Imbalance of Mg Homeostasis as a Potential Biomarker in Colon Cancer

• DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11040727
• Publication Date: 2021-04-20T05:41:25Z
• Authors: Davide Schiroli; Chiara Marraccini; Eleonora Zanetti; Moira Ragazzi; Alessandra Gianon...; Eleonora Quartieri; Elisa Gasparini; Stefano Iotti; Roberto Baricchi; Lucia Merolle
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; Medicine (General); Communication; magnesium homeostasis; X-ray fluorescence microscopy; colon cancer; magnesium; magnesium homeostasis; magnesium transporters; synchrotron light source; magnesium; X-ray fluorescence microscopy; Colon cancer; Magnesium; Magnesium homeostasis; Magnesium transporters; Synchrotron light source; X-ray fluorescence microscopy; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; R5-920; colon cancer; synchrotron light source; magnesium transporters

Background: Increasing evidences support a correlation between magnesium (Mg) homeostasis and colorectal cancer (CRC). Nevertheless, the role of Mg and its transporters as diagnostic markers in CRC is still a matter of debate. In this study we combined X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy and databases information to investigate the possible correlation between Mg imbalance and CRC. Methods: CRC tissue samples and their non-tumoural counterpart from four patients were collected and analysed for total Mg level and distribution by X-Ray Fluorescence Microscopy. We also reviewed the scientific literature and the main tissue expression databases to collect data on Mg transporters expression in CRC. Results: We found a significantly higher content of total Mg in CRC samples when compared to non-tumoural tissues. Mg distribution was also impaired in CRC. Conversely, we evidenced an uncertain correlation between Mg transporters expression and colon malignancies. Discussion: Although further studies are necessary to determine the correlation between different cancer types and stages, this is the first report proposing the measurement of Mg tissue localisation as a marker in CRC. This study represents thus a proof-of-concept that paves the way for the design of a larger prospective investigation of Mg in CRC.