Magnesium as a Calcification Inhibitor

Publication date: May 2018Source: Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease, Volume 25, Issue 3Author(s): Lucie Hénaut, Ziad A. MassyVascular calcification (VC) is associated with elevated cardiovascular mortality rates in patients with CKD. Recent clinical studies of patients with advanced CKD have observed an association between low serum magnesium (Mg) levels on one hand and elevated VC and cardiovascular mortality on the other. These findings have stimulated interest in understanding Mg's impact on CKD in general and the associated VC in particular. In vitro and preclinical in vivo data indicate that Mg has the potential to protect vascular smooth muscle cells against calcification via several different molecular mechanisms. Accordingly, data from pilot interventional studies in the clinic suggest that oral Mg supplementation reduces VC in patients with CKD. The present review provides an overview of our current understanding of the impact of Mg on the development of VC in patients with CKD.
Source: Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease - Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research