Accumulation of glycosaminoglycans associated with hypomagnesaemia in endomyocardial fibrosis in Kerala: possible involvement of dietary factors.

Nutritional factors, mainly low protein intakes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF), the incidence of which is high in Kerala. As there is only marginal protein deficiency in the Kerala population, this may not be a causative factor. Studies have revealed low levels of magnesium (Mg) in the serum of these patients and high concentration of glycosaminoglycans. Accumulation of glycosaminoglycan-associated Mg deficiency is observed in the serum of EMF patients. The heart tissue from autopsy samples of EMF patients also showed accumulation of glycosaminoglycans.