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Intracellular (polymorphonuclear) magnesium content in patients with bronchial asthma between attacks
P Fantidis1, J Ruiz Cacho, M Marín
1Department of Research Unit--Experimental Surgery, Hospital La Paz, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain.
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Asthma patients have lower polymorphonuclear magnesium content between attacks. This reduction in magnesium may play a role in the development of asthma, highlighting a potential new area for research and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Polymorphonuclear cells are implicated in asthma pathogenesis.
- Magnesium acts as a natural calcium channel blocker, influencing mediator release.
- Magnesium deficiency is linked to elevated histamine and prostanoid levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify polymorphonuclear magnesium content in asthma patients during remission.
- To investigate the relationship between magnesium levels and asthma.
Main Methods:
- Measured polymorphonuclear magnesium content in 50 asthma patients and 21 healthy volunteers.
- Assessed serum and erythrocyte concentrations of sodium, calcium, and magnesium.
Main Results:
- Asthma patients exhibited significantly lower polymorphonuclear magnesium content compared to controls (P < 0.001).
- Serum and erythrocyte levels of magnesium, sodium, and calcium were within normal ranges in patients.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to report reduced polymorphonuclear magnesium content in bronchial asthma patients.
- Decreased polymorphonuclear magnesium may contribute to asthma development and progression.