In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Magnesium on the Lysosomal System

Magnesium is a macroelement with a wide range of biological effects, necessary for the proper functioning of cells. This macroelement shows antioxidant activity, therefore it is a rather effective agent in the prevention and treatment of numerous diseases, including cancer. However, the mechanisms of the therapeutic properties of this element, especially its potential antitumor activities, have not yet been fully explained. One of the more important elements of the current anticancer strategy may be the modulating effect of compounds on the lysosomal system. Therefore, the aim of our research was to evaluate the range of action of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) on the activity of the lysosomal compartment of in vitro and in vivo cells. The CHO-K1 normal cell line was used in the in vitro studies. The cells were incubated in a medium with the addition of MgSO4 at the following concentrations: 25 mu M, 125 mu M and 250 mu M for 24 and 48 h. The in vivo studies were performed on 2-month-old albino male Wistar rats treated with MgSO4 at a concentration of 0.06 mg Mg/ml for 12 and 18 weeks. It was shown that the exposure of CHO-K1 cells and rat liver cells to MgSO4 induced significant ultrastructural, morphological and biochemical changes. The reported in vivo and in vitro changes, such as an increased number of autophagic vacuoles, primary lysosomes, autophagolysosomes, growth of cytoplasmic vacuolization and an increase in the activity of lysosomal hydrolases, indicate that MgSO4 activates the lysosomal system. The range of the reported changes in relation to the lysosomal system, both in vitro and in vivo, was dependent on the concentration and duration of action of MgSO4.