect of Mg supplementation along the clinical management of CKD patients.
Insights
Magnesium supplementation reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease (CKD) rats and vascular cells. This suggests magnesium may benefit CKD patients by mitigating inflammation and cardiovascular issues.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Inflammation is a key factor in chronic kidney disease (CKD) complications, particularly cardiovascular issues.
- Low magnesium (Mg) levels are linked to increased inflammation in CKD patients.
- This study investigates the potential of Mg to modulate uraemia-induced inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of magnesium on inflammation in a rat model of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- To explore the direct impact of magnesium on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in vitro.
- To determine if magnesium supplementation can mitigate the pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress responses associated with uraemia.
Main Methods:
- In vivo studies utilized a 5/6 nephrectomized rat model of CKD.
- In vitro studies involved culturing vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in a high phosphate medium.
- Assessed systemic and tissue-specific inflammatory markers, oxidative stress (GPx activity), and cytokine expression (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8).
Main Results:
- Uraemic rats on a normal Mg diet exhibited elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers.
- Dietary Mg supplementation (0.6%) significantly reduced these inflammatory and oxidative stress responses.
- In vitro, Mg (1.6 mM) inhibited ROS production, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and NF-κB activation in VSMCs.
Conclusions:
- Magnesium supplementation effectively reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in a CKD model.
- Mg demonstrated a direct inhibitory effect on inflammation in vascular cells.
- These findings support the potential clinical benefit of Mg supplementation in managing CKD patients.
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