Cardiovascular Diseases in Obesity: What is the Role of Magnesium?

The effect of magnesium supplementation on serum concentration of lipid profile: an updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Some evidence suggests magnesium might reduce serum levels of lipid profile. Due to the significance of this matter on hand, we centralized our aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to interrogate the effect of magnesium supplementation on serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the general population aged ≥ 18 years.

METHODS

In line with conducting this study first, relevant articles were found through searching databases, including five databases: Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed until January 2024. Following fulfilling the first aim, their mean differences and standard deviations were calculated to conduct the meta-analysis. Ultimately, an assessment of the statistical heterogeneity of intervention effects was performed using I-squared statistics and Cochran's Q test.

RESULTS

Regarding serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C, twenty-one, twenty-three, twenty, and twenty-five studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimates showed no significant differences in serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C between the magnesium group and comparison group (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 0.34 mg/dl, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.75 to 2.43, P = 0.749, I2 = 99.1%; WMD=-2.06 mg/dl, 95% CI: -6.35 to 2.23, P = 0.346, I2 = 99.1; WMD = 1.71 mg/dl, 95% CI: -0.81 to 4.24, P = 0.183, I2 = 99.4, respectively). However, magnesium significantly increased HDL-C (WMD = 1.21 mg/dl, 95% CI: 0.58 to 1.85, P < 0.001, I2 = 99.5).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our study showed that magnesium significantly increased HDL-C levels. However, due to high heterogeneity, we must note that more research is needed to make robust recommendations regarding magnesium supplementation in clinical practice.

REGISTRY NUMBER

This study was registered in PROSPERO under the protocol number CRD42024505142.

Utilizing a Combination of Supplements Comprising Boric Acid, Magnesium, Vitamin D3, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil to Improve Metabolism in Menopausal Ovariectomized Rats

Metabolic syndrome during menopause can lead to diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and increased mortality rates. Hormone replacement therapy is recommended to manage climacteric complications, but it has serious adverse effects. This study, therefore, investigated the potential of supplementing some minerals, vitamins, and natural products like boric acid, magnesium, vitamin D3, and extra virgin olive oil on metabolic status of menopausal ovariectomized rats. Fourty-two female adult rats were randomly assigned to seven groups: a) Sham Control, b) Ovariectomized Control, c) Ovariectomized + Boric acid, d) Ovariectomized + Magnesium, e) Ovariectomized + Vitamin D3, f) Ovariectomized + Extra virgin olive oil, and g) Ovariectomized + Combined treatment groups. Serum inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, serum lipogram pattern, hepatic triglycerides, body weight, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, leptin, and adiponectin, as well as hepatic insulin signaling cascade, IRS1/pAKT/GLUT4 were measured in each group to assess metabolic function. Results revealed a significant improvement in inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic parameters by individual and concomitant treating ovariectomized rats with boric acid, magnesium, vitamin D3, and extra virgin olive oil. Interestingly, the concurrent use of these supplements displayed a better impact than individual use, suggesting their valuable therapeutic potential for managing metabolic syndrome in menopausal women. However, the necessity of all four supplements for optimal therapeutic effects remains unsubstantiated.

MgCl2 Attenuates ox-LDL-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle-Derived Foam Cells Pyroptosis by Downregulating the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Pyroptosis is a type of programmed cell death that is generally upregulated during atherosclerosis (AS). Magnesium, an important cation in the body, has exhibited an antiatherosclerotic effect. We collected AS model datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and explored the correlation between pyroptosis and AS through a series of bioinformatics methods. We next investigated the impact of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) on primary cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) foaminess and pyroptosis. Finally, foam cells were preconditioned with different concentrations of MgCl2 to explore its influence on ox-LDL-induced VSMCs pyroptosis. NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis plays a core role in regulating AS progression as shown by bioinformatic analysis. Ox-LDL (50/75/100 mg/L) increased CE/TE ratio (> 50%) in VSMCs and prompted VSMC-derived foam cell formation, and (75/100 mg/L) ox-LDL-induced pyroptosis. Compared to 1 mmol/L MgCl2, 10 mmol/L MgCl2 significantly downregulated the expression of pyroptosis related molecules in VSMCs induced by 75 mg/L ox-LDL, including NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and GSDMD. The secretion of IL-1β, IL-18, and LDH was also inhibited by MgCl2. According to CCK-8 and Hoechst 33,342/PI staining, the damage to VSMCs viability induced by ox-LDL was ameliorated by MgCl2. In addition, MgCl2 attenuated the upregulation of TLR4, IKKβ, and p65 and the downregulation of IκBα in VSMCs induced by ox-LDL. The present study demonstrated that pyroptosis-related genes were the core genes in AS. We also revealed the effect and underlying mechanism of MgCl2 on ox-LDL-induced VSMCs pyroptosis, suggesting that MgCl2 has promising clinical applications for AS pyroptosis prevention and treatment.

Effects of 3021 meal replacement powder protect NAFLD via suppressing the ERS, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses

Objective

To explore the specific protective mechanism of 3021 meal replacement powder (MRP) against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Materials and Methods

C57BL/6J male mice were divided into four groups: control group, 3021 MRP group, model group and test group. The lipid accumulation and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins in hepatocytes of mice were detected by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, oil red O staining and Western blotting.

Results

The expressions of GRP78, GRP94, p-PERK and p-IRE1α were significantly inhibited in test group compared with those in model group. The protein expressions of p-NF-κB, p-JNK, IL-1β, IL-18 and NOX4 in test group were also significantly lower than those in model group. In vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that the body weight and lipid droplet content, and the expressions of ERS-related proteins (including BIP and XBP-1) in liver tissues all significantly declined in model group compared with those in 3021 MRP group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 3021 MRP can greatly reduce lipid accumulation by inhibiting ERS, oxidative stress and inflammatory response in NAFLD.

Role of MicroRNAs in Dietary Interventions for Obesity and Obesity-Related Diseases

Obesity and related metabolic syndromes pose a serious threat to human health and quality of life. A proper diet is a safe and effective strategy to prevent and control obesity, thus maintaining overall health. However, no consensus exists on the connotations of proper diet, and it is attributed to various factors, including "nutritional dark matter" and the "matrix effect" of food. Accumulating evidence confirms that obesity is associated with the in vivo levels of miRNAs, which serve as potential markers and regulatory targets for obesity onset and progression; food-derived miRNAs can regulate host obesity by targeting the related genes or gut microbiota across the animal kingdom. Host miRNAs mediate food nutrient-gut microbiota-obesity interactions. Thus, miRNAs are important correlates of diet and obesity onset. This review outlines the recent findings on miRNA-mediated food interventions for obesity, thereby elucidating their potential applications. Overall, we provide new perspectives and views on the evaluation of dietary nutrition, which may bear important implications for dietary control and obesity prevention.

Interactive Effects of Obesity and Hypertension on Patterns of Hair Essential Trace Element and Mineral Content in Adult Women

The objective of the present study was to evaluate potential similar patterns and interactive effects of obesity and hypertension on hair essential trace element and mineral content in adult women. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 607 adult women divided into controls (n = 101), groups with obesity without hypertension (n = 199), hypertension without obesity (n = 143), and both obesity and hypertension (n = 164) were included in the study. Assessment of hair mineral and trace element levels was performed by inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Hair Ca, Mg, Co, and Mn levels in women with obesity, hypertension, and both diseases were significantly lower, compared to controls. Hair Mg levels in women with obesity and hypertension were significantly lower, whereas hair Na and K were found to be higher when compared to other groups. Hair Fe and V content in obese patients was lower than in other groups. Obesity was associated with lower hair Cu levels, whereas patients with hypertension had higher hair Cu content. Hypertension was also associated with higher hair Cr and Se content irrespective of body weight. Hair Zn levels in obese women with and without hypertension were significantly lower than those in healthy controls and normal-weight women with hypertension. In multiple regression models hair Mg was considered as a significant negative predictor of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure values. The observed alterations in hair trace element and mineral content provide an additional link between obesity and hypertension, although further detailed studies are required.

The association between lipid profile, oxidized LDL and the components of metabolic syndrome with serum mineral status and kidney function in individuals with obesity

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is presented with a cluster of cardio-metabolic risk factors with widespread prevalence. In the present case-control study, we aimed to examine the relationship between several minerals and renal function tests with the components of MetS in individuals with obesity.

METHODS

This study included 127 individuals with obesity of both gender with or without MetS as the case and control, respectively. MetS was characterized based on the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. Anthropometric variables and blood pressure were recorded. Mineral status including serum magnesium, copper, calcium, phosphorous, and iron were measured using standard colorimetric methods. Also, the serum lipid levels, concentrations of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), and renal function tests, including total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, and uric acid were evaluated using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.

RESULTS

According to our results, individuals with obesity and MetS had higher levels of waist circumference (WC) and diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.05) compared to individuals with obesity and without MetS. Moreover, individuals with obesity and MetS had higher levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), insulin, and iron (P < 0.05). In individuals with obesity and MetS, iron and albumin showed a positive relationship with LDL cholesterol and TG concentrations, respectively (P < 0.05 for all of them). Also, there was a positive association between serum magnesium and Ox- LDL in individuals with obesity with MetS. While, in individuals with obesity and without MetS, only a positive association between urea and uric acid with WC was observed (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that disturbed serum lipids in obesity-metabolic syndrome is associated with homeostatic changes in the level of minerals or proteins that are involved in their metabolism. Although, further studies are needed to better explain and clarify the underlying mechanism of observed relationships.

The Link between Magnesium Supplements and Statin Medication in Dyslipidemic Patients

Many investigations have discovered a connection between statins and magnesium supplements. On one hand, increasing research suggests that chronic hypomagnesemia may be an important factor in the etiology of some metabolic illnesses, including obesity and overweight, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, alterations in lipid metabolism, and low-grade inflammation. Chronic metabolic problems seem to be prevented by a high Mg intake combined with diet and/or supplements. On the other hand, it is known that statins lower the frequency of cardiac events, stroke, and mortality, not by lowering LDL-C, but by the capacity to reduce mevalonate formation. That will enhance endothelial function, inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration and encourage macrophages to promote plaque stability and regression while reducing inflammation. Taking these factors into consideration, we did an extensive analysis of the relevant literature, comparing the effects of Mg² and statin medications on lipoproteins and, implicitly, on the key enzymes involved in cholesterol metabolism.

Effect of oral magnesium supplement on cardiometabolic markers in people with prediabetes: a double blind randomized controlled clinical trial

To evaluate the effect of magnesium supplementation on insulin resistance and cardiovascular markers in people with prediabetes. A 12 week double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted at Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Iran, on people with prediabetes (n = 86) to compare the effects of magnesium oxide 250 mg/day versus a placebo on anthropometric indices, blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR index, C-reactive protein, uric acid and lipid profile. Both groups had similar distributions of anthropometric and biochemical variables at baseline. Those who received magnesium supplementation had significantly higher levels of HDL-cholesterol compared to the placebo group at the end of the study (49.7 ± 10.9 vs 43.6 ± 7.2 mg/dL, P = 0.003). The mean changes of HOMA-IR index, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, uric acid and C-reactive protein levels as well as anthropometric indices and blood pressure in supplemented and placebo groups did not differ significantly. Magnesium supplementation increased HDL-cholesterol levels in people with prediabetes. However, other cardiometabolic markers were not improved by magnesium supplementation at the above dosage and duration.

Osteosarcopenic adiposity syndrome update and the role of associated minerals and vitamins

The objectives are to present an updated synopsis on osteosarcopenic adiposity (OSA) syndrome and evaluate the roles of selected micronutrients in its prevention and management. OSA refers to the concurrent deterioration of bone (osteopenia/osteoporosis), muscle (sarcopenia) and adipose tissue expansion. It portrays the most advanced stage in a continuum of body composition disorders. Although OSA has been widely studied involving the populations of different backgrounds, its prevalence is hard to collate because different methodologies and criteria were used for its diagnosis. Another critical health aspect is the presence of low-grade chronic inflammation (LGCI) which contributes to OSA and vice versa. Nutrition is important in the prevention and management of both OSA and LGCI. Although micronutrients act in numerous metabolic and physiological processes, their roles here are presented in relation to OSA (and its components) and LGCI in general and relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic. These include calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and vitamins D and K; their interactions, physiological ratios and synergism/antagonism are discussed as well. In conclusion, calcium, magnesium and vitamin D have a profound impact on OSA and its components, and the latter two also on LGCI. Potassium and vitamin K are vital in bone, muscle functioning and possibly adipose tissue modification. Both, but particularly vitamin D, surfaced as important modulators of immune system with application in COVID-19 infections. While both phosphorus and sodium have important roles in bone, muscle and can impact adiposity, due to their abundance in food, their intake should be curbed to prevent possible damaging effects.