Higher frequency of micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges seen with low magnesium, with or without high homocysteine<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter<\/b><\/p>\n
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MONDAY, Aug. 19, 2024 (HealthDay News) — Low levels of magnesium with or without high homocysteine (Hcy), are associated with increased DNA damage, according to a study recently published in the European Journal of Nutrition<\/em>.<\/p>\n Varinderpal S. Dhillon, Ph.D., from the University of South Australia in Adelaide, and colleagues examined whether magnesium deficiency alone or in conjunction with Hcy induces DNA damage in vivo in a study involving 172 healthy middle-aged adults. Magnesium, Hcy, folate, and vitamin B12<\/sub> blood levels were measured. Three DNA damage biomarkers were examined in peripheral blood lymphocytes: micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs), and nuclear buds.<\/p>\n The researchers observed significant inverse correlations between magnesium and Hcy. Magnesium was positively correlated with folate and vitamin B12<\/sub>. Significant inverse correlations were seen for magnesium with MN and NPBs. Compared with those with high magnesium and low Hcy, individuals with low magnesium and high Hcy exhibited a significantly higher frequency of MN and NPBs. An interactive effect was seen between these two factors in induced MN and NPBs.<\/p>\n “The results we present regarding the DNA protection effects of magnesium could benefit clinicians and nutritionists in patient counselling regarding food supplementation; if properly implemented, [they] could impact the onset or progression of cancer and other noncommunicable disease,” the authors write.<\/p>\n