ATP calcium and magnesium levels in Fibro

A recent article from a group of Italian researchers has suggested that abnormal ATP levels within blood cells, along with disturbances in calcium and magnesium transport, may be a part of Fibromyalgia Syndrome (Fibro). [1]

The article, which was e-published ahead of print in the journal Clinical biochemistry, discusses a study in which the concentrations of ATP and positively charged ions (cations) were measured in 25 Fibro patients and 25 healthy controls through a chemiluminescent and a fluorimetric assay, respectively. The cation concentration was used as a measure of the concentration of calcium and magnesium, as these are present within cells as positively charged ions. [1]

ATP or Adenosine Triphosphate is a high energy a multifunctional nucleotide, whose most important function is the transport of chemical energy within cells for metabolism. It is the main energy source for the majority of cellular functions.

The preliminary study from the group of Italian researchers found that significantly lower ATP levels were observed inside the platelets of Fibro patients compared to the healthy controls. Fibro patients also showed a trend towards higher calcium concentrations in platelets, along with significantly increased magnesium levels. [1]

The researchers concluded that:

"This preliminary study suggests that disturbances in the homeostasis of platelet ATP metabolism-signaling and calcium-magnesium flows might have a relevance in the pathogenesis of [Fibro]." [1]

However, altered levels in intracellular levels have previously been associated with both aging and other conditions such as high blood pressure, so the results seen here in this preliminary study may be influenced by other factors. [2]

References:

1. Bazzichi L, Giannaccini G, Betti L, Fabbrini L, Schmid L, Palego L, Giacomelli C, Rossi A, Giusti L, De Feo F, Giuliano T, Mascia G, Bombardieri S, Lucacchini A. ATP, calcium and magnesium levels in platelets of patients with primary fibromyalgia. Clin Biochem. 2008 Jul 2. [Epub ahead of print]
2. Barbagallo M, Gupta RK, Dominguez LJ, Resnick LM. Cellular ionic alterations with age: relation to hypertension and diabetes. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2000 Sep;48(9):1111-6.