Effect of Iron-nanoparticles and Iron-microparticles on Erythropoiesis and Iron-storage in Iron-deficiency Anemic Mice

Abstract

Iron is an essential trace element for normal body’s functions. The restriction of iron availability directly limits erythropoiesis. The objective of this experiment was to compare the bioavailability of iron nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) with iron-microparticles (Fe-MPs) in anemic mice. There were four experimental groups including normal control group, iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) group, Fe-NPs group, and Fe-MPs group. Animals in normal group fed on an adequate iron-containing diet (45 ppm Fe). Meanwhile, the animals in the other three groups fed on a low Fe diet (4.5 ppm Fe) for 7 weeks. Double deionized water was supplied as drinking water ad libitum. After feeding for 3 weeks with the low Fe diet, the animals in Fe-NPs and Fe-MPs groups were orally treated with Fe-NPs or Fe-MPs at the daily dose of 40 mg/kg for 4 weeks. IDA group showed a markedly decreased red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (Hct), and hemoglobin (Hb) values compared with normal group throughout experimental periods. Treatments of Fe-NPs or Fe-MPs for 4 weeks restored the decreased RBC count and hematological values similar to normal values. Fe-NPs group showed the faster restoration in the values than Fe-MPs as time passes. The iron contents of the upper small intestine in Fe-NPs and Fe-MPs groups were higher than normal group at weeks 2 and 4. Hepatic iron contents and lipid peroxidation were significantly increased by Fe-NPs and Fe-MPs treatments compared with IDA group as time increase. The iron contents in liver and ferritin deposits in spleen were identified in Fe-NPs and Fe-MPs groups similarly to normal group. These results indicate that oral administration of both Fe-NPs and Fe-MPs can recover anemia and Fe-NPs is more absorbable and available in the body than Fe-MPs.