Effects of Magnesium Ions on the Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells / 天津医药

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the effects of the different concentrations of magnesium ions on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification in rats. Methods VSMCs were obtained from rat aortic, and were identified by immunocy-tochemistry. VSMCs were then randomly divided into control group, high phosphorus group and magnesium intervention group. VSMCs were cultured with 10%fetal bovine serum in control group. VSMCs were cultured with high phosphorus in high phosphorus group. VSMCs were cultured with different concentrations of magnesium chloride based on the high phos-phorus medium in magnesium intervention group (final concentrations of magnesium ions were 1, 2 and 3 mmol/L). The calci-um content and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity were measured after the stimulation for 7 days. The expression of Cbfα1 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. Results Compared with control group, calcium deposits were found significantly higher in high phosphorus group and magnesium intervention group. The calcified nodules gradually reduced with the increased magnesium ion concentration in the intervention group. The calcium contents were significantly lower in the intervention groups (2 and 3 mmol/L) compared with those of high phosphorus group (P<0.05), but no difference was found between 1 mmol/L magnesium intervention group and high phosphorus group. There were no significant differences in the ALP activity and Cbfα1 mRNA expression between intervention groups (2 and 3 mmol/L) and control group (P<0.05). The ALP activity and the expression of Cbfα1 mRNA were gradually decreased with the increased magnesium ion concentration in the inter-vention group, and which were lower than those of high phosphorus group (P<0.05). Conclusion Magnesium can reduce calcification and osteoblastic transdifferentiation, which may be achieved by reducing the expression of Cbfα1 in VSMCs.