Role of Magnesium in Tumor Microenvironment and Underlying Molecular Mechanisms

Magnesium (Mg) based biomaterials have gained increased attention in various health care applications, as orthopedic transplants in particular. It is also reported that they also have anti-tumor properties. Mg based alloy materials can actively interfere with the growth of tumor cells, which may be its degradation products, including OH− and H2. During the degradation of Mg, ions and hydrogen (H2) are continuously increasing and pH value and osmotic pressure in the microenvironment of the material surface are increased at the same time. Such near-surface effects can also have a dramatic impact on residual tumor cells, interfere with the cycle of tumor cells as well as reduce the content of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, the intake level of Mg based alloys and Mg content will affect the growth activity of many tumor cells. Keeping these points in view, this article reviews the role of Mg in tumor microenvironment and underlying molecular mechanisms, in particular it’s degradation behavior.