Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective Iron deficiency and vitamin A deficiency are two of the main micronutrient deficiencies. Both micronutrients are essential for human life and children's development. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin A deficiency on ferritin and transferrin receptors' expression and its relationship with iron deficiency. Methods Five diets with different vitamin A-to-iron ratios were given to thirty five 21-day-old male Wistar rats (separated in groups of seven animals each). The animals received the diet for six weeks before being euthanized. Serum iron and retinol levels were measured as biochemical parameters. Their duodenums, spleens, and livers were analyzed for the expression of ferritin and transferrin receptors by Western Blotting. Results Regarding biochemical parameters, the results show that when both vitamin A and iron are insufficient, the serum iron content (74.74µg/dL) is significantly lower than the control group (255.86µg/dL). The results also show that vitamin A deficiency does not influence the expression of the transferrin receptor, but only of the ferritin one. Conclusion Vitamin A deficiency regulates the expression of ferritin in young male Wistar rats.
Highlights
Hidden hunger, known as Micronutrient Malnutrition (MNM), occurs when the intake of micronutrients is below the recommended quantities
Vitamin A deficiency regulates the expression of ferritin in young male Wistar rats
The results show that vitamin A deficiency does not influence the expression of the transferrin receptor, but only of the ferritin one
Summary
Known as Micronutrient Malnutrition (MNM), occurs when the intake of micronutrients is below the recommended quantities. MNM is understood to have a more significant effect on cognitive and physical development than calorie restriction [2]. The absorption of iron in the intestine is highly regulated in response to the level of iron body stores and by the amount of iron needed for erythropoiesis [5]. An antimicrobial peptide discovered in 2000, regulates intestinal iron absorption and affects iron release from hepatic stores and from macrophages involved in the recycling of iron from hemoglobin [6]. Other proteins as ferroportin (strongly regulated by hepcidin), ferritin, transferrin, transferrin receptors, and hemojuvelin are highly related to iron metabolism [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
