INHIBITION OF TUMOR-NECROSIS-FACTOR-ALPHA BY THALIDOMIDE IN MAGNESIUM-DEFICIENCY

The effect of thalidomide on circulating cytokines and myocardial lesi on formation was investigated in Mg-deficient rats. After two weeks on a Mg-deficient diet, rats show an increase in circulating levels of t umor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 1. Thalidomide (1 mg/day) c aused a, complete inhibition of the increase in circulating tumor necr osis factor-alpha levels, without having an effect on interleukin 1. H owever, a marked increase in cardiomyopathic lesion formation was obse rved in Mg-deficient animals treated with thalidomide; possible mechan isms for thalidomide's enhancement of myocardial injury are discussed.