Reduction of monocyte magnesium in patients affected by premenstrual syndrome

Abstract

Psychic and somatic aspects of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) have been referred to endocrine and/or metabolic changes, neurotransmitter imbalance, vitamin deficiencies, etc. Attention has been focused on the magnesium (Mg) cation, in view of its sedative effect on neuromuscular excitability and its involvement as co-factor in several enzymatic reactions. We therefore measured intra- and extracellular Mg changes throughout the menstrual cycle in 18 patients suffering from PMS and 11 asymptomatic controls. Patients and controls underwent an assessment of menstrual cycle symptomatology through the prospective administration of the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ). Blood cells were separated by selective centrifugation and Mg was measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. No change of Mg in plasma or red blood cells (RBC) was observed during the menstrual cycle in controls and PMS patients. In the PMS group, the overall monocyte Mg value (829.6 ± 281.8 μg/g dry weight, M ± SD) was significantly lower than in controls (992.9 ± 475.3, p<0.025). Decreased Mg in RBC was found only in the subpopulation of PMS patients, having a significant increase of the items 'pain' and 'behavioral changes', at MDQ. These data demonstrate that patients suffering from PMS are characterized by a reduced Mg content in monocytes, compared to healthy, asymptomatic control volunteers. Such a reduction is specific for the intracellular compartment and involving also RBC in a subgroup of patients.