A randomized clinical trial investigating the impact of magnesium supplementation on clinical and biochemical measures in COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to examine the impact of magnesium supplementation on clinical outcomes and biochemical factors among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. METHODS: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted at Razi Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran, between September 2021 and March 2022. Participants aged 18-70 years with moderate disease severity were enrolled. Magnesium supplementation (300 mg daily) was administered to the intervention group, while the control group received a placebo. Clinical outcomes, including the need for oxygen therapy, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, fever, hs-CRP and TNF-α levels, as well as quality of life and mental health, were assessed. Blood samples were collected to measure biochemical variables. RESULTS: The main result was the count of individuals requiring oxygen therapy. Additional outcomes comprised of oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, fever, hs-CRP and TNF-α levels, as well as quality of life and mental health. Out of 64 participants, 60 completed the study. The results showed that magnesium supplementation significantly reduced the number of patients requiring oxygen therapy (9 vs. 14; P < 0.001). Moreover, the magnesium group demonstrated improved oxygen saturation compared to the control group (4.55 ± 2.35 vs. 1.8 ± 1.67; P < 0.001). Furthermore, we observed a noteworthy enhancement in the quality of life and depression score in the magnesium group. No significant differences were observed in respiratory rate, fever, hs-CRP, and TNF-α levels (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that magnesium supplementation may have beneficial effects on clinical outcomes and arterial oxygen saturation in COVID-19 patients. More investigation is necessary to delve into its potential mechanisms and long-term effects on patient outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered on Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) under identifier IRCT20210413050957N1. (The registration date: May 1, 2021).

Evaluating the activity of salivary enzymes as stress biomarkers under psychological stress and their relationship with rumination and personality traits.

BACKGROUND: Salivary enzymes are used as non-invasive biomarkers to assess the activity of the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary system. The aim of this study was to evaluated levels of acid phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase and cathepsin salivary enzymes under psychological tension and their connection with rumination and personality traits. METHODS: A total of 60 medical students, who wanted to participate in the final exam, two months before the exam, the inventory emotional control questionnaire and the neo-short form were completed. Saliva samples were taken in both the basal conditions and under exam stress. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between the mean of level salivary enzymes in rest and under exam stress. Also, we found a positive and significant correlation between the activity of salivary enzymes and personality traits such as neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness and rumination (p < .01, p < .05) level. Neuroticism, agreeableness and rumination predicted 45% of the variance of salivary acid phosphatase, neuroticism and rumination predicted 49% of the variance of salivary beta-glucuronidase and neuroticism, extraversion and rumination predicted 38% of the variance of salivary cathepsin under stress exam. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show, levels of salivary enzymes may increase in individuals with traits of neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness and rumination through response to psychological stressors.