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Research: Preterm labor powerhouse therapy offers promise for inflammatory diseases Case Western Reserve team discovers broader applicability of magnesium
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zumone2002
Oct 9, 2012, 8:05:51 PM10/9/12
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http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-10/cwru-plp100912.php
Preterm labor powerhouse therapy offers promise for inflammatory
diseases
Case Western Reserve team discovers broader applicability of magnesium
Magnesium sulfate is given to many pregnant women to treat preterm
labor and preeclampsia and was recently shown to prevent cerebral
palsy; however little is known about how it works. Researchers at Case
Western Reserve University School of Medicine recently discovered the
mechanism by which magnesium reduces the production of cytokines.
Cytokines are molecules responsible for regulating inflammation; they
play a key role conditions, such as diabetes, obesity,
atherosclerosis, asthma, and alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis.
Although the study related to pregnancy, inflammation is the culprit
of many conditions and learning more about individual's magnesium
levels may help a much broader patient population.
In a study published in The Journal of Immunology, the laboratories of
Helene Bernstein, MD, PhD, and Andrea Romani, MD, PhD, reported that
magnesium decreases inflammation by reducing the activity of cells'
primary protein, Nuclear Factor Kappa Beta (NF-kB), and the subsequent
production of cytokines. This new insight offers a promising new
immunotherapeutic strategy by which a simple nutrient, known to be
safe based on its extensive usage in obstetric settings, can decrease
inflammation in diseases other than pregnancy, including in other
sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, atherosclerosis,
diabetes and cancer. The cost of all of these diseases in the United
States exceeds $200 billion annually.
"We really didn't understand how or why magnesium worked, which was
frustrating for both physicians and patients. As cytokines levels at
birth are the strongest predictor of cerebral palsy and are associated
with preterm birth, we asked whether magnesium influences cytokine
production. The concept that such a small molecule decreases
inflammation is exciting and relevant to other diseases. Now that we
understand how magnesium functions, we can figure out how to make it
work even better," says Dr. Bernstein, associate professor of
reproductive biology and molecular biology and microbiology, Case
Western Reserve School of Medicine, OB/GYN at University Hospitals
MacDonald Women's Hospital, and senior author of the study.
The physician-scientists are now examining how magnesium could be used
therapeutically, looking at factors including dosage, timing,
frequency, and delivery method. Further research is needed to pinpoint
magnesium sulfate's broader applicability.
"The last decade has registered an incredible progress in
understanding the basics of magnesium homeostasis both at the cellular
and whole body level. Yet, a significant gap still exists when our
knowledge about magnesium is compared to that of calcium, sodium,
potassium, or hydrogen. As efforts continue to elucidate magnesium
regulation and effects, more effective 'therapeutic approaches' will
become applicable to patient health care," says Andrea Romani, MD,
PhD, associate professor of physiology and biophysics, Case Western
Reserve School of Medicine and first author of the study.
--
Luke
Preterm labor powerhouse therapy offers promise for inflammatory
diseases
Case Western Reserve team discovers broader applicability of magnesium
Magnesium sulfate is given to many pregnant women to treat preterm
labor and preeclampsia and was recently shown to prevent cerebral
palsy; however little is known about how it works. Researchers at Case
Western Reserve University School of Medicine recently discovered the
mechanism by which magnesium reduces the production of cytokines.
Cytokines are molecules responsible for regulating inflammation; they
play a key role conditions, such as diabetes, obesity,
atherosclerosis, asthma, and alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis.
Although the study related to pregnancy, inflammation is the culprit
of many conditions and learning more about individual's magnesium
levels may help a much broader patient population.
In a study published in The Journal of Immunology, the laboratories of
Helene Bernstein, MD, PhD, and Andrea Romani, MD, PhD, reported that
magnesium decreases inflammation by reducing the activity of cells'
primary protein, Nuclear Factor Kappa Beta (NF-kB), and the subsequent
production of cytokines. This new insight offers a promising new
immunotherapeutic strategy by which a simple nutrient, known to be
safe based on its extensive usage in obstetric settings, can decrease
inflammation in diseases other than pregnancy, including in other
sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, atherosclerosis,
diabetes and cancer. The cost of all of these diseases in the United
States exceeds $200 billion annually.
"We really didn't understand how or why magnesium worked, which was
frustrating for both physicians and patients. As cytokines levels at
birth are the strongest predictor of cerebral palsy and are associated
with preterm birth, we asked whether magnesium influences cytokine
production. The concept that such a small molecule decreases
inflammation is exciting and relevant to other diseases. Now that we
understand how magnesium functions, we can figure out how to make it
work even better," says Dr. Bernstein, associate professor of
reproductive biology and molecular biology and microbiology, Case
Western Reserve School of Medicine, OB/GYN at University Hospitals
MacDonald Women's Hospital, and senior author of the study.
The physician-scientists are now examining how magnesium could be used
therapeutically, looking at factors including dosage, timing,
frequency, and delivery method. Further research is needed to pinpoint
magnesium sulfate's broader applicability.
"The last decade has registered an incredible progress in
understanding the basics of magnesium homeostasis both at the cellular
and whole body level. Yet, a significant gap still exists when our
knowledge about magnesium is compared to that of calcium, sodium,
potassium, or hydrogen. As efforts continue to elucidate magnesium
regulation and effects, more effective 'therapeutic approaches' will
become applicable to patient health care," says Andrea Romani, MD,
PhD, associate professor of physiology and biophysics, Case Western
Reserve School of Medicine and first author of the study.
--
Luke
Rufus
Oct 9, 2012, 8:40:08 PM10/9/12
to
or what?
--
- Rufus
zumone2002
Oct 10, 2012, 8:23:10 PM10/10/12
to
Hi Rufus,
Rufus wrote:
> ...so...they think this could work for women *and* men, or just women,
> or what?
They're saying that it looks like it could help in cases of
inflammation give the metabolic changes they've seen but it needs more
work.
Its preliminary stuff but I found it interesting that something so
simple and used for decades might help.
--
Luke
Rufus wrote:
> ...so...they think this could work for women *and* men, or just women,
> or what?
inflammation give the metabolic changes they've seen but it needs more
work.
Its preliminary stuff but I found it interesting that something so
simple and used for decades might help.
--
Luke
Rufus
Oct 10, 2012, 9:18:27 PM10/10/12
to
mentions obstetric situations/problems. I think we all know that men's
and women's bodies behave differently...in that light I'm not sure it's
that "simple". Wish they'd have expounded a little.
--
- Rufus
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