| [ Summary ] |
Magnesium plays a key role in numerous biological processes. Its deficiency is known to contribute to many pathological conditions. In particular, there is a close link between magnesium and cardiovascular diseases. Clinical studies in the general population have shown that magnesium deficiency is associated with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, endothelial cell dysfunction, and cardiovascular events. In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are at extraordinary high risk of cardiovascular disease, however, the clinical implications of magnesium have been overlooked. Recently, it has been reported that lower serum magnesium levels were a risk for cardiovascular mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis. In addition, a crosstalk between magnesium and mineral and bone disorders, especially vascular calcification, is being revisited mainly in European countries where magnesium containing phosphate binders have come into clinical use. Although possible adverse effects of hypermagnesemia on bone metabolism should be considered in hemodialysis patients, future interventional studies are warranted to elucidate whether magnesium supplementation is beneficial for CKD patients to improve their cardiovascular prognoses. |