Magnesium and other biometals in oxidative medicine and redox biology

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Magnesium and Micro-Elements in Older Persons

Macro- and micro-element deficiencies are widely diffused in older people. The deficiency of these elements in older people is often attributable to malnutrition, even if other medical conditions (such as gastrointestinal problem) or non-medical conditions (such as polypharmacy) can lead to these deficiencies [1]. It is estimated that malnutrition is present in 1.3–47.8% of older people living in the community, being higher in other settings and in low-middle income countries [2]

Magnesium and type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is frequently associated with both extracellular and intracellular magnesium (Mg) deficits. A chronic latent Mg deficit or an overt clinical hypomagnesemia is common in patients with type 2 diabetes, especially in those with poorly controlled glycemic profiles. Insulin and glucose are important regulators of Mg metabolism. Intracellular Mg plays a key role in regulating insulin action, insulin-mediated-glucose-uptake and vascular tone. Reduced intracellular Mg concentrations result in a defective tyrosine-kinase activity, postreceptorial impairment in insulin action and worsening of insulin resistance in diabetic patients. A low Mg intake and an increased Mg urinary loss appear the most important mechanisms that may favor Mg depletion in patients with type 2 diabetes. Low dietary Mg intake has been related to the development of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Benefits of Mg supplementation on metabolic profiles in diabetic patients have been found in most, but not all clinical studies and larger prospective studies are needed to support the potential role of dietary Mg supplementation as a possible public health strategy in diabetes risk. The aim of this review is to revise current evidence on the mechanisms of Mg deficiency in diabetes and on the possible role of Mg supplementation in the prevention and management of the disease

Healthy ageing: From a myth to a reality

The dream of living long and healthy has accompanied man since the beginning of time. The present remarkable increased life expectancy is most probably the result of better living conditions, medical progress, and better health care organization. Dramatic demographic changes occur not only in industrialised countries, but primarily affect the least developed part of the world. This extraordinary success of humanity brings with it many challenges to build a future with healthy seniors. The recently released World report on ageing and health, one of the most important WHO documents in recent years, confirms the crucial importance of the maintenance of functional ability throughout life

MAGNESIUM, OXIDATIVE STRESS AND AGING MUSCLE

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency, aside from having a negative impact on the energy production pathways required by the mitochondria to generate ATP, also reduces the threshold antioxidant capacity of the aging organism and its resistance to free-radical damage. Mg acts as an antioxidant against free radical damage of the mitochondria. Chronic Mg deficiency results in excessive production of oxygen-derived free radicals and low-grade inflammation. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress have been identified as pathogenic factors in several age-related conditions. Aging is often associated with Mg inadequacy, muscle loss and sarcopenia. Although the importance of magnesium as a determinant of muscle performance in young athletes is well-established, its role in maintaining muscle integrity and function in older adults is largely unknown. Serum magnesium concentration is an independent correlate of muscle performance in older persons. Whether magnesium supplementation would prevent sarcopenia and improve muscle function in the elderly remains to be demonstrated

Osteoporosis in men: a case report

Osteoporosis in men is frequently not considered, underdiagnosed and often undertreated. In contrast with osteoporosis occurring in women, the genesis is frequently secondary (30-60%) with a complex diagnostic approach. A careful anamnesis and physical examination associated with laboratory and instrumental evaluation are necessary for an accurate diagnosis. The clinical case presented concerns a 70-year-old man with negative family history for osteoporosis and a personal history of depression, HBV carrier, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a heavy ex-smoker with history of alcoholism. The comprehensive geriatric evaluation allowed us to diagnose a multifactorially secondary osteoporosis associated to osteomalacia probably generated by the combination of alcohol abuse with consequent severe malnutrition, heavy smoking and COPD, physical inactivity and rapid weight loss

Magnesium in Aging, Health and Diseases

Several changes of magnesium (Mg) metabolism have been reported with aging, including diminished Mg intake, impaired intestinal Mg absorption and renal Mg wasting. Mild Mg deficits are generally asymptomatic and clinical signs are usually non-specific or absent. Asthenia, sleep disorders, hyperemotionality, and cognitive disorders are common in the elderly with mild Mg deficit, and may be often confused with age-related symptoms. Chronic Mg deficits increase the production of free radicals which have been implicated in the development of several chronic age-related disorders. Numerous human diseases have been associated with Mg deficits, including cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and stroke, cardio-metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus, airways constrictive syndromes and asthma, depression, stress-related conditions and psychiatric disorders, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementia syndromes, muscular diseases (muscle pain, chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia), bone fragility, and cancer. Dietary Mg and/or Mg consumed in drinking water (generally more bioavailable than Mg contained in food) or in alternative Mg supplements should be taken into consideration in the correction of Mg deficits. Maintaining an optimal Mg balance all through life may help in the prevention of oxidative stress and chronic conditions associated with aging. This needs to be demonstrated by future studies