title: Effects of magnesium deficiency--more than skin deep.
abstract: Dead Sea and magnesium salt therapy are two of the oldest forms of treatment for skin disease and several other disorders, supported by a body of largely anecdotal evidence. In this paper we review possible pathways for penetration of magnesium ions through the epidermis to reach the circulation, in turn replenishing cellular magnesium levels. We also discuss mechanisms for intercellular movement of magnesium ions and possible mechanisms for the interaction between magnesium ions and inflammatory mediators. Upon addition of magnesium ions in vitro, the expression of inflammatory mediators such as tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) and nuclear factor κβ (NFκβ) is down regulated. Dysregulation of these and other inflammatory mediators has been linked to several inflammatory disorders, including asthma, arthritis, atherosclerosis and neuroinflammation.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia School of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Wooloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.
authors.forename: Navin Chandrakanth
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Chandrasekaran
authors.affiliation: Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Weir
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia.
authors.forename: Sumaya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alfraji
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Wooloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Grice
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Wooloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia rossbarnard@uq.edu.au.
authors.forename: Ross T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Barnard
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000473:pathology*; D008274:Magnesium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008275:Magnesium Deficiency / Q000473:pathology*; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism; D012869:Skin Absorption
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors; D008274:Magnesium
keywords: Magnesium; inflammation; skin