Severe Mg-deficiency is not associated with endothelial cell activation in mouse lung

Abstract. Several experimental and clinical studies suggest that the lungs are a specific target of Mg-hypomagnesemia, which is a common side effect of cyclosporin A therapy. Due to the possible effect of hypomagnesemia on lung allograft function, the aim of this study was to evaluate endothelial cell (EC) activation and tissue remodelling (apoptosis) in the lungs from mice fed Mg-deficient diets. Immunocytochemical examinations did not reveal any inflammatory process in Mg-deficient mice, infiltration of leukocytes (CD45 + cells), expression of I-A b class II molecules, E-selectin or ICAM-1 on ECs, and apoptotic cells. Quantification of mRNAs for E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, which are the most pertinent adhesins expressed by ECs, and for the cytokines TNFa and IL-2, demonstrated that severe Mg-deficiency does not result in EC activation. The balance between the up-regulation of G-CSF-R and CCL4 genes, and the down-regulation of the OPN gene shown by the cDNA microarray technique might be responsible for the absence of development of an inflammatory response, lung EC activation, and lung remodelling. However, we can hypothesize that severe Mg deficiency results in a latent inflammatory status of the lungs, which might be expressed following immune stresses, like transplantation conditions

Negative perceptions of aging and decline in walking speed: A self-fulfilling prophecy

Introduction Walking speed is a meaningful marker of physical function in the aging population. While it is a primarily physical measure, experimental studies have shown that merely priming older adults with negative stereotypes about aging results in immediate declines in objective walking speed. What is not clear is whether this is a temporary experimental effect or whether negative aging stereotypes have detrimental effects on long term objective health. We sought to explore the association between baseline negative perceptions of aging in the general population and objective walking speed 2 years later. Method 4,803 participations were assessed over 2 waves of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), a prospective, population representative study of adults aged 50+ in the Republic of Ireland. Wave 1 measures – which included the Aging Perceptions Questionnaire, walking speed and all covariates - were taken between 2009 and 2011. Wave 2 measures – which included a second measurement of walking speed and covariates - were collected 2 years later between March and December 2012. Walking speed was measured as the number of seconds to complete the Timed Up-And-Go (TUG) task. Participations with a history of stroke, Parkinson’s disease or an MMSE < 18 were excluded. Results After full adjustment for all covariates (age, gender, level of education, disability, chronic conditions, medications, global cognition and baseline TUG) negative perceptions of aging at baseline were associated with slower TUG speed 2 years later (B=.03, 95% CI = .01 to 05, p< .01). Conclusions Walking speed has previously been considered to be a consequence of physical decline but these results highlight the direct role of psychological state in predicting an objective aging outcome. Negative perceptions about aging are a potentially modifiable risk factor of some elements of physical decline in aging

Magnesium deficiency protects against <i>Babesia hylomysci</i> and mice become resistant to rechallenge with the parasite regardless of diet fed

SUMMARYMice were fed diets containing 960 mg (control), 100 mg (moderately Mg deficient) and 30 mg (severely Mg deficient) of Mg/kg. After 20 days, mice were inoculated with Babesia hylomysci (from Dr Wery, Anvers, Belgium). Significant increases in RBC Mg levels were observed following infection. All the control and moderately deficient mice died from infection, whereas the severely Mg-deficient diet protected mice against infection, as shown by a decrease in parasitaemia and mortality. The decrease in RBC Mg, modifications in membrane properties and increased oxidant stress are possible explanations for the protective effect of severe Mg deficiency. When mice were maintained for 2 months after inoculation on a severely Mg-deficient diet and were then switched to a control diet, all survived and had low parasitaemias. After 1 month, these mice were rechallenged with B. hylomysci and 89% survived.</jats:p

Metabolism of lipoproteins in Rodent malaria, Relationship between lipolysis, steatosis and increased biosynthesis of V.L.D.L.

The kinetic study of the seric free fatty acids, total lipids and hepatic triacyglycerides had led us to conclude that the biosynthesis of T.A.G.-rich lipoproteins increases during malaria. It seems that the parasite induces a lipolysis of adipose tissue in order to meet its own needs for fatty acids and that the excess of the latter taken by the liver involves an increased synthesis of the V.L.D.L. The cis-vaccenic acid has also been analysed during the evolution of parasitaemia; these variations by themselves cannot explain the extra parasitic hemolysis