Protein peroxidation, magnesium deficiency and fibromyalgia

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Clinical Medicine
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• Oxidative stress, indicated by lipid and protein peroxidations, is implicated in various chronic conditions.
• Magnesium plays a crucial role in cellular functions and its deficit may impact health.
• Fibromyalgia (FM) and Magnesium Deficit (MD) are conditions where oxidative stress and magnesium levels warrant investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate lipid and protein peroxidations in female patients with magnesium deficit (MD) and fibromyalgia (FM).
• To compare markers of oxidative stress and magnesium levels between MD patients, FM patients, and age-matched controls.

Main Methods:

• Assessed malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PC) as markers of lipid and protein peroxidations.
• Measured serum, leucocyte, and erythrocyte magnesium (EMg) levels.
• Included 20 controls, 25 FM patients, and 16 MD patients.

Main Results:

• Malondialdehyde levels were unchanged in both MD and FM groups compared to controls.
• Protein carbonyls were significantly increased in FM patients (P < 0.01).
• Erythrocyte magnesium levels were significantly decreased in MD patients.

Conclusions:

• Protein peroxidations are evident in fibromyalgia.
• Magnesium levels are reduced in patients with magnesium deficit.
• Further research is required to elucidate the role of magnesium in MD and its potential link to oxidative stress.