Extraction of magnesium from biological fluids using 8-hydroxyquinoline and cation-exchange chromatography for isotopic enrichment analysis using thermal ionization mass spectrometry

Measurement of isotope abundance variations in nature by gravimetric spiking isotope dilution analysis (GS-IDA)

Subtle variations in the isotopic composition of elements carry unique information about physical and chemical processes in nature and are now exploited widely in diverse areas of research. Reliable measurement of natural isotope abundance variations is among the biggest challenges in inorganic mass spectrometry as they are highly sensitive to methodological bias. For decades, double spiking of the sample with a mix of two stable isotopes has been considered the reference technique for measuring such variations both by multicollector-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS) and multicollector-thermal ionization mass spectrometry (MC-TIMS). However, this technique can only be applied to elements having at least four stable isotopes. Here we present a novel approach that requires measurement of three isotope signals only and which is more robust than the conventional double spiking technique. This became possible by gravimetric mixing of the sample with an isotopic spike in different proportions and by applying principles of isotope dilution for data analysis (GS-IDA). The potential and principle use of the technique is demonstrated for Mg in human urine using MC-TIMS for isotopic analysis. Mg is an element inaccessible to double spiking methods as it consists of three stable isotopes only and shows great potential for metabolically induced isotope effects waiting to be explored.

Effects of oligofructose-enriched inulin on intestinal absorption of calcium and magnesium and bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women

Deficiency of oestrogen at menopause decreases intestinal Ca absorption, contributing to a negative Ca balance and bone loss. Mg deficiency has also been associated with bone loss. The purpose of the present investigation was to test the hypothesis that treatment with a spray-dried mixture of chicory oligofructose and long-chain inulin (Synergy1; SYN1) would increase the absorption of both Ca and Mg and alter markers of bone turnover. Fifteen postmenopausal women (72.2 (SD 6.4) years) were treated with SYN1 or placebo for 6 weeks using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design. Fractional Ca and Mg absorption were measured using dual-tracer stable isotopes before and after treatment. Bone turnover markers were measured at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks. Fractional absorption of Ca and Mg increased following SYN1 compared with placebo (P < 0.05). Bone resorption (by urinary deoxypyridinoline cross-links) was greater than baseline at 6 weeks of active treatment (P < 0.05). Bone formation (by serum osteocalcin) showed an upward trend at 3 weeks and an increase following 6 weeks of SYN1 (P < 0.05). Closer examination revealed a variation in response, with two-thirds of the subjects showing increased absorption with SYN1. Post hoc analyses demonstrated that positive responders had significantly lower lumbar spine bone mineral density than non-responders (dual X-ray absorptiometry 0.887 +/- 0.102 v. 1.104 +/- 0.121 g/cm2; P < 0.01), and changes in bone turnover markers occurred only in responders. These results suggest that 6 weeks of SYN1 can improve mineral absorption and impact markers of bone turnover in postmenopausal women. Further research is needed to determine why a greater response was found in women with lower initial spine bone mineral density.

Determination of epithelial magnesium transport with stable isotopes

The inability to adequately determine Mg(2+) flux rates with radiotracer studies has stymied our efforts to understand how magnesium is transported by epithelial cells. To evaluate epithelial Mg(2+) transport, a stable 25Mg isotope was used to measure magnesium uptake into normal and Mg(2+)-depleted Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. 25Mg entry rates were significantly increased in Mg(2+)-depleted cells relative to those cultured in normal magnesium media, 0.5 mM. 25Mg uptake was inhibited by external La(3+) but not Ca(2+) in both normal and Mg(2+)-depleted cells suggesting a specific entry pathway. These results with 25Mg were the same as with microfluorescence determinations using mag-fura-2. We have shown that Mg(2+) entry into epithelial cells reflects transepithelial transport; accordingly, increased Mg(2+) uptake in Mg(2+)-depleted cells provides an important intrinsic control of renal magnesium absorption. Furthermore, these studies indicate that cellular Mg(2+) transport may be quantitated with the use of stable isotopes that may be successfully applied to cells other than epithelia.

Methodologies for using stable isotopes to assess magnesium absorption and secretion in children

OBJECTIVE

To provide methodological information regarding the absorption and excretion of dietary magnesium by children and adolescents.

METHODS

Recently, stable isotope techniques for assessing magnesium absorption and excretion have been developed which allow for these studies to be safely performed in subjects of all ages. In the report, we describe the dosing and sample requirements for such studies.

RESULTS

Our data demonstrate that, after oral and intravenous dosing of isotopes, a complete 72-hour urine collection will allow for determination of fractional magnesium absorption. In our study, urinary, but not endogenous fecal magnesium excretion, was closely correlated with magnesium intake (r = 0.47, p = 0.02 vs r = 0.08, p = 0.69). As endogenous fecal magnesium excretion is small relative to urinary magnesium excretion, measurement of endogenous fecal magnesium excretion is not needed to make a reasonable estimate of net magnesium retention for most studies. Using high-precision analytical techniques, an intravenous dose of 25Mg of approximately 0.2 to 0.3 mg/kg would be adequate for absorption measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

The cost and availability of isotopes and their analysis are such that it should be feasible for increasing numbers of investigators to make use of these techniques.

The relationship between magnesium and calcium kinetics in 9- to 14-year-old children

Few measurements of magnesium (Mg) kinetics have been performed, especially in children and adolescents. Simultaneous Mg and calcium (Ca) kinetics following intravenous administration of 42Ca and 25Mg were measured in 22 children (10 boys and 12 girls) 9-14 years of age. Kinetic values, including the body pool masses (MgComp and CaComp for the Mg and Ca compartment masses, respectively) and bone/tissue (hard and soft tissue) Ca and Mg deposition rates (Vo+Ca and Vo+Mg respectively) were calculated using the Simulation, Analysis, and Modeling (SAAM) program. No significant differences were found between males and females (p > 0.3 for each comparison) for pool masses or deposition rates. Vo+Ca and Vo+Mg were highly correlated (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). Vo+Mg but not Vo+Ca, was closely correlated with body weight (r = 0.55, p < 0.01 and r = 0.16, p = 0.47, respectively). Similarly, MgComp was more closely correlated with body weight (r = 0.76, p < 0.01) than CaComp (r = 037,p = 0.10). Neither Vo+Ca nor CaComp increased significantly over the age range studied. However, Vo+Mg and MgComp were significantly positively correlated with age. These findings demonstrate differences in regulation of Ca versus Mg kinetics by young adolescents. These differences may be related to the greater utilization of Mg for muscle and soft tissue growth. The close relationship between Vo+Mg and body weight suggests that the current practice of relating Mg intake requirements to body weight, as well as age, is appropriate for young adolescents.