Relationships between magnesium and protein concentrations in serum

Area of Science:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Magnesium is a vital electrolyte influencing numerous cellular processes.
• Serum protein concentrations, including albumin and globulin, can affect the distribution of electrolytes.
• Understanding these relationships is crucial for accurate interpretation of laboratory results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between serum magnesium concentrations and serum protein levels (total protein, albumin, globulin).
• To quantify the extent to which albumin and globulin bind to magnesium in serum.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of over 74,000 serum specimens.
• Measurement of serum magnesium, total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations.
• Linear regression analysis to determine relationships and binding percentages.

Main Results:

• A direct linear relationship was observed between serum magnesium and total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations.
• Serum magnesium and albumin concentrations were linearly related at high and low albumin levels, but independent within the reference interval.
• Linear regression indicated that approximately 25% of total serum magnesium is bound to albumin and 8% to globulins.

Conclusions:

• Serum protein levels significantly influence serum magnesium concentrations.
• The binding of magnesium to albumin is concentration-dependent, particularly outside the normal albumin reference interval.
• These findings provide quantitative insights into magnesium-serum protein interactions in clinical samples.