Dysmetabolic Iron Overload Syndrome Research Articles

The Cellular Stability Hypothesis: Evidence of Ferroptosis and Accelerated Aging-Associated Diseases as Newly Identified Nutritional Pentadecanoic Acid (C15:0) Deficiency Syndrome.

Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of cell death caused by the peroxidation of fragile fatty acids in cell membranes, which combines with iron to increase reactive oxygen species and disable mitochondria. Ferroptosis has been linked to aging-related conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0), an odd-chain saturated fat, is an essential fatty acid with the primary roles of stabilizing cell membranes and repairing mitochondrial function. By doing so, C15:0 reverses the underpinnings of ferroptosis. Under the proposed "Cellular Stability Hypothesis", evidence is provided to show that cell membranes optimally need >0.4% to 0.64% C15:0 to support long-term health and longevity. A pathophysiology of a newly identified nutritional C15:0 deficiency syndrome ("Cellular Fragility Syndrome") is provided that demonstrates how C15:0 deficiencies (≤0.2% total circulating fatty acids) can increase susceptibilities to ferroptosis, dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and NAFLD. Further, evidence is provided that C15:0 supplementation can reverse the described C15:0 deficiency syndrome, including the key components of ferroptosis. Given the declining dietary intake of C15:0, especially among younger generations, there is a need for extensive studies to understand the potential breadth of Cellular Fragility Syndrome across populations.

Eicosanoids and Oxylipin Signature in Hereditary Hemochromatosis Patients Are Similar to Dysmetabolic Iron Overload Syndrome Patients but Are Impacted by Dietary Iron Absorption

Introduction: Oxylipins are mediators of oxidative stress. To characterize the underlying inflammatory processes and phenotype effect of iron metabolism disorders, we investigated the oxylipin profile in hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) and dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome (DIOS) patients. Methods: An LC-MS/MS-based method was performed to quantify plasma oxylipins in 20 HH and 20 DIOS patients in fasting conditions and 3 h after an iron-rich meal in HH patients. Results: Principal component analysis showed no separation between HH and DIOS, suggesting that the clinical phenotype has no direct impact on oxylipin metabolism. 20-HETE was higher in DIOS and correlated with hypertension (p = 0.03). Different oxylipin signatures were observed in HH before and after the iron-rich meal. Discriminant oxylipins include epoxy fatty acids derived from docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid as well as 13-HODE and 9-HODE. Mediation analysis found no major contribution of dietary iron absorption for 16/22 oxylipins significantly affected by the meal. Discussion: The oxylipin profiles of HH and DIOS seemed similar except for 20-HETE, possibly reflecting different hypertension prevalence between the two groups. Oxylipins were significantly affected by the iron-rich meal, but the specific contribution of iron was not clear. Although iron may contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation in HH and DIOS, this does not seem to directly affect oxylipin metabolism.

The role of dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and carbohydrate metabolism disorders induction

Iron affects the pathogenesis and clinical course of several chronic metabolic diseases such as obesity, atherosclerosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. High pro-oxidant iron activity is physiologically controlled by mechanisms regulating entry, recycling, and loss of body iron. These mechanisms include the interplay of iron with ferritin, transferrin, hepcidin, insulin, as well as with adipokines and proinflammatory molecules. An imbalance of these regulatory mechanisms results in both systemic and parenchymal siderosis. Iron overload has a toxic effect on the major tissues involved in lipid and glucose metabolism — pancreatic β cells, liver, muscle, and adipose tissue — as well as the organs affected by chronic hyperglycemia — brain, retina and kidneys. Hyperferremia leads to a decrease in insulin secretion, the formation of insulin resistance and increased liver gluconeogenesis. Molecular mechanisms for these effects are diverse. Elucidating them will implicate both for carbohydrate metabolism disorders prevention and for the pathogenesis of other diseases that are, like diabetes mellitus type 2, associated with nutrition, aging and iron. The literature review presents data from world studies on the mutual influence of glucose metabolism and iron overload, and discusses the differences between hereditary and acquired disorders of iron metabolism from the standpoint of their influence on carbohydrate metabolism.

A novel brick on the wall of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)

Dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome (DIOS) defines a moderate increase in body iron load in the absence of an identifiable cause of iron excess, and one of its main target organs is the liver. DIOS has been reported to be associated with hyperferritinemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerotic heart disease. Despite iron overload, hepcidin overexpression has been reported in patients with DIOS. However, underlying mechanisms for impaired hepcidin function have not been illuminated yet. Nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) plays a significant role in intracellular iron traffic by regulating cellular iron levels as being the rate-limiting factor for ferritinophagy. Functional studies on NCOA4 have revealed that loss of NCOA4 function causes ferritin accumulation in every tissue examined. Here, we hypothesized that some of the patients with NAFLD develop DIOS, because of dysmetabolic overexpression of hepcidin that inhibits NCOA4 expression, leading to ferritin accumulation within hepatocytes, but not reticuloendothelial cells of the liver.

THU-450 - Prevalence of dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

THU-450 - Prevalence of dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Dysmetabolic Iron Overload Syndrome: Going beyond the Traditional Risk Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome

Dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome (DIOS) corresponds to the increase in iron stores associated with components of metabolic syndrome (MtS) and in the absence of an identifiable cause of iron excess. The objective of this work was to review the main aspects of DIOS. PUBMED and EMBASE were consulted, and PRISMA guidelines were followed. DIOS is usually asymptomatic and can be diagnosed by investigating MtS and steatosis. About 50% of the patients present altered hepatic biochemical tests (increased levels of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase itself or associated with increased levels of alanine aminotransferase). The liver may present parenchymal and mesenchymal iron overload, but the excess of iron is commonly mild. Steatosis or steatohepatitis is observed in half of the patients. Fibrosis is observed in about 15% of patients. Hyperferritinemia may damage the myocardium, liver, and several other tissues, increasing morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, DIOS is closely related to oxidative stress, which is closely associated with several pathological conditions such as inflammatory diseases, hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, and cancer. DIOS is becoming a relevant finding in the general population and can be associated with high morbidity/mortality. For these reasons, investigation of this condition could be an additional requirement for the early prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Dietary iron overload enhances Western diet induced hepatic inflammation and alters lipid metabolism in rats sharing similarity with human DIOS

Hepatic iron overload is often concurrent with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome (DIOS) is characterized by an increase in the liver and body iron stores and metabolic syndrome components. Increasing evidences suggest an overlap between NAFLD with iron overload and DIOS; however, the mechanism how iron is involved in their pathogenesis remains unclear. Here we investigated the role of iron in the pathology of a rat model of NAFLD with iron overload. Rats fed a Western (high-fat and high-fructose) diet for 26weeks represented hepatic steatosis with an increased body weight and dyslipidemia. Addition of dietary iron overload to the Western diet feeding further increased serum triglyceride and cholesterol, and enhanced hepatic inflammation; the affected liver had intense iron deposition in the sinusoidal macrophages/Kupffer cells, associated with nuclear translocation of NFκB and upregulation of Th1/M1-related cytokines. The present model would be useful to investigate the mechanism underlying the development and progression of NAFLD as well as DIOS, and to elucidate an important role of iron as one of the "multiple hits" factors.

Assessment of plasma catecholamines in patients with dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome.

Dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome (DIOS) is characterized by hyperferritinemia and normal transferrin saturation level with components of metabolic syndrome (MS). Among cases of MS, we determined those with DIOS and their characterizations, then we evaluated the association between plasma catecholamines status and hypertension in DIOS. We compared 101 hypertensive patients with 50 healthy participants (control group). Iron (iron, transferrin, and ferritin), insulin, and plasma catecholamine (adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine), profiles were measured for both groups. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index and transferrin saturation were also calculated. Out of 101 hypertensive patients, 64 were diagnosed with MS, and 6 of the latter met the DIOS diagnostic criteria. Significantly, DIOS patients were older and had lower body mass index (BMI) compared with hypertensive non-DIOS patients with p-values of (0.026), and (0.033), respectively. Adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine levels did not differ significantly between DIOS and non-DIOS patients. Of the MS patients, 9.3% were diagnosed with DIOS. Accordingly, complete iron profiling should be performed routinely in the cases of MS for early diagnosis of DIOS, to prevent future complications. Further studies are required to test the hypothesis linking older age and lower BMI with the pathogenesis of DIOS.

A critical evaluation of the role of iron overload in fatty liver disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been associated with a condition known as the dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome, but the frequency and severity of iron overload in NAFLD is not well described. There is emerging evidence that mild to moderate excess hepatic iron can aggravate the risk of progression of NAFLD to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and eventually cirrhosis. Mechanisms are postulated to be via reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines, lipid oxidation, and oxidative stress. The aim of this review is to assess the evidence for true hepatic iron overload in NAFLD, to discuss the pathogenesis by which excess iron may be toxic, and to critically evaluate the studies designed to deplete iron by regular venesection. In brief, the studies are inconclusive due to heterogeneity in eligibility criteria, sample size, randomization, hepatic iron measurement, serial histological endpoints, target ferritin levels, length of venesection, and degree of confounding lifestyle intervention. We propose a trial designed to overcome the limitations of these studies.

Paying the Iron Price: Liver Iron Homeostasis and Metabolic Disease.

Iron is an essential metal element whose bioavailability is tightly regulated. Under normal conditions, systemic and cellular iron homeostases are synchronized for optimal function, based on the needs of each system. During metabolic dysfunction, this synchrony is lost, and markers of systemic iron homeostasis are no longer coupled to the iron status of key metabolic organs such as the liver and adipose tissue. The effects of dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome in the liver have been tied to hepatic insulin resistance, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. While the existence of a relationship between iron dysregulation and metabolic dysfunction has long been acknowledged, identifying correlative relationships is complicated by the prognostic reliance on systemic measures of iron homeostasis. What is lacking and perhaps more informative is an understanding of how cellular iron homeostasis changes with metabolic dysfunction. This article explores bidirectional relationships between different proteins involved in iron homeostasis and metabolic dysfunction in the liver. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3641-3663, 2022.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass as a Treatment for Hepatic Iron Overload: An Exploratory Study.

Excess bodily iron content is commonly associated with obesity and metabolic associated medical conditions and is thought to lead to cardiovascular disease. The effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on hepatic iron overload remains to be determined. To assess the evolution of histologically proven hepatic iron overload after RYGB. This is an exploratory historical cohort study in which 42 individuals who underwent RYGB, and then a second surgical procedure had paired liver biopsies collected. Hepatic iron overload and NAFLD features were assessed through histopathological examination. Biochemical iron metabolism parameters were also assessed. The mean age at RYGB was 47 ± 10.2years and 92.9% were female. The average time elapsed between RYGB and the second surgical procedure was 20.6 ± 15.4months. The mean percentage of total weight loss between the two procedures was 26.7 ± 9.4%. Significant reductions in ferritin (220.8 ± 202.9 vs. 101.6 ± 116.7ng/mL; p = 0.006), hemoglobin (13.7 ± 1.8 vs. 12.1 ± 2.6g/dL; p = 0.01), and red blood cell count (4.7 ± 0.7 vs. 4.3 ± 0.5 106/mm3; p = 0.003) were observed, as well as reductions in the frequencies of steatosis (83.3% vs. 23.8%; p < 0.0001) and steatohepatitis (52.4% vs. 11.9%; p < 0.0001). The frequency of hepatic iron overload significantly decreased from 16.7 to 2.4% (p = 0.03). RYGB led to a significant decrease in hepatic iron overload, emerging as a possible therapeutical tool for this condition in individuals with obesity and dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome.

Non-invasive methods for iron overload evaluation in dysmetabolic patients

Introduction and ObjectivesAlthough hyperferritinemia may reflect the inflammatory status of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), approximately 33% of hyperferritinemia cases reflect real hepatic iron overload. AimTo evaluate a non-invasive method for assessing mild iron overload in patients with NAFLD using 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relaxometry, serum hepcidin, and the expression of ferritin subunits. MethodsThis cross-sectional study assessed patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. MRI relaxometry was performed using a 3T scanner in all patients, and the results were compared with iron content determined by liver biopsy. Ferritin, hepcidin, and ferritin subunits were assessed and classified according to ferritin levels and to siderosis identified by liver biopsy. ResultsA total of 67 patients with NAFLD were included in the study. MRI revealed mild iron overload in all patients (sensitivity, 73.5%; specificity, 70%). For mild (grade 1) siderosis, the transverse relaxation rate (R2*) threshold was 58.9 s−1 and the mean value was 72.5 s−1 (SD, 33.9), while for grades 2/3 it was 88.2 s−1 (SD, 31.9) (p < 0.001). The hepcidin threshold for siderosis was > 30.2 ng/mL (sensitivity, 87%; specificity, 82%). Ferritin H and ferritin L subunits were expressed similarly in patients with NAFLD, regardless of siderosis. There were no significant differences in laboratory test results between the groups, including glucose parameters and liver function tests. ConclusionsMRI relaxometry and serum hepcidin accurately assessed mild iron overload in patients with dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hematologic manifestations (Review).

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multisystem disease, and it is associated with numerous extra-hepatic manifestations or additional co-occurring diseases. The aim of the present review was the identification and management of the hematologic manifestations of NAFLD. One of the triggers is considered to be iron abnormalities. Increased ferritin levels, hepatic iron deposits and iron overload are associated with NAFLD. The iron overload degree and severity are associated with the level of liver fibrosis and with the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. Excess iron deposits refers to the dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome (DIOS) and it is characterized by steatosis associated with moderate tissue iron deposition and increased levels of serum ferritin, while the serum transferrin saturation was normal. Further prospective studies are necessary to determine whether NAFLD has an independent risk for hematologic symptoms, besides the known risk factors. Future studies are also needed in order to assess the increasing impact of NAFLD on the micro- and macro-vascular complications of this systemic disease.

Intensity of liver parenchym fibrosis in patients with alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis depending on the presence of dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome

Objective — to establish the features of iron homeostasis in patients with steatohepatitis of alcoholic and nonalcoholic etiology depending on the presence of dysmetobolic iron overload syndrome, to identify the probable link between ferrokinetics and markers of biochemical syndromes of steatohepatitis, the intensity of endotoxicosis and fibrosing reactions.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study was based on the clinical follow‑up of 125 individuals, including 60 patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and 65 patients with alcoholic steatohepatitis, 25 practically healthy individuals of appropriate age and gender. Depending on the indicators of iron homeostasis, the examined patients were divided into 4 groups: alcoholic steatohepatitis with dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome — 40 patients, 25 patients without dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome; 18 patients with non‑alcoholic steatohepatitis and dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome and 42 patients — without dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome.&#x0D; Results. In alcoholic steatohepatitis, activation of collagen anabolism processes was observed through the growth of protein‑bound oxyproline in blood — in the presence of iron overload syndrome 2.5 times (p &lt; 0.05), in the absence — 2.0 times (p &lt; 0.05), as well as a significant increase in the intensity of collagen catabolism — by increasing the content of free oxyproline in blood, respectively — by 1.5 and 1.3 times (p &lt; 0.05), which occurred due to a significant increase in collagenolytic activity of blood plasma (respectively in 1.6 and 1.4 times; p &lt; 0.05) with the presence of a probable intergroup difference (p &lt; 0.05) in all the cases. There was a significant increase in the content of hexosamines in blood: with iron overload syndrome 1.6 times (p &lt; 0.05), in its absence — 1.5 times (p &lt; 0.05), the content of sialic acids, respectively — 1.6 and 1.5 times (p &lt; 0.05), and the accelerated degradation of fucoglycoprotein components of the extracellular matrix. In non‑alcoholic steatohepatitis, activation of collagen synthesis processes with an increase in blood protein‑bound oxyproline was established — in the presence of iron overload syndrome 1.6 times (p &lt; 0.05), in the absence — 1.3 times (p &lt; 0.05), as well as a slight increase in the intensity of collagen breakdown — with an increase in the content of free oxyproline in blood in non‑alcoholic steatohepatitis with iron overload syndrome — 1.2 times (p &lt; 0.05). There was also a significant increase in the content of hexosamines in blood: in the presence of iron overload syndrome by 1.3 times (p &lt; 0.05), in its absence — by 1.2 times (p &lt; 0.05), the content of sialic acids, respectively — in 1.4 and 1.2 times (p &lt; 0.05), and the accelerated degradation of fucoglycoproteins.&#x0D; Conclusions. The regularities of liver fibrosis progression in patients with alcoholic steatohepatitis with iron overload syndrome are inextricably linked with the activation of collagen anabolism, the increase in the intensity of collagen catabolism, which occurred due to a significant increase in collagenolytic activity of blood plasma. An important consequence of the activation of cytolysis and inflammation is a significant increase in the content of hexosamines in blood. In patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, there was an activation of collagen synthesis, a slight increase in the intensity of collagen breakdown in the presence of iron overload syndrome, as well as a characteristic increase in blood hexosamines, and the accelerated degradation of fucoglycoproteins.&#x0D;

Pathology of Hepatic Iron Overload

Pathology of Hepatic Iron Overload

Features of iron homeostasis in patients with steatohepatitis of alcoholic and non-alcoholic etiology and its correlation with the intensity of oxidative stress and apoptosis

Features of iron homeostasis in patients with steatohepatitis of alcoholic and non-alcoholic etiology and its correlation with the intensity of oxidative stress and apoptosis

Searching for additional markers of impaired iron metabolism in diabetes mellitus

It is known that metabolic disorders in diabetes mellitus have a regulating effect on ferrokinetics, and therefore diabetes mellitus is often accompanied by various disorders of iron metabolism, both anemia and secondary iron overload. The main problem is timely and accurate differential diagnosis between anemia of chronic diseases and iron deficiency anemia. It is necessary to establish reliable laboratory markers of anemia of chronic diseases in order to solve this problem, as well as to understand what metabolic disorders can lead to the occurrence and aggravate the course of this type of anemia. To study the frequency of occurrence of violations of ferrokinetics in patients with diabetes mellitus, as well as to establish clinical and biochemical correlations that are significant in the differential diagnosis of various disorders of iron metabolism: iron deficiency anemia, anemia of chronic diseases and dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome in diabetes mellitus. The research design a single-stage observational single-center research. The research was conducted on the basis of the endocrinological clinic of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Siberian State Medical University in Tomsk. The research included 76 patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We conducted an assessment of all patients as follows: anthropometric data assessment; glycated hemoglobin study; creatinine level study with the calculation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using the CKD-EPI formula. We also evaluated the number of erythrocytes, reticulocytes, the hemoglobin concentration, haematocrit level and biochemical parameters of iron metabolism: serum iron and ferritin concentrations; the concentration of hepsidin and non-specific markers of inflammation: erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP). 20 people (26.3%) of the 76 patients included in the study, had type 1 diabetes mellitus and 56 people (73.3%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus. The parameters of ferrokinetics did not significantly differ in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, while in the group of patients with 20 patients (26.3%) from the 76 ones included into the research had type 1 diabetes mellitus and 56 (73.3%) from them had type 2 diabetes mellitus. The parameters of ferrokinetics did not significantly differ in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, while in the group of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the levels of CRP (p=0.034) and blood leukocytes (p=0.020) were significantly higher than in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Both in the main group of patients with impaired carbohydrate metabolism, and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, anemia of chronic diseases prevailed in the structure of the anemia syndrome. After dividing the main group of patients into groups by type of anemia syndrome: absence of anemia, anemia of chronic diseases and iron deficiency anemia, a comparative analysis of the average values of markers of inflammation and the level of hepsidin in these groups was performed. It was found that in patients with anemia of chronic diseases, the level of hepsidin is significantly higher than in patients without anemic syndrome (p=0.033). Paired correlation analysis showed a positive correlation of ESR with microalbuminuria (r=0.515; P&lt;0.0001), creatinine level (r=0.467; P&lt;0.0001) and negative &mdash; with GFR (r= -0.436; P&lt;0.0001) and iron in serum (r=-0.276; p=0.017). As the result of ROC analysis the most informative in the diagnosis of anemia of chronic disease were: ferritin &mdash; sensitivity 78%, specificity 52% with a diagnostic threshold of 75.5 ng/ml (area under the curve 0,695; p=0.006); ESR &mdash; sensitivity 67%, specificity 64% with a diagnostic threshold of 15.5 mm/HR (area under the curve of 0.750 in; p=0.040) and the CRP &mdash; sensitivity 67%, specificity 64% with a diagnostic threshold of 5.2 ng/ml (area under the curve 0,646; р&lt;0.0001). Thus, the studied markers of inflammation &mdash; ESR and CRP, as well as hepsidin in combination with the classic diagnostic parameter &mdash; ferritin, demonstrated high value in the diagnosis of anemia of chronic diseases and can be included in the modified algorithm for differential diagnosis of anemia syndrome in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Поиск дополнительных маркеров нарушения феррокинетики при сахарном диабете

BACKGROUND: It is known that metabolic disorders in diabetes mellitus have a regulating effect on ferrokinetics, and therefore diabetes mellitus is often accompanied by various disorders of iron metabolism, both anemia and secondary iron overload. The main problem is timely and accurate differential diagnosis between anemia of chronic diseases and iron deficiency anemia. It is necessary to establish reliable laboratory markers of anemia of chronic diseases in order to solve this problem, as well as to understand what metabolic disorders can lead to the occurrence and aggravate the course of this type of anemia. AIMS: To study the frequency of occurrence of violations of ferrokinetics in patients with diabetes mellitus, as well as to establish clinical and biochemical correlations that are significant in the differential diagnosis of various disorders of iron metabolism: iron deficiency anemia, anemia of chronic diseases and dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome in diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research design a single-stage observational single-center research. The research was conducted on the basis of the endocrinological clinic of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Siberian State Medical University in Tomsk. The research included 76 patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We conducted an assessment of all patients as follows: anthropometric data assessment; glycated hemoglobin study; creatinine level study with the calculation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using the CKD-EPI formula. We also evaluated the number of erythrocytes, reticulocytes, the hemoglobin concentration, haematocrit level and biochemical parameters of iron metabolism: serum iron and ferritin concentrations; the concentration of hepsidin and non-specific markers of inflammation: erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP). RESULTS: 20 people (26.3%) of the 76 patients included in the study, had type 1 diabetes mellitus and 56 people (73.3%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus. The parameters of ferrokinetics did not significantly differ in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, while in the group of patients with 20 patients (26.3%) from the 76 ones included into the research had type 1 diabetes mellitus and 56 (73.3%) from them had type 2 diabetes mellitus. The parameters of ferrokinetics did not significantly differ in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, while in the group of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the levels of CRP (p=0.034) and blood leukocytes (p=0.020) were significantly higher than in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Both in the main group of patients with impaired carbohydrate metabolism, and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, anemia of chronic diseases prevailed in the structure of the anemia syndrome. After dividing the main group of patients into groups by type of anemia syndrome: absence of anemia, anemia of chronic diseases and iron deficiency anemia, a comparative analysis of the average values of markers of inflammation and the level of hepsidin in these groups was performed. It was found that in patients with anemia of chronic diseases, the level of hepsidin is significantly higher than in patients without anemic syndrome (p=0.033). Paired correlation analysis showed a positive correlation of ESR with microalbuminuria (r=0.515; P<0.0001), creatinine level (r=0.467; P<0.0001) and negative — with GFR (r= -0.436; P<0.0001) and iron in serum (r=-0.276; p=0.017). As the result of ROC analysis the most informative in the diagnosis of anemia of chronic disease were: ferritin — sensitivity 78%, specificity 52% with a diagnostic threshold of 75.5 ng/ml (area under the curve 0,695; p=0.006); ESR — sensitivity 67%, specificity 64% with a diagnostic threshold of 15.5 mm/HR (area under the curve of 0.750 in; p=0.040) and the CRP — sensitivity 67%, specificity 64% with a diagnostic threshold of 5.2 ng/ml (area under the curve 0,646; р<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Thus, the studied markers of inflammation — ESR and CRP, as well as hepsidin in combination with the classic diagnostic parameter — ferritin, demonstrated high value in the diagnosis of anemia of chronic diseases and can be included in the modified algorithm for differential diagnosis of anemia syndrome in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Serum Ferritin Correlates With Liver Fat in Male Adolescents With Obesity.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) contributes essentially to the burden of obesity and can start in childhood. NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The early phase of NAFLD is crucial because during this time the disease is fully reversible. Pediatric NAFLD shows unique features of histology and pathophysiology compared to adults. Changes in serum iron parameters are common in adult NAFLD and have been termed dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome characterized by increased serum ferritin levels and normal transferrin saturation; however, the associations of serum ferritin, inflammation, and liver fat content have been incompletely investigated in children. As magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent measure for the degree of liver steatosis, we applied this method herein to clarify the interaction between ferritin and fatty liver in male adolescents. For this study, one hundred fifty male pediatric patients with obesity and who are overweight were included. We studied a subgroup of male patients with (n = 44) and without (n = 18) NAFLD in whom we determined liver fat content, visceral adipose tissue, and subcutaneous adipose tissue extent with a 1.5T MRI (Philips NL). All patients underwent a standardized oral glucose tolerance test. We measured uric acid, triglycerides, HDL-, LDL-, total cholesterol, liver transaminases, high sensitive CRP (hsCRP), interleukin-6, HbA1c, and insulin. In univariate analysis, ferritin was associated with MRI liver fat, visceral adipose tissue content, hsCRP, AST, ALT, and GGT, while transferrin and soluble transferrin receptor were not associated with ferritin. Multivariate analysis identified hsCRP and liver fat content as independent predictors of serum ferritin in the pediatric male patients. Our data indicate that serum ferritin in male adolescents with obesity is mainly determined by liver fat content and inflammation but not by body iron status.

Dysmetabolic Hyperferritinemia and Dysmetabolic Iron Overload Syndrome (DIOS): Two Related Conditions or Different Entities?

Hyperferritinemia is observed in one-third of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). The condition characterized by increased body iron stores associated with components of MetS has been defined as Dysmetabolic Iron Overload Syndrome (DIOS). DIOS represents the most frequent iron overload condition, since it is observed in 15% of patients with MetS and in half of those with NAFLD and its clinical presentation overlaps almost completely with that of dysmetabolic hyperferritinemia (DH). The pathogenetic mechanisms linking insulin resistance (IR), NAFLD and DIOS to iron overload are still debated. Hepcidin seems to play a role in iron accumulation in DIOS and NAFLD patients who show elevated serum hepcidin levels. The iron challenge does not restrain iron absorption despite adequate hepcidin production, suggesting that an impaired hepcidin activity rather than a deficit of hormone production underlies DIOS pathogenesis. Acquired and genetic factors are recognized to contribute to iron accumulation in NAFLD whereas additional studies are required to clearly demonstrate whether the same or different genetic factors lead to iron overload in DIOS. Finally, iron depletion by phlebotomy, together with the modification of diet and life-style habits, represents the therapeutic approach to decrease metabolic alterations and liver enzymes in NAFLD and DIOS patients. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on the dysregulation of iron homeostasis in NAFLD and DIOS in the attempt to clarify whether they are different or more likely strictly related conditions, sharing the same pathogenic cause i.e. the MetS.