Magnesium Sulfate and Novel Therapies to Promote Neuroprotection

Neuroprotective effects of magnesium: implications for neuroinflammation and cognitive decline

Neurodegenerative diseases, which are characterized by progressive neuronal loss and cognitive decline, are a significant concern for the aging population. Neuroinflammation, a shared characteristic of these diseases, is implicated in their pathogenesis. This article briefly summarizes the role of magnesium, an essential mineral involved in numerous enzymatic reactions and critical for neuronal bioactivity, in the context of neuroinflammation and cognitive decline. The potential neuroprotective effects of magnesium, including the mechanisms of neuroprotection by magnesium through maintaining neuronal ion homeostasis, reducing inflammation, and preventing excitotoxicity, are also described. Additionally, we discuss the impact of inadequate magnesium on neuroinflammation and its potential as a therapeutic agent for attenuating cognitive decline to improve neurodegenerative conditions.

Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate in Spinal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Optimizing pain management in spinal surgery is crucial for preventing adverse events due to delayed mobilization. Magnesium sulfate has potential benefits in spinal surgery because of its analgesic properties and modulation of neurotransmitters and autonomic nervous system. Existing evidence regarding the use of magnesium sulfate is partial and controversial, necessitating a comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate its efficacy and safety. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of magnesium sulfate in spinal surgery compared to other available options. This meta-analysis adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. Patients undergoing spinal surgery were included, with the intervention group receiving intravenous magnesium sulfate (MS) at various doses or combinations, whereas the comparison group received other alternatives or a placebo. The efficacy and safety outcomes were assessed. Data were collected from multiple databases and analyzed using Review Manager version 5.4. Heterogeneity was assessed and fixed- or random-effects models were applied. The meta-analysis included eight studies (n = 541). Magnesium sulfate demonstrated significant reductions in pain at 24 h (MD -0.20, 95% CI: -0.39 to -0.02) and opioid consumption (SMD -0.66, 95% CI: -0.95 to -0.38) compared to placebo. Additionally, a decrease in the use of muscle relaxants (SMD -0.91, 95% CI: -1.65 to -0.17) and remifentanil (SMD -1.52, 95% CI: -1.98 to -1.05) was observed. In contrast, an increase in extubation time (MD 2.42, 95% CI: 1.14 to 3.71) and verbal response (MD 1.85, 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.58) was observed compared to dexmedetomidine. In conclusion, magnesium sulfate administration in spinal surgery reduced pain and opioid consumption, and prolonged orientation and verbal response. No significant differences in blood pressure or heart rate were observed between the groups.

Preventative and therapeutic potential of animal milk components against COVID-19: A comprehensive review

The global pandemic of COVID-19 is considered one of the most catastrophic events on earth. During the pandemic, food ingredients may play crucial roles in preventing infectious diseases and sustaining people's general health and well-being. Animal milk acts as a super food since it has the capacity to minimize the occurrence of viral infections due to inherent antiviral properties of its ingredients. SARS-CoV-2 virus infection can be prevented by immune-enhancing and antiviral properties of caseins, α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, mucin, lactoferrin, lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, oligosaccharides, glycosaminoglycans, and glycerol monolaurate. Some of the milk proteins (i.e., lactoferrin) may work synergistically with antiviral medications (e.g., remdesivir), and enhance the effectiveness of treatment in this disease. Cytokine storm during COVID-19 can be managed by casein hydrolyzates, lactoferrin, lysozyme, and lactoperoxidase. Thrombus formation can be prevented by casoplatelins as these can inhibit human platelet aggregation. Milk vitamins (i.e., A, D, E, and B complexes) and minerals (i.e., Ca, P, Mg, Zn, and Se) can have significantly positive effects on boosting the immunity and health status of individuals. In addition, certain vitamins and minerals can also act as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antivirals. Thus, the overall effect of milk might be a result of synergistic antiviral effects and host immunomodulator activities from multiple components. Due to multiple overlapping functions of milk ingredients, they can play vital and synergistic roles in prevention as well as supportive agents during principle therapy of COVID-19.

Deciphering the role of metal and non-metals in the treatment of epilepsy

Metals and non-metals have known to play a significant role in various physiological roles in the body including the central nervous system (CNS). The alterations in their concentration in the CNS leads to abnormalities in the normal functions which may lead to various neurological conditions including epilepsy. Manganese is a cofactor required for antioxidant enzymes such as Superoxide dismutase, Glutamine synthetase, etc. The accumulation of iron leads to formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) which have the potential to cause ferroptosis, one of the reasons for epileptogenesis. Zinc has biphasic response, both neurotoxic and neuroprotective, based on concentration levels in the CNS. Selenium is a main element for selenoproteins which is responsible for the regulation of oxidative state and antioxidant defence mechanism. The reduction in the phosphorous levels in the CNS is widely observed after generalised tonic clonic seizures (GTC), which can be a potential diagnostic biomarker. Copper acts in the CNS in an identical manner, i.e., by blocking both AMPA mediated and GABA mediated neuronal transmission. Magnesium blocks calcium channels in the NMDA receptor and prevents glutamatergic transmission, thus inhibiting excitotoxicity. Lithium acts as a proconvulsive agent and is used in combination with pilocarpine to induce seizures. The identified potential of metals and non-metals in epilepsy can be utilised in order to devise new adjuvant therapies for the management of epilepsy. The article summaries in depth the role of metals and non-metals in the treatment of epilepsy supported with special paragraph on author perspective on to the topic. Furthermore, an update of preclinical and clinical evidences are discussed in the review to give evidence on metal and non-metal based therapies in epilepsy.

Dendrimer-Based N-Acetyl Cysteine Maternal Therapy Ameliorates Placental Inflammation via Maintenance of M1/M2 Macrophage Recruitment

Intrauterine inflammation (IUI) is the primary cause of spontaneous preterm birth and predisposes neonates to long-term sequelae, including adverse neurological outcomes. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is the amino acid L-cysteine derivative and a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione (GSH). NAC is commonly used clinically as an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Poor bioavailability and high protein binding of NAC necessitates the use of high doses resulting in side effects including nausea, vomiting, and gastric disruptions. Therefore, dendrimer-based therapy can specifically target the drug to the cells involved in inflammation, reducing side effects with efficacy at much lower doses than the free drug. Towards development of the new therapies for the treatment of maternal inflammation, we successfully administered dendrimer-based N-Acetyl Cysteine (DNAC) in an animal model of IUI to reduce preterm birth and perinatal inflammatory response. This study explored the associated immune mechanisms of DNAC treatment on placental macrophages following IUI, especially on M1/M2 type macrophage polarization. Our results demonstrated that intraperitoneal maternal DNAC administration significantly reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA of Il1β and Nos2, and decreased CD45⁺ leukocyte infiltration in the placenta following IUI. Furthermore, we found that DNAC altered placental immune profile by stimulating macrophages to change to the M2 phenotype while decreasing the M1 phenotype, thus suppressing the inflammatory responses in the placenta. Our study provides evidence for DNAC therapy to alleviate IUI via the maintenance of macrophage M1/M2 imbalance in the placenta.

Neuroprotective Agents for Neonates with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) remains a significant source of long-term neurodevelopmental impairment despite overall improvements in survival without disability in neonates who undergo therapeutic hypothermia. Each phase in the evolution of hypoxic-ischemic injury presents potential pharmacologic targets for neuroprotective agents. Melatonin is a promising emerging therapy for early phases of ischemic injury, but utility is currently limited by the lack of pharmaceutical-grade products. Magnesium has been extensively studied for its neuroprotective effects in the preterm population. Studies in neonates with HIE have produced mixed outcomes. Erythropoietin use in HIE with or without therapeutic hypothermia appears to be safe and may provide additional benefit. Dexmedetomidine, N-acetylcysteine, xenon, and topiramate all have promising animal data, but need additional human trials to elucidate what role they may play in HIE. Frequent review of existing literature is required to ensure provision of evidence-based pharmacologic agents for neuroprotection following HIE.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in perinatal asphyxia: role in pathogenesis and potential therapeutic interventions

Perinatal asphyxia (PA)-induced brain injury may present as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in the neonatal period, and long-term sequelae such as spastic motor deficits, intellectual disability, seizure disorders and learning disabilities. The brain injury is secondary to both the hypoxic-ischemic event and oxygenation-reperfusion following resuscitation. Following PA, a time-dependent progression of neuronal insult takes place in terms of transition of cell death from necrosis to apoptosis. This transition is the result of time-dependent progression of pathomechanisms which involve excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and ultimately mitochondrial dysfunction in developing brain. More precisely mitochondrial respiration is suppressed and calcium signalling is dysregulated. Consequently, Bax-dependent mitochondrial permeabilization occurs leading to release of cytochrome c and activation of caspases leading to transition of cell death in developing brain. The therapeutic window lies within this transition process. At present, therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the only clinical treatment available for treating moderate as well as severe asphyxia in new-born as it attenuates secondary loss of high-energy phosphates (ATP) (Solevåg et al. in Free Radic Biol Med 142:113-122, 2019; Gunn et al. in Pediatr Res 81:202-209, 2017), improving both short- and long-term outcomes. Mitoprotective therapies can offer a new avenue of intervention alone or in combination with therapeutic hypothermia for babies with birth asphyxia. This review will explore these mitochondrial pathways, and finally will summarize past and current efforts in targeting these pathways after PA, as a means of identifying new avenues of therapeutic intervention.

Hypertension induced by pregnancy and neonatal outcome: Results from a retrospective cohort study in preterm under 34 weeks

OBJECTIVE

The present study seeks to assess the impact of gestational hypertensive disorders on premature newborns below 34 weeks and to establish the main morbidities and mortality in the neonatal period and at 18 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective observational study was carried out with 695 premature newborns of gestational age (GA) between 24 and 33 weeks and 6 days, born alive in the Neonatal ICU of Brasília's Mother and Child Hospital (HMIB), in the period from January 1, 2014, to July 31, 2019. In total, 308 infants were born to hypertensive mothers (G1) and 387 to normotensive mothers (G2). Twin pregnancies and diabetic patients with severe malformations were excluded. Outcomes during hospitalization and outcomes of interest were evaluated: respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), brain ultrasonography, diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, breastfeeding rate at discharge, survival at discharge and at 18 months of chronological age and relationship between weight and gestational age.

RESULTS

Newborns with hypertensive mothers had significantly lower measurements of birth weight and head circumference. The G1 group had a higher risk small for gestational age (OR 2.4; CI 95% 1.6-3.6; p <0.00), as well as a greater risk of being born with a weight less than 850 g (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.2-3.5; p <0.00). Newborns of mothers with hypertension presented more necrotizing enterocolitis (OR 2.0; CI 95% 1.1-3.7); however, resuscitation in the delivery room and the need to use surfactant did not differ between groups, nor did the length of stay on mechanical ventilation, or dependence on oxygen at 36 weeks of gestational age. Survival was better in newborns of normotensive mothers, and this was a protective factor against death (OR 0.7; 95% CI 0.5-0.9; p <0.01). In the follow-up clinic, survival at 18 months of chronological age was similar between groups, with rates of 95.3% and 92.1% among hypertensive and normotensive mothers, respectively. Exclusive breastfeeding at discharge was 73.4% in the group of hypertensive women and 77.3% in the group of normotensive mothers. There were no significant differences between groups.

CONCLUSION

Among the analyzed outcomes, arterial hypertension during pregnancy can increase the risk of low weight, small babies for gestational age (SGA), deaths in the neonatal period and enterocolitis, with no differences in weight and survival at 18 months of chronological age. Arterial hypertension presents a high risk of prematurity in the neonatal period, with no difference at 18 months of age.

Next generation strategies for preventing preterm birth

Preterm birth (PTB) is defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation. Globally, 15 million infants are born prematurely, putting these children at an increased risk of mortality and lifelong health challenges. Currently in the U.S., there is only one FDA approved therapy for the prevention of preterm birth. Makena is an intramuscular progestin injection given to women who have experienced a premature delivery in the past. Recently, however, Makena failed a confirmatory trial, resulting the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research's (CDER) recommendation for the FDA to withdrawal Makena's approval. This recommendation would leave clinicians with no therapeutic options for preventing PTB. Here, we outline recent interdisciplinary efforts involving physicians, pharmacologists, biologists, chemists, and engineers to understand risk factors associated with PTB, to define mechanisms that contribute to PTB, and to develop next generation therapies for preventing PTB. These advances have the potential to better identify women at risk for PTB, prevent the onset of premature labor, and, ultimately, save infant lives.

Identifying the Critical Threshold for Long-Term Pediatric Neurological Hospitalizations of the Offspring in Preterm Delivery

We opted to investigate whether a critical threshold exists for long-term pediatric neurological morbidity, and cerebral palsy (CP), in preterm delivery, via a population-based cohort analysis. Four study groups were classified according to their gestational age at birth: 24–27.6, 28–31.6, 32–36.6 weeks and term deliveries, evaluating the incidence of long-term hospitalizations of the offspring due to neurological morbidity. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to control for confounders. A Kaplan–Meier survival curve was used to compare the cumulative neurological morbidity incidence for each group. A total of 220,563 deliveries were included: 0.1% (118) occurred at 24–27.6 weeks of gestation, 0.4% (776) occurred at 28–31.6 weeks of gestation, 6% (13,308) occurred at 32–36.6 weeks of gestation and 93% (206,361) at term. In a Cox model, while adjusting for confounders, delivery before 25 weeks had a 3.9-fold risk for long-term neurological morbidity (adjusted HR (hazard ratio) = 3.9, 95% CI (confidence interval) 2.3–6.6; p < 0.001). The Kaplan–Meier survival curve demonstrated a linear association between long-term neurological morbidity and decreasing gestational age. In a second Cox model, adjusted for confounders, infants born before 25 weeks of gestation had increased rates of CP (adjusted HR = 62.495% CI 25.6–152.4; p < 0.001). In our population, the critical cut-off for long-term neurological complications is delivery before 25 weeks gestation.

Perinatal Maternal-Fetal/Neonatal Transmission of COVID-19: A Guide to Safe Maternal and Neonatal Care in the Era of COVID-19 and Physical Distancing

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is highly contagious and can cause serious respiratory illness and other clinical manifestations. The aim of this review is to summarize the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and outcomes of COVID-19 in pregnant women and neonates, who may be especially vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19, and to discuss what is known about potential maternal-fetal and maternal-neonatal transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

Possibility of magnesium supplementation for supportive treatment in patients with COVID-19

Magnesium as an enzymatic activator is essential for various physiological functions such as cell cycle, metabolic regulation, muscle contraction, and vasomotor tone. A growing body of evidence supports that magnesium supplementation (mainly magnesium sulfate and magnesium oxide) prevents or treats various types of disorders or diseases related to respiratory system, reproductive system, nervous system, digestive system, and cardiovascular system as well as kidney injury, diabetes and cancer. The ongoing pandemic coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) characterized by respiratory tract symptoms with different degrees of important organ and tissue damages has attracted global attention. Particularly, effective drugs are still lacking in the COVID-19 therapy. In this review, we find and summarize the effectiveness of magnesium supplementation on the disorders or diseases, and provide a reference to the possibility of magnesium supplementation for supportive treatment in patients with COVID-19.

Fetal brain development in small-for-gestational age (SGA) fetuses and normal controls

Objective To assess whether fetal brain structures routinely measured during the second and third trimester ultrasound scans, particularly the width of the cavum septi pellucidi (CSP), differ between fetuses small for gestational age (SGA), fetuses very small for gestational age (VSGA) and normal controls. Methods In this retrospective study, we examined standard ultrasound measurements of 116 VSGA, 131 SGA fetuses and 136 normal controls including the head circumference (HC), transversal diameter of the cerebellum (TCD), the sizes of the lateral ventricle (LV) and the cisterna magna (CM) from the second and third trimester ultrasound scans extracted from a clinical database. We measured the CSP in these archived ultrasound scans. The HC/CSP, HC/LV, HC/CM and HC/TCD ratios were calculated as relative values independent of the fetal size. Results The HC/CSP ratio differed notably between the controls and each of the other groups (VSGA P = 0.018 and SGA P = 0.017). No notable difference in the HC/CSP ratio between the VSGA and SGA groups could be found (P = 0.960). The HC/LV, HC/CM and HC/TCD ratios were similar in all the three groups. Conclusion Relative to HC, the CSP is larger in VSGA and SGA fetuses than in normal controls. However, there is no notable difference between VSGA and SGA fetuses, which might be an indicator for abnormal brain development in this group.

Periviability: A Review of Key Concepts and Management for Perinatal Nursing

One of the most complex clinical problems in obstetrics and neonatology is caring for pregnant women at the threshold of viability. Births near viability boundaries are grave events that carry a high prevalence of neonatal death or an increased potential for severe lifelong complications and disabilities among those who survive. Compared with several decades ago, premature infants receiving neonatal care by today's standards have better outcomes than those born in other eras. However, preterm labor at periviability represents a more complex counseling and management challenge. Although preterm birth incidence between 20/7 and 25/7 weeks has remained unchanged, survival rates at earlier gestational ages have increased as perinatal and neonatal specialties have become more adept at caring for this at-risk population. Women face difficult choices about obstetric and neonatal interventions in light of uncertainties around survival and outcomes. This article reviews current neonatal statistics in reference to short- and long-term outcomes, key concepts in obstetric clinical management of an anticipated periviable birth, and counseling guidance to ensure shared-decision making.