Magnesium alloys for vascular stents: the biological bases : a focus on the effects of magnesium on vascular cells

Bioabsorbable vascular stents in magnesium alloys provide an attractive alternative to standard stainless steel metal stents, because of their adequate radial force, high biocompatibility, low thrombogenicity and intrinsic dissolution in body fluids. Since magnesium is the major component of the alloys, high concentrations of this element can be achieved in the local microenvironment as a results of corrosion. Magnesium is known to grant cardiovascular protection and to be beneficial for the cells of the vascular wall. This review summarizes present knowledge about the effects of high magnesium levels on smooth muscle and endothelial cells.