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Magnesium inhibits human platelets
H B Ravn1, S D Kristensen, H Vissinger
1Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
Abstract:
Magnesium (Mg) may inhibit experimental arterial thrombus formation by inhibition of platelet activity. However, inhibition of platelet aggregation has mainly been shown with high concentrations of magnesium ( > 2 mM). To test the effects of Mg in more clinically relevant concentrations, an in vitro study was performed where platelets were incubated with MgSO4 in the concentration range of 0.5-8.0 mM. Healthy volunteers participated on 2 consecutive days. On Day 2 the volunteers ingested 300 mg of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) 1 h before blood sampling. Blood was anticoagulated with hirudin and platelet aggregation was performed in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) after incubation with saline or MgSO4 for 5 min. Platelets were stimulated with threshold concentrations of collagen or ADP or a fixed high concentration of collagen (5 micrograms/ml) on both days. A concentration dependent inhibition of platelet aggregation was found after addition of MgSO4. A statistically significant inhibition (P < 0.05) was present at 0.5-1.0 mM MgSO4. The effect of Mg was independent of pretreatment with ASA. Following maximal stimulation with collagen in PRP, a synergistic inhibition of ASA and Mg on platelet aggregation was demonstrated. Administration of MgSO4 in clinically relevant concentrations showed a dose-dependent inhibition of platelet aggregation. Platelet inhibition also occurred after ASA administration and concomitant medication induced a synergistic effect.
Insights
Magnesium (Mg) and aspirin (ASA) both inhibit platelet aggregation. This study found that even low, clinically relevant magnesium concentrations significantly reduce platelet activity, with a synergistic effect when combined with ASA.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Magnesium (Mg) is known to inhibit arterial thrombus formation.
- Previous studies showed Mg inhibits platelet aggregation only at high concentrations (> 2 mM).
- The effect of Mg at clinically relevant concentrations on platelet activity is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) on platelet aggregation at clinically relevant concentrations (0.5-8.0 mM).
- To evaluate the impact of MgSO4 on platelet aggregation in the presence or absence of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA).
Main Methods:
- In vitro study using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from healthy volunteers.
- Platelets were incubated with varying concentrations of MgSO4 (0.5-8.0 mM) or saline.
- Platelet aggregation was stimulated using collagen or adenosine diphosphate (ADP).
- Volunteers ingested ASA 1 hour before blood sampling on a separate day to assess combined effects.
Main Results:
- A dose-dependent inhibition of platelet aggregation was observed with MgSO4.
- Significant inhibition (P < 0.05) occurred at MgSO4 concentrations as low as 0.5-1.0 mM.
- MgSO4's inhibitory effect was independent of prior ASA administration.
- A synergistic inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation was demonstrated when MgSO4 and ASA were used together, especially under maximal collagen stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Clinically relevant concentrations of MgSO4 demonstrate a dose-dependent inhibition of platelet aggregation.
- Magnesium's antiplatelet effect is present even at low concentrations and is independent of ASA.
- Concomitant administration of MgSO4 and ASA exhibits a synergistic antiplatelet effect.