Regression of malignant tumours in magnesium and potassium depletion induced by diet and haemodialysis

Magnesium Supplementation: Effect on the Expression of Inflammation Genes in Erlich's Tumor

Magnesium supplementation may be beneficial for cancer patients due to its action as a modulator of cell proliferation and metabolism and its anti-inflammatory effect. Tumor metabolism can influence the bioavailability and absorption of nutrients, leading to an increase in the individual's nutritional needs. In this work, the effects of supplementing different dosages of magnesium chloride in mice with solid Ehrlich's tumors were investigated by analyzing their hematological, inflammatory and anthropometric biomarkers. Three dosages of magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) were administered for 28 consecutive days. Animal welfare was assessed according to the criteria stipulated by the National Center for the Replacement, Refinement, and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs). The inverted grid method was used to analyze muscle strength and fatigue. Difference in expression of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α) and the Growth Transformation Factor (TGF-β1) genes was determined by the 2^-ΔCt method. The hematological evaluation consisted of the erythrogram, white blood cell and platelet counts were used for the hematological evaluation and treatment cytotoxicity. Difference in the expression of the TNF-α and TGF-β genes showed that the group that received a high dose of magnesium had a decrease in TNF-α and RNL, an improvement in well-being with a tendency to increase muscle strength and less tumor progression according to the days of treatment. The group that received a low dosage of magnesium had a smaller tumor volume and a more controlled tumor growth according to the days. The group that received an intermediate dosage presented cytotoxicity.

Hydration with magnesium and mannitol without furosemide prevents the nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin and pemetrexed in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of hydration with magnesium and mannitol without furosemide on the nephrotoxocity accompanying combination chemotherapy using cisplatin and pemetrexed in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Fifty patients with NSCLC who received cisplatin plus pemetrexed, using either old hydration protocol including normal saline with mannitol and furosemide, or a new one including normal saline with magnesium and mannitol without furosemide were retrospectively analyzed. Nephrotoxicity was compared between patients treated using the old protocol and those treated with the new protocol. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the independent factors associated with protection against nephrotoxicity in patients with NSCLC who received cisplatin plus pemetrexed.

RESULTS

Thirty patients received the old hydration protocol, while 20 patients were treated using the new hydration protocol. The patients treated using the new hydration protocol showed a significantly greater increase in creatinine clearance (P=0.0004) and a decrease in the serum creatinine level (P=0.0148) after one course of chemotherapy compared with those treated using the old hydration protocol. There were no differences in the chemotherapeutic response or overall survival between the groups (P=0.572). The new hydration protocol with supplemented magnesium with mannitol without furosemide was an independent factor for the protection against nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin and pemetrexed in patients with advanced NSCLC [HR 0.232 (95% CI: 0.055-0.986), P=0.039].

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that the new hydration protocol comprising supplementation with magnesium without furosemide could prevent the nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin and pemetrexed without affecting the treatment outcome.

Magnesium deficiency inhibits primary tumor growth but favors metastasis in mice

The results of several experimental and epidemiological studies have shown an inverse correlation between Mg status and the risk of some cancers. However, relationship between magnesium and cancer is complex. The aim of our work was to examine the precise effect of Mg deficiency on transplantable mouse tumor growth and metastasis. The results obtained indicate a significant retardation of primary tumor growth (up to 70%) in mice receiving Mg-deficient diet. However, Mg repletion caused in these mice significant increase of primary tumor burden. Analysis of cell cycle distribution showed a reduced percentage of cells in the S phase and an increase of cells in the G(0)/G(1) phase of the cell cycle in LLC tumors caused by Mg deficiency. This is in agreement with the effect of low Mg level on cell growth observed in vitro. Interestingly, in mice inoculated with LLC cells and receiving low-magnesium diet, a higher metastatic potential was observed as compared to control mice. In conclusion, our results demonstrate a direct role of magnesium in tumor growth and also point at deleterious effect of low magnesium status on tumor metastasis.

The Na+/H+ antiporter in oncology in the light of the spontaneous regression of cancer and cell metabolism

Multiple metabolic and biochemical interrelationships, as well as the most recent views on mechanisms of malignant cell growth, proliferation, and oncogen activity mediated by the Na+/H+ antiporter, can be integrated from the unitarian point of view of the dynamics of the hydrogen ion to parallel pH-related mechanisms involved in the Spontaneous Regression (SR) of some malignant tumors. Also, pH-related growth inhibitors of the amiloride series are considered as possible agents to be used in the adjuvant and co-adjuvant treatment of some human tumors as well as in the control of the metastatic process and in overcoming cancer multidrug resistance (MDR).

Effect of dietary selenium and magnesium on human mammary tumor growth in athymic nude mice

The effect of dietary selenium (Se) supplementation and low dietary magnesium (Mg) on growth of cells of the human mammary tumor cell line (HTB123/DU4475) and the tissue glutathione (GSH) content in female athymic nude mice was studied. Sixty three- to four-week-old female athymic nude mice were randomly divided into six dietary groups of 10 animals. The mice were fed a modified AIN-76A diet with two levels of Mg (100 and 665 mg/kg) and three levels of Se (0.04, 0.2, and 4.0 mg/kg). At the fourth week of dietary treatment, mice were subcutaneously inoculated with 2.5 x 10(6) viable tumor cells on the dorsal lumbar region and then fed their respective diets for another four weeks. Dietary Se supplementation had no significant effect on tumor growth or tissue GSH content. Low dietary Mg limited both tumor growth and tissue GSH synthesis but raised Mg and GSH levels in tumor tissues. The growth of mice fed the diet containing 100 mg/kg Mg and 4.0 mg/kg Se was significantly retarded. This study demonstrated that neither Se deficiency nor Se supplementation had any effect on mammary tumor growth or tissue GSH content in athymic nude mice. Low dietary Mg did retard tumor growth and inhibited GSH synthesis. Low dietary Mg also resulted in an apparent increase in Se toxicity in these animals.

Cancer and protein metabolism

We have reviewed the data that indicate that protein depletion is an important problem in cancer patients. An incomplete, yet useful, idea of the underlying mechanisms emerges. Further, we have seen that the provision of nutritional support may have a beneficial effect on patients with cancer, and we have explored areas of recent advances in nutritional formulation as regards energy and nitrogen source. Finally, data regarding micronutrients affecting nitrogen metabolism were reviewed. The extent to which tumor metabolism and changes secondary to the tumor-bearing state are influenced by micronutrients is not known. Traditional regimens based on the requirements of normal subjects or noncancer patients may not be relevant to the metabolic needs of the cancer patient. This could explain in part the failure of nutritional intervention trials to demonstrate a consistent benefit of nutritional support to the cancer patient. Further information regarding micronutrient needs in normal humans and cancer-bearing patients and their utilization by malignant tumors will have to be obtained.

Effects of magnesium supplementation in testicular cancer patients receiving cis-platin: a randomised trial

The concentration of magnesium in serum has been shown to fall to potentially dangerously low levels after several courses of treatment with cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II (cis-platin). The aims of this study were to examine the effects of magnesium supplementation on predicted outcome of treatment, rate of response to treatment and toxicity of treatment. Sixteen patients with testicular cancer were studied in detail over a 14 month period. One patient with an ovarian dysgerminoma was also included in the study. Eight patients were randomised to receive magnesium supplements both intravenous and oral; nine did not. The non-supplemented group showed significantly greater renal tubular damage as assessed by urine N-acetyl-B-D-glucosaminidase (NAG). There was a trend towards a reduction in treatment delays due to neutropenic episodes in the supplemented group, and serum magnesium concentrations remained significantly higher. Neither group showed differences in tumour growth rates or outcome. These results show that magnesium supplements are of considerable benefit and show no harmful effects in patients receiving cis-platin treatment. It is is suggested that magnesium supplements should be a routine part of the treatment regime, and that these should comprise both i.v. supplements during treatment and oral supplements between courses.

Spontaneous regression of lung metastases of adenoid cystic carcinoma

Two patients with spontaneous regression of histologically confirmed lung metastases from a classic cribriform adenoid cystic carcinoma are presented. The first case was moribund when multiple small lung metastases were detected, but after a very strict diet, he presented progressive improvement in his general condition and regression of the metastases. In the second case, three large lung metastases and a subcutaneous metastasis regressed after several local recurrences of the primary tumor had been removed.

Hydrogen ion dynamics and cancer: an appraisal

The concentration of hydrogen ions plays a critical role in all biochemical processes, including multiple enzymatic reactions, and in the regulation of metabolism. The acid-base aspects of metabolism as applied to cancer are considered. Preliminary data are presented. The primary concept of hydrogen ion dynamics is related to prevention, development, and etiology of carcinogenicity, as well as to the regression of certain malignant malignant tumors. The present overview summarizes, in terms of H+ dynamics, many related concepts in oncologic research and associates and integrates a variety of basic and clinical observations toward better understanding of cancer cell behavior, biology, and host-tumor relationships.

Water relations of altered body functions

Body fluids are relatively dilute aqueous solutions, so despite their complex and variable chemical constitution, the properties of water contribute materially to their physical behavior. Since there is probably no water-potential gradient anywhere in the body, those fluids are in dynamic osmotic equilibrium with each other and, because water resembles a highly mobile random network of severely distorted hydrogen bonds, a dynamic water continuum pervades the body-fluid compartments. This random network is subject to interference in a variety of ways, but its likely response is remarkably consistent with corresponding changes in major body functions. The state of body water may therefore be a more sensitive index of abnormality than hitherto supposed.

Effects of washing on phytohemagglutinin responsiveness of lymphocytes from irradiated patients

The peripheral lymphocytes from irradiated patients generally have a reduced capability to respond to phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Whether a relationship exists between PHA-responsiveness and chromosome aberration frequencies was examined by washing the lymphocytes with culture medium. The results indicate that the defect in lymphocyte activation in patients receiving radiation therapy was caused by some reversible changes in the lymphocyte membrane directly associated with radiation exposure rather than by a radiation induced suppressor substance secondarily acting on the lymphocyte membrane.

Magnesium (and trace substance) deficiencies in the pathogenesis of cancer

Except for a few experimental models of magnesium (Mg)-deficiency-induced neoplasms, less attention has been paid in the past quarter century in the Western world to this macromineral than to the trace elements; e.g., selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn), and to vitamins, deficiencies of which are each considered probable factors in oncogenesis. Although early epidemiologic studies showed an inverse correlation between the amount of Mg in soil and water and the incidence of (gastric) cancer, and several animal studies supported the premise that Mg has a prophylactic effect against induction of cancer, other studies showed that Mg supplementation increased the growth of established experimental tumors. Thus, enthusiasm for this approach subsided. The early epidemiologic findings have since been confirmed, and there have been studies demonstrating the importance of Mg in maintaining immunocompetence, and others indicating that immunodeficiencies increase susceptibility to the development of cancer. Evidence has now accrued that indicates that Mg deficiency increases susceptibility to chemical oncogens. The abnormal metabolism of tryptophan (yielding a carcinogenic metabolite) that indicates functional or absolute pyridoxine deficiency is an indirect clue to Mg deficiency. Vitamin B6-activated enzymes require Mg as a cofactor. However, the early warnings against the use of Mg as part of an antineoplastic program against established cancer were justified, since rapidly metabolizing cells (such as cancers) are dependent on Mg.There are similarities between experiences with Mg and with Se and Zn. All three are required for normal metabolism; Se also protects against free radicals in the environment. Mg and Zn have increased established tumor growth, and their depletion has been applied to antineoplastic programs, with risks comparable to those of using antimetabolic agents.

Alternative means of access to circulation for chronic haemodialysis

Various standard techniques of access to the circulation for haemodialysis are ideal for most patients. Another type of internal fistual of large vessels, between the saphenous vein and the femoral artery, has been found useful in patients whose peripheral vessels are unsuitable for the standard means of access.