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Knecht KT, Chiriac G, Guan HD. The potential impact of a vegetarian diet on glaucoma. Surv Ophthalmol 2024:S0039-6257(24)00048-1. [PMID: 38768761 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2024.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma has centered on the lowering of intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve; however, this strategy is not uniformly successful, especially in normal tension glaucoma, and there is interest in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other neuroprotective strategies. Vegetarian diets are known to be rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components and have a number of established health benefits. Thus, it would be reasonable to assume that vegetarian diets would be beneficial in glaucoma, but this approach has not been well studied. We examine the possible role of vegetarian diets and their components in the incidence and progression of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn T Knecht
- Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Gabriela Chiriac
- Loma Linda University School of Public Health, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Howard D Guan
- Loma Linda University Eye Institute, Loma Linda, California, USA.
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Elghobashy M, Lamont HC, Morelli-Batters A, Masood I, Hill LJ. Magnesium and Its Role in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma; A Novel Therapeutic? FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2022; 2:897128. [PMID: 38983515 PMCID: PMC11182183 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2022.897128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, with Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) being the commonest subtype. POAG is characterized by an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), leading to optic nerve damage and subsequent visual field defects. Despite the clinical burden this disease poses, current therapies aim to reduce IOP rather than targeting the underling pathogenesis. Although the pathogenesis of POAG is complex, the culprit for this increase in IOP resides in the aqueous humour (AH) outflow pathway; the trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm's canal. Dysfunction in these tissues is due to inherent mitochondrial dysfunction, calcium influx sensitivity, increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, TGFβ-2 induction, leading to a sustained inflammatory response. Magnesium is the second most common intracellular cation, and is a major co-factor in over 300 reactions, being highly conserved within energy-dependent organelles such as the mitochondria. Magnesium deficiency has been observed in POAG and is linked to inflammatory and fibrotic responses, as well as increased oxidative stress (OS). Magnesium supplementation been shown to reduce cellular ROS, alleviate mitochondrial dysregulation and has further antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties within ocular tissues, and other soft tissues prone to fibrosis, suggesting that magnesium can improve visual fields in patients with POAG. The link between magnesium deficiency and glaucoma pathogenesis as well as the potential role of magnesium supplementation in the management of patients with POAG will be explored within this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirna Elghobashy
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah C. Lamont
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- School of Chemical Engineering, Healthcare Technologies Institute, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Morelli-Batters
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Imran Masood
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa J. Hill
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Chaudhry S, Dunn H, Carnt N, White A. Nutritional supplementation in the prevention and treatment of Glaucoma. Surv Ophthalmol 2021; 67:1081-1098. [PMID: 34896192 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a chronic optic neuropathy that creates a significant burden on public health. Oxidative stress is hypothesised to play a role to glaucoma progression, and its reduction is being analysed as a therapeutic target. Dietary antioxidants play a crucial role in helping provide insight into this hypothesis. We reviewed 71 trials, interventional, I -vivo and I -vitro, including 11 randomised controlled trials, to determine if adjunctive nutritional supplementation could lead to a reduction in oxidative stress and prevent glaucomatous progression. Many laboratory findings show that vitamins and natural compounds contain an abundance of intrinsic antioxidative, neuroprotective and vasoprotective properties that show promise in the treatment and prevention of glaucoma. Although there is encouraging early evidence, most clincial findings are inconclusive. The group of B vitamins appear to have the greatest amount of evidence. Other compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids, curcumin, saffron, CoQ10, Ggngko Biloba and Resveratrol however warrant further investigation in glaucoma patients. Studies of these antioxidants and other nutrients could create adjunctive or alternative preventative and treatment modalities for glaucoma to those currently available.
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Key Words
- AA, Ascorbic acid
- ARMD, Age Related Macular Degeneration
- CoQ10, Coenzyme Q10
- GON, Glaucomatous Optic Neuropathy
- Hcy, Homocysteine
- IOP, Intraocular pressure
- NO, Nitric Oxide
- NOS, Nitric Oxide Synthase
- NTG, Normal Tension Glaucoma
- POAG, Primary open angle Glaucoma;PEXG, Exfoliation Glaucoma
- PVD Primary vascular dysregulation
- RGC, Retinal Ganglion Cells
- ROS, Reactive Oxygen Species
- SC, Schlemm's Canal
- TM Trabecular Meshwork
- Vitamins, Nutrients, Glaucoma, Supplements, Reactive Oxygen Species, Open Angle Glaucoma, Trabecular Meshwork, Retinal Ganglion Cells, Oxidative Stress. Abbreviations
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Chaudhry
- Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Hamish Dunn
- Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Westmead and Central Clinical Schools, Discipline of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicole Carnt
- Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Westmead Institute of Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew White
- Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Westmead and Central Clinical Schools, Discipline of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Westmead Institute of Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Lambuk L, Iezhitsa I, Agarwal R, Agarwal P, Peresypkina A, Pobeda A, Ismail NM. Magnesium acetyltaurate prevents retinal damage and visual impairment in rats through suppression of NMDA-induced upregulation of NF-κB, p53 and AP-1 (c-Jun/c-Fos). Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:2330-2344. [PMID: 33818520 PMCID: PMC8354133 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.310691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnesium acetyltaurate (MgAT) has been shown to have a protective effect against N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced retinal cell apoptosis. The current study investigated the involvement of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), p53 and AP-1 family members (c-Jun/c-Fos) in neuroprotection by MgAT against NMDA-induced retinal damage. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to undergo intravitreal injection of vehicle, NMDA or MgAT as pre-treatment to NMDA. Seven days after injections, retinal ganglion cells survival was detected using retrograde labelling with fluorogold and BRN3A immunostaining. Functional outcome of retinal damage was assessed using electroretinography, and the mechanisms underlying antiapoptotic effect of MgAT were investigated through assessment of retinal gene expression of NF-κB, p53 and AP-1 family members (c-Jun/c-Fos) using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Retinal phospho-NF-κB, phospho-p53 and AP-1 levels were evaluated using western blot assay. Rat visual functions were evaluated using visual object recognition tests. Both retrograde labelling and BRN3A immunostaining revealed a significant increase in the number of retinal ganglion cells in rats receiving intravitreal injection of MgAT compared with the rats receiving intravitreal injection of NMDA. Electroretinography indicated that pre-treatment with MgAT partially preserved the functional activity of NMDA-exposed retinas. MgAT abolished NMDA-induced increase of retinal phospho-NF-κB, phospho-p53 and AP-1 expression and suppressed NMDA-induced transcriptional activity of NF-κB, p53 and AP-1 family members (c-Jun/c-Fos). Visual object recognition tests showed that MgAT reduced difficulties in recognizing the visual cues (i.e. objects with different shapes) after NMDA exposure, suggesting that visual functions of rats were relatively preserved by pre-treatment with MgAT. In conclusion, pre-treatment with MgAT prevents NMDA induced retinal injury by inhibiting NMDA-induced neuronal apoptosis via downregulation of transcriptional activity of NF-κB, p53 and AP-1-mediated c-Jun/c-Fos. The experiments were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, UiTM CARE No 118/2015 on December 4, 2015 and UiTM CARE No 220/7/2017 on December 8, 2017 and Ethics Committee of Belgorod State National Research University, Russia, No 02/20 on January 10, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidawani Lambuk
- Center for Neuroscience Research (NeuRon), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Igor Iezhitsa
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Renu Agarwal
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Puneet Agarwal
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Anna Peresypkina
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Medicine, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Anna Pobeda
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Medicine, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Nafeeza Mohd Ismail
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Orhan C, Er B, Deeh PBD, Bilgic AA, Ojalvo SP, Komorowski JR, Sahin K. Different Sources of Dietary Magnesium Supplementation Reduces Oxidative Stress by Regulation Nrf2 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways in High-Fat Diet Rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 2021; 199:4162-4170. [PMID: 33409912 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02526-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral required for many physiological processes, including ionic balances in ocular tissues. We compared the effects of different Mg-chelates (Mg oxide, MgO vs. Mg picolinate, MgPic) on retinal function in a high-fat diet (HFD) rats. Forty-two rats were divided into six groups and treated orally for 8 weeks as follows: Control, MgO, MgPic, HFD, HFD + MgO, and HFD + MgPic. Mg was administered at 500 mg of elemental Mg/kg of diet. HFD intake increased the levels of retinal MDA and NF-κB, INOS, ICAM, and VEGF but downregulated Nrf2. However, in rats supplemented with MgO and MgPic, the retinal MDA level was decreased, compared with the control and HFD rats. Activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) were increased in HFD animals given Mg-chelates (p < 0.001), MgPic being the most effective. Mg supplementation significantly decreased the expression levels of NF-κB, INOS, ICAM, and VEGF in HFD rats while increasing the level of Nrf2 (p < 0.001). Mg supplementation significantly decreased the levels of NF-κB, INOS, ICAM, and VEGF and increased Nrf2 level in HFD rats (p < 0.001), with stronger effects seen from MgPic. Mg attenuated retinal oxidative stress and neuronal inflammation and could be considered as an effective treatment for ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cemal Orhan
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, 23119, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Besir Er
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | | | - Ahmet Alp Bilgic
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sabuncuoglu Serefeddin Research and Training Hospital, Amasya University, Amasya, Turkey
| | | | | | - Kazim Sahin
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, 23119, Elazig, Turkey.
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Influence of Trace Elements on Neurodegenerative Diseases of The Eye-The Glaucoma Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094323. [PMID: 33919241 PMCID: PMC8122456 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a heterogeneous group of chronic neurodegenerative disorders characterized by a relatively selective, progressive damage to the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons, which leads to axon loss and visual field alterations. To date, many studies have shown the role of various elements, mainly metals, in maintaining the balance of prooxidative and antioxidative processes, regulation of fluid and ion flow through cell membranes of the ocular tissues. Based on the earlier and current research results, their relationship with the development and progression of glaucoma seems obvious and is increasingly appreciated. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current evidence on the role of trace elements in the pathogenesis and prevention of glaucomatous diseases. Special attention is also paid to the genetic background associated with glaucoma-related abnormalities of physiological processes that regulate or involve the ions of elements considered as trace elements necessary for the functioning of the cells.
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Badugu R, Szmacinski H, Reece EA, Jeng BH, Lakowicz JR. Sodium-Sensitive Contact Lens for Diagnostics of Ocular Pathologies. SENSORS AND ACTUATORS. B, CHEMICAL 2021; 331:129434. [PMID: 33551571 PMCID: PMC7861470 DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2021.129434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The ability to measure all the electrolyte concentrations in tears would be valuable in ophthalmology for research and diagnosis of dry eye disease (DED) and other ocular pathologies. However, tear samples are difficult to collect and analyze because the total volume is small and the chemical composition changes rapidly. Measurements of electrolytes in tears is challenging because typical clinical assays for proteins and other biomarkers cannot be used to detect ion concentrations tears. Here, we report the contact lens which is sensitive to sodium ion (Na+), one of the dominant electrolytes in tears. The Na ions in tears is diagnostic for DED. Three sodium-sensitive fluorophores (SG-C16, SG-LPE and SG-PL) were synthesized by derivatizing the sodium green with 1-hexadecyl amine, 1-oleoyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine or poly-L-lysine, respectively. These probes were bound to modern silicone hydrogel (SiHG) contact lens, Biofinity from Cooper Vision. Doped lenses were tested for sodium ion dependent spectral properties of probes within the contact lens. The probes displayed changes in intensity and lifetime in response to Na+ concentration, were completely reversible, no significant probe wash-out from the lenses, were not affected by proteins in tears and were not removed after repeated washing. These results are the first step to our long-term goal, which is a lens sensitive to all the electrolytes in tears. We presented design, synthesis and implementation of three new sodium sensitive probes within a silicon hydrogel lens. Contact lenses to measure the other electrolytes in tears can be developed using the same approach by synthesis and testing of new ion-sensitive fluorophores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramachandram Badugu
- Center for Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology University of Maryland School of Medicine, 725 West Lombard St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Henryk Szmacinski
- Center for Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology University of Maryland School of Medicine, 725 West Lombard St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - E Albert Reece
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Md 21201, USA
| | - Bennie H Jeng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 W. Redwood Street, Baltimore, Md 21201, USA
| | - Joseph R Lakowicz
- Center for Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology University of Maryland School of Medicine, 725 West Lombard St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Mathew AA, Panonnummal R. 'Magnesium'-the master cation-as a drug-possibilities and evidences. Biometals 2021; 34:955-986. [PMID: 34213669 PMCID: PMC8249833 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-021-00328-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Magnesium (Mg2+) is the 2nd most abundant intracellular cation, which participates in various enzymatic reactions; there by regulating vital biological functions. Magnesium (Mg2+) can regulate several cations, including sodium, potassium, and calcium; it consequently maintains physiological functions like impulse conduction, blood pressure, heart rhythm, and muscle contraction. But, it doesn't get much attention in account with its functions, making it a "Forgotten cation". Like other cations, maintenance of the normal physiological level of Mg2+ is important. Its deficiency is associated with various diseases, which point out to the importance of Mg2+ as a drug. The roles of Mg2+ such as natural calcium antagonist, glutamate NMDA receptor blocker, vasodilator, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent are responsible for its therapeutic benefits. Various salts of Mg2+ are currently in clinical use, but their application is limited. This review collates all the possible mechanisms behind the behavior of magnesium as a drug at different disease conditions with clinical shreds of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Ann Mathew
- Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Institute of Medical Science & Research Centre, Amrita VishwaVidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041, India
| | - Rajitha Panonnummal
- Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Institute of Medical Science & Research Centre, Amrita VishwaVidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041, India.
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Yoserizal M, Hirooka K, Yoneda M, Ohno H, Kobuke K, Kawano R, Kiuchi Y. Associations of nutrient intakes with glaucoma among Japanese Americans. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e18314. [PMID: 31804379 PMCID: PMC6919431 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000018314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations of nutrient intake on glaucoma in subjects of Japanese descent living in Los Angeles, CA.In this cross-sectional study, 581 Japanese American participants in Los Angeles underwent an interview, fundus photography, comprehensive physical, and blood examinations, along with determining the body mass index status and any confounding factors. CDSketch was used to measure the cup-disc ratio and rim width of each fundus in the retinal photographs. A multivariate logistic regression test with adjustment for confounding factors was used to assess the association between glaucoma and nutrient intake.A total of 61 of 581 participants were diagnosed with glaucoma in this study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a high intake of iron (odds ratio [OR]: 1.303, P = .004), low intake of vitamin A (OR: 0.365, P = .019), and vegetable fat (OR: 0.957, P = .004) were associated with an increased risk of glaucoma.Current findings showed that high iron intake and low vitamin A and vegetable fat intake appeared to be associated with an increased risk of glaucoma in subjects of Japanese descent living in the Los Angeles populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Yoserizal
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science
- Jakarta Eye Centre, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Masayasu Yoneda
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University
| | - Haruya Ohno
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University
| | - Kazuhiro Kobuke
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University
| | - Reo Kawano
- Center for Integrated Medical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
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Schwalfenberg GK, Genuis SJ. The Importance of Magnesium in Clinical Healthcare. SCIENTIFICA 2017; 2017:4179326. [PMID: 29093983 PMCID: PMC5637834 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4179326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 06/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The scientific literature provides extensive evidence of widespread magnesium deficiency and the potential need for magnesium repletion in diverse medical conditions. Magnesium is an essential element required as a cofactor for over 300 enzymatic reactions and is thus necessary for the biochemical functioning of numerous metabolic pathways. Inadequate magnesium status may impair biochemical processes dependent on sufficiency of this element. Emerging evidence confirms that nearly two-thirds of the population in the western world is not achieving the recommended daily allowance for magnesium, a deficiency problem contributing to various health conditions. This review assesses available medical and scientific literature on health issues related to magnesium. A traditional integrated review format was utilized for this study. Level I evidence supports the use of magnesium in the prevention and treatment of many common health conditions including migraine headache, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, asthma, premenstrual syndrome, preeclampsia, and various cardiac arrhythmias. Magnesium may also be considered for prevention of renal calculi and cataract formation, as an adjunct or treatment for depression, and as a therapeutic intervention for many other health-related disorders. In clinical practice, optimizing magnesium status through diet and supplementation appears to be a safe, useful, and well-documented therapy for several medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerry K. Schwalfenberg
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, No. 301, 9509-156 Street, Edmonton, AB, Canada T5P 4J5
| | - Stephen J. Genuis
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, 2935-66 Street, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6K 4C1
- University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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