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Effects of magnesium and iron on lipid peroxidation in cultured hepatocytes
T Günther1, J Vormann, V Höllriegl
1Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Free University of Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
In primary cultures of rat hepatocytes, the effects of extracellular Mg2+ and Fe on lipid peroxidation (LPO) as measured by means of malondialdehyde (MDA) formation were investigated. Incubation of hepatocytes at decreasing extracellular Mg2+ concentration enhanced LPO, depending on extracellular Fe. About 96% of MDA accumulated in the culture medium. Addition of desferrioxamine prevented LPO. Additionally, the formation of oxygen free radicals was determined by fluorescence reduction of cis-parinaric acid. With this method, an immediate decay of fluorescence was found after addition of Fe2+. Fluorescence reduction was completely prevented by desferrioxamine, indicating the function of extracellular Fe. This mechanism may operate additionally to the increase in intracellular Fe and intracellular formation of oxygen free radicals during Mg deficiency in vivo.
Insights
Low extracellular magnesium (Mg2+) enhances lipid peroxidation (LPO) in rat hepatocytes, particularly with added iron (Fe). Desferrioxamine, an iron chelator, effectively prevented LPO, highlighting iron's crucial role in this process.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Lipid peroxidation (LPO) is a marker of oxidative stress.
- The role of extracellular magnesium (Mg2+) and iron (Fe) in LPO in hepatocytes requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of extracellular Mg2+ and Fe on LPO in primary rat hepatocyte cultures.
- To determine the role of extracellular iron in Fe- and Mg2+-dependent LPO.
Main Methods:
- Primary rat hepatocyte cultures were used.
- Lipid peroxidation was measured via malondialdehyde (MDA) formation.
- Oxygen free radical formation was assessed using cis-parinaric acid fluorescence.
Main Results:
- Decreasing extracellular Mg2+ concentration enhanced LPO, dependent on extracellular Fe.
- Approximately 96% of MDA accumulated in the culture medium.
- Desferrioxamine prevented LPO and Fe2+-induced fluorescence reduction, indicating extracellular Fe involvement.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular iron plays a significant role in promoting LPO in hepatocytes, especially under conditions of low extracellular Mg2+.
- The findings suggest a mechanism involving extracellular Fe that may contribute to oxidative damage observed during Mg deficiency in vivo.