Effect of a low magnesium diet on magnesium status and gene expression in the kidneys of mice selected for high and low magnesium erythrocyte levels.

The magnesium concentrations in plasma and cells could be affected by diet, disease and genetic factors. To characterise the genetic factors involved in the regulation of magnesium homeostasis, Low (MgL) and High (MgH) magnesium status mice were developed by bidirectional selective breeding. The effects of a low-magnesium diet on the magnesium status parameters were analysed in these mice.

Low magnesium promotes endothelial cell dysfunction: implications for atherosclerosis, inflammation and thrombosis.

Because (i). endothelial cells are important players in cardiovascular diseases and (ii). Mg deficiency promotes atherosclerosis, thrombosis and hypertension, we evaluated whether low concentrations of Mg could directly affect endothelial behavior.

Rats fed a high sucrose diet have altered heart antioxidant enzyme activity and gene expression.

Several studies in human and animal models have shown that consumption of fructose facilitates oxidative damage but the mechanisms involved are unclear. In this study, the effects of two weeks of high sucrose on both oxidative stress parameters and stress-related gene expression, using a cDNA array, were investigated in rat heart. Both increased TBARS and lower Cu-Zn-SOD activity were found in heart from high sucrose fed rats compared to rats on a starch diet.

Changes in gene expression in rat thymocytes identified by cDNA array support the occurrence of oxidative stress in early magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium deficiency in experimental animals leads to inflammation, exacerbated immune stress response and a decrease of specific immune response. It also results in a significant increase in free radical species and subsequent tissue injury. An accelerated thymus involution was observed in Mg-deficient rats in relation to enhanced apoptosis and enhanced susceptibility to oxidative stress.