Correlation of Ionized Magnesium with the Parameters of Oxidative Stress as Potential Biomarkers in Patients with Anxiety and Depression: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: Magnesium (Mg) is the second most abundant intracellular cation. Ionized Mg is the only active form of Mg. The concentration of ionized Mg could be a potentially novel biomarker for anxiety and depression. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the serum concentration of ionized Mg and its correlation with biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with anxiety and depression. METHODS: In this study included 93 respondents were divided into 3 groups: C (control group—18 respondents); A (patients with anxiety disorder, dissociative/conversion disorders and somatoform disorders—36 patients); D (patients with depression—39 patients). Clinical diagnosis was based on ICD-10 criteria. Blood samples were used for standard laboratory analysis, ionized Mg analysis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory parameters. RESULTS: Statistical significance was recorded between healthy volunteers and patients (anxiety/depression) in ionized Mg values. In anxious patients, malondialdehyde (MDA) had a positive correlation between the parameters of oxidative stress with ionized Mg. In depressive patients, MDA had a positive correlation, and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) a negative correlation with the concentration of ionized Mg. CONCLUSION: Ionized Mg and its correlation with parameters of oxidative stress could be potential biomarkers in anxious and depressive patients.