Magnesium Supplementation Modulates T-cell Function in People with Type 2 Diabetes and Low Serum Magnesium Levels.

Drenthen, Linda C A; Ajie, Mandala; Baaij, Jeroen H F de; Tack, Cees J; Galan, Bastiaan E de; Stienstra, Rinke

Context Low magnesium levels, which are common in people with type 2 diabetes, are associated with increased levels of proinflammatory molecules. It is unknown whether magnesium supplementation decreases this low-grade inflammation in people with type 2 diabetes. Objective We performed multidimensional immunophenotyping to better understand the effect of magnesium supplementation on the immune system of people with type 2 diabetes and low magnesium levels. Methods Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-period, crossover study, we compared the effect of magnesium supplementation (15 mmol/day) with placebo on the immunophenotype, including whole blood immune cell counts, T-cell and CD14+ monocyte function after ex vivo stimulation, and the circulating inflammatory proteome. Results We included 12 adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (7 males, mean ± SD age 67 ± 7 years, body mass index 31 ± 5 kg/m2, HbA1c 7.5 ± 0.9%) and low magnesium levels (0.73 ± 0.05 mmol/L). Magnesium treatment significantly increased serum magnesium and urinary magnesium excretion compared with placebo. Interferon-γ production from phorbol myristate acetate/ionomycin stimulated CD8+ T-cells and T-helper 1 cells, as well as interleukin (IL) 4/IL5/IL13 production from T-helper 2 cells was lower after treatment with magnesium compared with placebo. Magnesium supplementation did not affect immune cell numbers, ex vivo monocyte function, and circulating inflammatory proteins, although we found a tendency for lower high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels after magnesium supplementation compared with placebo. Conclusion In conclusion, magnesium supplementation modulates the function of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells in people with type 2 diabetes and low serum magnesium levels.

C-reactive protein; BLOOD cell count; TYPE 2 diabetes; BODY mass index; MAGNESIUM

Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2024, Vol 109, Issue 12, pe2240

0021-972X

Academic Journal

10.1210/clinem/dgae097