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Decreased magnesium level and membrane potential of glaucoma patients Nnodim, Johnkennedy; Elemba JE, Obioma; Constance, Nwadike; Ukamaka, Edward; Treasure, Njoku-Obi; Folorunso, Jimoh Raifu; Magnus, Nsonwu
Universa Medicina Vol 35, No 2 (2016)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine, Trisakti University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.18051/UnivMed.2016.v35.105-109

Abstract

BackgroundOne of the most important sight-threatening eye disorders in ophthalmology is glaucoma. Together with age related macular degeneration it is the most common cause of irreversible blindness. Magnesium (Mg) is considered to improve the ocular blood flow in glaucoma patients and could protect the retinal ganglion cell against oxidative stress. Membrane potential refers to the difference in electrical potential between the intracellular and the extracellular of a biological cell. The objective of this study was to determine the Mg serum level and membrane potential in glucoma subjects.MethodsA case-control study was conducted in eighty confirmed glaucoma patients and eighty normal subjects between 50 to75 years were selected. The serum sodium, potassium and calcium were estimated using Randox Kit. While membrane potential was determined by calculation using Nerst Equation. Magnesium levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer technique. An independent t-test was used to analyze the data. ResultsThe results obtained showed that the level of Magnesium serum (1.11 ± 0.14 mg/dL) and membrane potential (176.40 ± 42.00 J) was significantly decreased in glaucoma as compared to the controls (2.4 ± 0.68 mg/dL) and (251.76 ± 191.99) (p<0.05). The serum sodium, potassium and calcium were also significantly decreased among glaucoma subjects compared to control (p<0.005).ConclusionThe result probably suggests, that decrease in magnesium aggravates glaucoma while decrease in membrane potential could cause poor energy transmission and hence affect ocular blood flow. Hence, decreased magnesium and membrane potential levels contributes greatly to glaucoma.
Membrane potential, serum calcium and serum selenium decrease in preeclampsia subjects in Owerri Nnodim, Johnkennedy; Emmanuel, Nwodo; Hope, Okorie; Nwadike, Constance; Ukamaka, Edward; Christian, Onah
Universa Medicina Vol 36, No 2 (2017)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine, Trisakti University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.18051/UnivMed.2017.v36.88-93

Abstract

Background Pre-eclampsia is a serious hypertensive condition of pregnancy associated with high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Women who have had pre-eclampsia have a greater risk of developing hypertension, stroke and ischemic heart disease in later life. The etiology of pre-eclampsia remains unclear. Placental insufficiency plays a key role in the progression of this disease. The aim of this study was to determine membrane potential, serum calcium and serum selenium levels in preeclampsia subjects in Owerri. MethodsA case control study involving 200 primigravida (100 preeclamptic and 100 apparently healthy) between the ages of 20 and 32 years attending General Hospital Owerri. Fasting venous blood was collected for the determination of serum selenium and serum calcium while membrane potential was calculated using the Nernst equation. The serum calcium was estimated using Randox Kit and serum selenium by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The Independent Student t test was used for statistical analysis. ResultsThe results revealed that membrane potential and serum selenium as well as serum calcium were significantly decreased in preeclampsia when compared with the controls, at p<0.05. ConclusionOur study demonstrated that the decrease in membrane potential, serum calcium and serum selenium levels may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. There may be a need for increasing the dietary intake of these essential trace metals during pregnancy to prevent pre-eclampsia in Owerri.Â