According to a story from UT Health San Antonio, a team of researchers have discovered in a new study the mechanism behind the activation of magnesium ions in cells. The findings could play a significant role in the development of a new generation of treatments for a variety of illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other metabolic illnesses and disorders.
A Scientific Mystery Finally Solved
The study was first published in the scientific journal Cell. The researchers consisted of a team of scientists at the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio. They found that the activator of magnesium in the cells is the metabolite known as lactate. This metabolite becomes elevated in the blood during period of intense exercise. In addition, elevated levels of lactate are found in many serious illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease, sepsis, and diabetes.
Lactate was found to trigger a release of magnesium ions from a cellular organelle called the endoplasmic reticulum. These ions are moved into another organelle, the mitochondria (which is important for generating energy in the cell), by a protein called Mrs2. Study coauthor Dr. W. Brian Reed, the Department of Medicine chairman, says that this is a critical step for healthy cell function:
“If there is a problem with magnesium routing, impairments ensue, such as the diminished mitochondrial function and poor energy production observed in Type 2 diabetes or severe infections.”
The activation of magnesium ions has been a scientific mystery for nearly a century. It’s long been understood that the element magnesium is an essential building block of life, and it can be used effectively to treat a variety of conditions, such as preeclampsia, migraines, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Overall, the discovery can be regarded as a significant medical breakthrough. However, the research into magnesium is far from over, and more studies must be conducted in order to understand its dynamics in the human body.
Click here to read the original study.
