Combined Effect of Low Magnesium and High Sucrose Diet on Magnesium Status and Nitric Oxide Production in Rats

Dietary magnesium deficiency as well as excess sucrose has been shown to be associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nitric oxide (NO) and induction of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) are two important markers of nitrosative stress. The present study was planned to investigate the effect of low magnesium diet on magnesium status and nitric oxide production in sucrose fed rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: a control group (C); and high sucrose low magnesium diet group (HSLM). These animals were studied longitudinally over a period of three months. The urine magnesium excretion exhibited a significant decline in HSLM group. Tissue magnesium profile of various organs revealed that whereas, the magnesium content of liver, muscle and heart showed a significant decrease in the HSLM group, the magnesium content of kidneys, however, exhibit a reverse trend by showing an increase in the HSLM groups. The biochemical analysis showed a significant increase in the plasma nitrite as well as citrulline levels in the HSLM groups. These findings suggest that high sucrose and low magnesium diet may cause nitrosative stress in rats as reflected by increased production of nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthase activity.