Effect of magnesium deficiency on lipid metabolism in uremic rats.

The effects of acute magnesium deficiency on lipid metabolism were examined in five-sixths nephrectomized uremic rats and sham-operated rats. Three weeks after the surgery, both groups were divided into two subgroups. Half of the uremic and sham-operated rats received a magnesium-deficient diet. The rest of the experimental animals received a control diet. After 2 weeks on this regimen, all animals were sacrificed. In uremic rats, magnesium deficiency increased serum triglyceride levels and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as in sham-operated rats. Total serum cholesterol levels were higher in uremic rats than in sham-operated rats with or without magnesium deficiency. Serum free fatty acid levels were increased only in uremic rats with magnesium deficiency. These results suggest that magnesium deficiency worsens several parameters of lipid in uremic rats.