Plasma magnesium is inversely associated with Epstein-Barr virus load in peripheral blood and Burkitt lymphoma in Uganda

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 52
Author(s): Ravell Juan, Isaac Otim, Hadijah Nabalende, Ismail D. Legason, Steven J. Reynolds, Martin D. Ogwang, Christopher M. Ndugwa, Vickie Marshall, Denise Whitby, James J. Goedert, Eric A. Engels, Kishor Bhatia, Michael J. Lenardo, Sam M. Mbulaiteye
BackgroundEpstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL). EBV control was improved by magnesium (Mg²⁺) supplementation in XMEN, an X-linked genetic disease associated with Mg²⁺ deficiency, high circulating EBV levels (viral loads), and EBV-related lymphomas. We, therefore, investigated the relationship between Mg²⁺ levels and EBV levels and eBL in Uganda.MethodsPlasma Mg²⁺ was measured in 45 women with low or high circulating EBV levels, 40 pediatric eBL cases, and 79 healthy children. Mg²⁺ uptake by T-lymphocytes was evaluated in samples from healthy donors.ResultsPlasma Mg²⁺ deficiency (plasma level <1.8 mg/dl) was more likely in women with high- vs. low-EBV levels (76.0% vs. 35%; odds ratio [OR] 11.3, 95% CI 2.14–60.2), controlling for age, and in eBL cases than controls (42.0% vs. 13.9%; OR 3.61, 95% CI 1.32–9.88), controlling for sex, age group, and malaria status. Mg²⁺ uptake by T-lymphocytes was related to extracellular Mg²⁺ concentration.InterpretationPlasma Mg²⁺ deficiency is associated with high EBV levels and eBL.



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