High Levels Of Iron Research Articles

High Iron Exposure from the Fetal Stage to Adulthood in Mice Alters Lipid Metabolism.

Iron supplementation is recommended during pregnancy and fetal growth. However, excess iron exposure may increase the risk of abnormal fetal development. We investigated the potential side effects of high iron levels in fetuses and through their adult life. C57BL/6J pregnant mice from 2 weeks of gestation and their offspring until 30 weeks were fed a control (CTRL, FeSO4 0 g/1 kg) or high iron (HFe, FeSO4 9.9 g/1 kg) diets. HFe group showed higher iron accumulation in the liver with increased hepcidin, reduced TfR1/2 mRNAs, and lowered ferritin heavy chain (FTH) proteins in both liver and adipose tissues despite iron loading. HFe decreased body weight, fat weight, adipocyte size, and triglyceride levels in the blood and fat, along with downregulation of lipogenesis genes, including PPARγ, C/EBPα, SREBP1c, FASN, and SCD1, and fatty acid uptake and oxidation genes, such as CD36 and PPARα. UCP2, adiponectin, and mRNA levels of antioxidant genes such as GPX4, HO-1, and NQO1 were increased in the HFe group, while total glutathione was reduced. We conclude that prolonged exposure to high iron from the fetal stage to adulthood may decrease fat accumulation by altering ferritin expression, adipocyte differentiation, and triglyceride metabolism, resulting in an alteration in normal growth.

Potential clinical implications of iron metabolism in ovarian endometriosis

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate iron metabolism indices in ovarian endometriosis (OEMs) and to demonstrate the potential clinical implications in the initiation and development of OEMs. MethodsThree datasets in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were selected to assess the expression levels of iron metabolites in endometrial tissues from patients with EMs and the health. To evaluate the differential expression of serum iron indices , hospitalized patients with OEMs and health examinees in Jilin University Second Hospital from November 2018 to December 2019 were recruited. Serum samples were obtained from 38 patients with OEMs and 36 health examinees. To compare the iron metabolism between peripheral circulation blood and local ectopic lesion, cyst fluid samples were obtained from 15 patients with ovarian chocolate cyst at the time of surgery. Iron metabolism indices include iron, transferrin (TF), ferritin, and unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC)), which were measured by automatic biochemical analyzer. ResultsThe present study indicated the increased levels of the iron storage protein, ferritin, in the endometriotic tissues of patients with EMs. The expression of iron and ferritin in cyst fluid of patients with OEMs showed higher than that in serum, the results of TF and UIBC were opposite (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the content of iron metabolites between patients with OEMs and the healthy examinees(P > 0.05). ConclusionThe ovarian chocolate cyst fluid and endometriotic tissues in patients with OEMs could more directly reflect the pathological changes of local ectopic lesion, which usually manifested as high levels of free iron and/or iron deposits in the ectopic sites. The implications of our work suggest iron metabolites in the serum may have potentially limited value as circulating biomarkers for OEMs. The iron variation in local lesions may be not only regulated by liver that mainly manipulate the systematic iron homeostasis, but also be tuned by the iron regulatory protein (IRP)/ iron responsive element (IRE) system. In summary, the iron metabolites, especially the iron and ferritin in the cyst fluid and endometriotic tissues, are meaningful biomarkers involved in the process of pathophysiology and pathogenesis of OEMs.

Evaluating risk factors for catheter-related infections in hemodialysis patients

Introduction: Catheter-related infection in the patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is one of the leading causes of death. Identifying risk factors for infection, including patients’ iron profile, plays an important role in preventing this complication. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to determine the risk factors of catheter-related infections among the ESRD patients in Qazvin, Iran. Patients and Methods: In this observational study, 41 patients with hemodialysis venous catheter-related infection (case group) and 42 patients without catheter-related infection ( control group) in Qazvin educational and medical centers were studied. The definition of functional iron deficiency anemia included ferritin &lt;500 ng/mL and serum iron/total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) &lt;30%. The laboratory evaluation method was based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Definition of catheter-related infection in this study consisted of two positive results of the three cultures from blue and red catheter lines and blood at the same time with the same microorganism. Results: In studying iron parameters, a significant difference between serum iron levels and transferrin saturation in the two groups was detected (P values of 0.0016 and 0.003, respectively). Both parameters were higher in the control group. The most common microorganism causing the infection was Staphylococcus aureus (43.9%) and most of the catheters used were of temporary internal jugular vein types. The most important risk factors in the incidence of catheter infection were diabetes mellitus (OR = 5.059) and high serum iron levels (OR = 1.053). Decreased transferrin saturation levels reduced the risk of infection (OR = 0.825). Conclusion: There was a relationship between iron profile and diabetes mellitus and the increased risk of catheter-related infections. To prevent infection, patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis with venous catheters, blood sugar and serum iron levels need to be monitored carefully and iron overdose should be prevented in these patients.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Powder Versus Extract on Hemoglobin Levels in Adolescent Girls: A Systematic Literature Review

Moringa oleifera leaves contain high levels of iron, protein and vitamin C which can help increase hemoglobin (Hb) levels. This study aimed to examine the literature comparing the effectiveness of giving Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MoLP) vs. Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MoLE) to increase Hb levels in adolescent girls. This was a systematic literature review. Articles were found by searching Google Scholar, e-resources of national libraries, GARUDA and web journals accredited by SINTA. According to the findings of this literature study, 25 mg/day of MoLP can be an effective dose to increase Hb levels in adolescent girls for the long term (3 months) with an increase in Hb of 1.4 g/dL; a dose of 2100 mg/day can be effective for the medium term (1 month) with an increase in Hb of 1.75 g/dL; and a dose of 500 mg/day can be effective for the short term (14 days) with an increase in Hb of 1.0134 g/dl. The results also showed that 1000 mg/day of MoLE can be effective to increase Hb levels in adolescent girls for the long term (3 months) with an increase in Hb of 1.68 g/dL; and 1400 mg/day can be effective for the short term (21 days) with an increase in Hb of 0.749 g/dL. The administration of MoLP was found to be more effective in increasing the Hb level of adolescent girls compared to the administration of MoLE. It is recommended that future researchers conduct comparative studies on the effectiveness of giving MoLP, MoLE and Fe tablet supplements to increase Hb levels in adolescent girls.&#x0D; Keywords: family support, midwife role, BCG immunization

Black Fungus Mutilating COVID-19 Pandemic in India: Facts and Immunological Perspectives

While the world is still struggling with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, an aggressive and rare fungal infection which is commonly ascribed as the black fungus has emerged as a new medical challenge in India. India had already experienced the devastating consequences of the COVID-19 and, being a rare “opportunistic” fungal infection, black fungus infection has severely complicated the post-COVID-19 recoveries. Together with the uncertain treatment modalities at the beginning of the pandemic, indiscriminate use of a plethora of medications has driven the surging cases of black fungus-associated complications. Moreover, low oxygen, high iron levels, and prolonged hospitalization with mechanical ventilators created a superlative condition for contracting black fungus infection. The disease mainly spreads through the respiratory tract and erodes facial structures. Since mucormycosis specifically attacks immunosuppressed patients, the disease started spreading rapidly, with an average mortality rate of 54 %. Common symptoms include blackening over the nose, blurred or double vision, breathing difficulties, chest pain and hemoptysis. Although not contagious, the outcome of the disease is often very frightful. If the infection disseminates systematically, the risk of affecting the vital organs such as the spleen and heart is substantially high. We have tried to provide an epidemiological overview of black fungus infection in India. We focused on drawing a comprehensive fact check of the current situation through an immunological perspective to better understand the infection as a major co-infection in patients affected by COVID-19 and its impact on India's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

High Level of Iron Inhibited Maize Straw Decomposition by Suppressing Microbial Communities and Enzyme Activities

In order to study the linkages between the crop straw decomposition rate and the change in soil biological properties after the straw returned to the soil with different iron (Fe2+) contents, a 180-day incubation experiment was performed to examine the decomposition of maize straw (MS) under three Fe2+ levels, i.e., 0, 0.3, and 1 mg g−1. Enzyme activities regarding straw decomposition and microbial communities under 0 and 1 mg g−1 Fe addition were also detected. The results showed that Fe2+ addition significantly inhibited MS decomposition. This was evidenced by the higher contents of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin in Fe2+ treatments on day 180. High-Fe addition (1 mg g−1) decreased the activity of Laccase (Lac) by 71.82% compared with control on day 30. Furthermore, the principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) indicated that high-Fe mainly affected the bacterial community. In particular, it suppressed the relative abundance of Microbacteriaceae in phylum Actinomycota that, in turn, is a potential decomposer of crop straw by secreting lignocellulolytic enzymes. A high level of Fe2+ inhibited the decomposition of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin in MS by reducing the relative abundance of phylum Actinobacteria in bacteria and suppressing Lac activity. Our findings provide guidance for returning crop straws in soils with high-Fe content.

Phytochemical Investigation and Determination of Antibacterial Activities of the Fruit and Leaf Crude Extract of Ficus palmata

To cure ailments, the global population makes medicines from plants. Ficus palmata can be used to cure a variety of ailments. The purpose of this study was to examine the phytochemical content and antibacterial activity of methanol extract from Ficus palmata fruit and leaf crude extract. Maceration was used to make the methanol extracts, which were subsequently fractionated. The crude extracts and fractions were subjected to standard phytochemical screening assays. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, polyphenols, anthraquinones, steroids, coumarins, and terpenoids in the crude methanol fruit extract. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, polyphenols, anthraquinones, steroids, and terpenoids in the extract. The determination of trace metals in leaves and fruit samples using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer revealed that the fruits contained relatively high quantities of iron and other nutritionally essential elements, such as magnesium, calcium, and copper, whereas the leaves contain a high level of calcium, magnesium, and iron, as well as a small amount of copper.

Investigation and failure analysis of a diesel generator connecting rod

This article reports a failure analysis of a diesel generator set connecting rod type 3516 B that has operated for 79,678 hours. From visual observation, connecting rod cylinder #10 has changed color in the shank area. This phenomenon may represent many cases of generator failure, so an analysis to identify the root cause of the failure is needed for scientific literature. In this case, fault tree analysis, SEM-EDX, chemical composition, and microstructure testing were performed to obtain more comprehensive results. Through fault tree analysis, we found that the connecting rod damage was caused by compression leakage due to wear on the cylinder liner. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis shows that the piston rod material is discolored due to heat, namely the formation of iron oxide. The heat level received by the connecting rod is around 200 °C. We also found a finely formed, easy-to-clean scale where the thickness ranged from 0.00127–0.008 mm. Finally, EDX analysis showed high levels of iron (Fe) and oxygen (O) confirming that the formation of iron-oxide on the metal surface was due to the influence of heat.

Raman Spectroscopy Enables Non-invasive and Confirmatory Diagnostics of Aluminum and Iron Toxicities in Rice.

Metal toxicities can be detrimental to a plant health, as well as to the health of animals and humans that consume such plants. Metal content of plants can be analyzed using colorimetric, atomic absorption- or mass spectroscopy-based methods. However, these techniques are destructive, costly and laborious. In the current study, we investigate the potential of Raman spectroscopy (RS), a modern spectroscopic technique, for detection and identification of metal toxicities in rice. We modeled medium and high levels of iron and aluminum toxicities in hydroponically grown plants. Spectroscopic analyses of their leaves showed that both iron and aluminum toxicities can be detected and identified with ∼100% accuracy as early as day 2 after the stress initiation. We also showed that diagnostics accuracy was very high not only on early, but also on middle (day 4–day 8) and late (day 10–day 14) stages of the stress development. Importantly this approach only requires an acquisition time of 1 s; it is non-invasive and non-destructive to plants. Our findings suggest that if implemented in farming, RS can enable pre-symptomatic detection and identification of metallic toxins that would lead to faster recovery of crops and prevent further damage.

Mucormycosis – A prosthodontists perspective

Mucormycosis, an opportunistic fungal infection commonly associated with diabetes, is now intermittent as a result of co-infection with COVID-19 and steroid use, affecting the nose and paranasal sinuses of the head and neck region, with high mortality and morbidity. It is also more common in diabetic ketoacidosis, neutropenia, cancer, organ transplantation, and/or high serum iron levels, burns, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, indiscriminate usage of steroids, lymphoma, leukemia, poor metabolic status etc. The most common treatment protocol for such conditions is aggressive surgical debridement, which includes resection of involved maxillofacial structures such as the maxilla, orbit, and/or nose.Rehabilitation of such large maxillofacial defects is a Prosthodontic challenge, with many problems encountered such as lack of retention due to dislodging forces exerted by scarred postsurgical soft tissues, lack of bony base, lost structures of the posterior palatal seal area, multiple defect sites, and compromised medical status due to comorbidities, which also affects the defect's healing rate.For patients to survive, early diagnosis and treatment are frequently required. The clinical manifestations, etiopathogenesis, and management of the dreaded fungal infection known as mucormycosis in the head and neck region will be reviewed in this paper.

Biofortification of Rice to Augment Iron Availability for Better Health of Population

Aim: Rice is one of the largely consumed cereal and masses have been expressed anemia conditions. Iron augmentation of rice varieties had been carried out by agronomical biofortification as established an easy way to reach the poor rural masses for enhancing the concentration of particular minerals.&#x0D; Methodology: Six rice varieties were evaluated during kharif in the net houses of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, CCS HAU augmented with 0 mM 0.1m 0.5 mM Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA-Fe(II)). Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) related metabolites along antioxidative metabolites were estimated in grains, upper shoots &amp; lower shoots.&#x0D; Results: Roots of HBC19 and Palman579 and lower and upper shoots of PUSA1121 contained higher iron. Highest iron in dehusked grains was recorded in Palman579 followed by HBC19, PUSA1121, HKR120, Super and Govind. Production of toxic super oxide radical (O2- ) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxidation (MDA), enhanced in all the varieties with increase in Fe concentration. Antioxidative metabolites’ contents (ascorbic acid and glutathione) and activities of antioxidative enzymes [super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR)] invariably increased with increasing iron treatment in both root and shoot.&#x0D; Interpretation: Less accumulation of reactive oxygen species along with the gradual increase in antioxidative metabolites’ contents and enzymes’ activities at higher iron treatments suggest that a better ROS scavenging ability to restrict the damage to cellular membranes due to lipid peroxidation may be responsible for the adaptation of these varieties at high iron levels.

Effect of acute iron infusion on insulin secretion: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

SummaryBackgroundChronic exposure to high iron levels increases diabetes risk partly by inducing oxidative stress, but the consequences of acute iron administration on beta cells are unknown. We tested whether the acute administration of iron for the correction of iron deficiency influenced insulin secretion and the production of reactive oxygen species.MethodsSingle-center, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial conducted between June 2017 and March 2020. 32 women aged 18 to 47 years, displaying symptomatic iron deficiency without anaemia, were recruited from a community setting and randomly allocated (1:1) to a single infusion of 1000 mg intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (iron) or saline (placebo). The primary outcome was the between group mean difference from baseline to day 28 in first and second phase insulin secretion, assessed by a two-step hyperglycaemic clamp. All analyses were performed by intention to treat. This trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03191201.FindingsIron infusion did not affect first and second phase insulin release. For first phase, the between group mean difference from baseline to day 28 was 0 μU × 10 min/mL [95% CI, -22 to 22, P = 0.99]. For second phase, it was -5 μUx10min/mL [95% CI, -161 to 151; P = 0.95] at the first plateau of the clamp and -249 μUx10min/mL [95% CI, -635 to 137; P = 0.20] at the second plateau. Iron infusion increased serum ascorbyl/ascorbate ratio, a marker of plasma oxidative stress, at day 14, with restoration of normal ratio at day 28 relative to placebo. Finally, high-sensitive C-reactive protein levels remained similar among groups.InterpretationIn iron deficient women without anaemia, intravenous administration of 1000 mg of iron in a single sitting did not impair glucose-induced insulin secretion despite a transient increase in the levels of circulating reactive oxygen species.FundingThe Swiss National Science Foundation, University of Lausanne and Leenaards, Raymond-Berger and Placide Nicod Foundations.

Sedimentation Kinetics of Hydrous Ferric Oxides in Ferruginous, Circumneutral Mine Water.

Transport, transformation, and removal of iron in aqueous environments is primarily controlled by ferrous iron oxidation followed by aggregation and sedimentation of the resultant hydrous ferric oxides. The latter mechanisms are particularly important for passive iron removal in mine water treatment systems, yet the interrelation and underlying kinetics are poorly understood. In this study, the sedimentation behavior of natural hydrous ferric oxides was systematically investigated under different hydrogeochemical conditions via laboratory-based column experiments. The objective was to determine a robust model approach for the approximation of aggregation/sedimentation kinetics in engineered systems. The results showed that sedimentation is governed by two interrelated regimes, a rapid second-order aggregation-driven step (r1) at high iron levels followed by a slower first-order settling step (r2) at lower iron levels. A mixed first-/second-order model was found to adequately describe the process: with kr1 = 9.4 × 10-3 m3/g/h and kr2 = 5.4 × 10-3 h-1. Moreover, we were able to demonstrate that the removal of particulate hydrous ferric oxides at low particulate iron levels (<10 mg/L) may be reasonably well approximated by a simplified first-order relationship: with ksed = 2.4 (±0.4) × 10-2 h-1, which agrees well with incipient literature estimates. Only minor effects of pH, salinity, and mineralogy on kinetic parameters were observed. Hence, the results of this study may be broadly transferrable among different mine sites.

Myoglobin knockout mice experience less damage and more immune infiltration in muscle pressure injury

IntroductionMuscle pressure ulcers are slow to heal and classified as “chronic” wounds, but the reasons for slow healing are not well understood. Elevated levels of extracellular hemoglobin have been implicated in the pathogenesis and impaired healing of sickle cell and vascular ulcers. We question whether extracellular release of myoglobin after muscle pressure injury might contribute to a hostile wound environment, analogous to hemoglobin. We hypothesise that knockout of myoglobin will decrease tissue damage and improve the microenvironment of muscle pressure ulcers.MethodsWe developed germline Myoglobin knockout (Mb–/–) mice via CRISPR deletion. Similar to previous studies, our adult Mb–/– mice show no phenotypic differences to Mb‐wildtype (Mb+/+) mice. Pressure injuries were created in mice by applying a pair of 12 mm magnets to the dorsal skinfold and panniculus carnosus muscle, in two intervals of 12 hours. We compared pressure ulcers in elderly 20‐month‐old mice carrying Mb–/– or Mb+/+. Ex vivo wound tissues were analysed at day 3 after injury.ResultsMb‐wildtype mice had high levels of ferric iron in the wound localized to the extracellular space and infiltrating cells (presumably macrophages). In knockout mice, iron was undetectable. The knockout mice had smaller pressure ulcers post‐injury and 50% less tissue damage at the wound centre (p &lt; 0.01), compared to control Mb+/+ mice. In addition, the wounds of Mb–/– mice show a marked decrease in protein nitration (2.7‐fold decrease in nitrotyrosine levels; p &lt; 0.0001) compared to Mb+/+ mice. Furthermore, Mb‐knockout wounds exhibited an almost 21‐fold decrease in DNA oxidation, measured by oxidised guanine (8‐oxoguanine; p &lt; 0.0001) compared to Myoglobin+/+. We found 3.5‐fold greater infiltration of immune cells (p &lt; 0.01) and higher CCL7 chemokine expression (p &lt; 0.01) in Mb‐knockout tissues than Mb‐wildtype. Furthermore, Mb–/– wounds displayed a four‐fold decrease in citrullinated histone 3 (p &lt; 0.0001), a marker of extracellular traps, compared to Mb+/+.ConclusionIn the absence of myoglobin, pressure‐injured tissues displayed less oxidative and nitrosative damage. Interestingly, they also showed higher immune infiltration and decreased extracellular traps, meaning that increased immune infiltration co‐occurred with decreased oxidative stress. We conclude that extracellular myoglobin contributes to oxidative stress and immune dysfunction in muscle pressure ulcers, and its removal causes less tissue death. This has important implications for the use of iron chelation therapy in the treatment of muscle pressure ulcers.

The Gut Microbiome is Significantly Altered in APP/PS1 Mice Following Air Particulate Matter Exposure

The detrimental effects of air pollution extend beyond its pathological cardiovascular and pulmonary consequences. Recent research has implicated exposure of air pollution, specifically air particulate matter (PM2.5, &lt;2.5 μm diameter), in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) development, though the pathogenesis remains unknown. Gut dysbiosis (i.e., alterations of gut microbiota resident bacterial populations) can result from dietary changes, stress, medications, particulate matter exposure, and alcohol or chemical consumption. Unbalanced bacterial populations may resolve themselves, though persistent stressors can induce chronic dysbiosis, which is implicated in the development of inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, diabetes, cancer, and AD. Thus, we hypothesized that PM2.5 contributes to gut dysbiosis and detrimental microbial byproducts that may ultimately accelerate AD progression in a transgenic AD mouse model. We tested our hypothesis by subjecting 3‐month‐old AD transgenic (APP/PS1) and non‐carrier wildtype (WT) male mice to filtered air (FA) or PM2.5 exposure for 5 days/week, 6 hours/day for 3 months (n=9‐12). The average daily PM exposure is 90.0 μg/m3, which is a 5‐fold concentration above the ambient mean daily PM2.5 concentration (18.8 ±11.4 μg/m3) at the study site in Columbus, OH. The composition has been previously examined and was found to contain high levels of zinc and iron. Following the 3‐month exposure, fecal samples were collected, and DNA was isolated before 16S Illumina sequencing was performed. Sequencing was implemented to determine gut microbial changes associated with genotype and exposure conditions. This data revealed significant alterations in beta diversity based on genotype and exposure, representing altered bacterial communities associated with experimental conditions (Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA), p&lt;0.001)). Additionally, PM2.5 exposure increased gut microbial alpha diversity for both APP/PS1 and WT mice (Shannon‐Weiner diversity, p&lt;0.05). Taken together, these findings indicate that airborne particulate matter exposure induces gut microbiota changes and contributes to microbial dysfunction in a transgenic mouse model of AD.

Targeted autophagy disruption reveals the central role of macrophage iron metabolism in systemic iron homeostasis

AbstractIron homeostasis depends on both intracellular control through iron-responsive proteins and the systemic level of iron through hepcidin-ferroportin axis. Indeed, the hormone hepcidin downregulates the ferroportin iron exporter to control iron recycling from macrophages and iron uptake from enterocytes. Here, we focused on the role of autophagy in macrophage iron metabolism and systemic iron homeostasis. Mice deficient for autophagy in macrophages (LysM-Atg5−/−) mimicked a primary iron overload phenotype, resulting in high ferroportin expression in both macrophages and enterocytes that correlated with marked parenchymal iron overload. Furthermore, LysM-Atg5−/− mice exhibited increased hematopoietic activity with no sign of anemia but correlating with rather high plasma iron level. Compared with wild-type cells, bone marrow–derived macrophages from LysM-Atg5−/− mice had significantly increased ferroportin expression and decreased iron content, confirming high iron export. In erythrophagocytic macrophages, autophagy regulates hemosiderin storage mechanisms as well as degradation of ferroportin and subsequently its plasma membrane localization and iron export; furthermore, ferroportin colocalization with hepcidin indicates hepcidin autocrine activity. Relatively high hepatic hepcidin expression and decreased hepcidin level in the spleen of LysM-Atg5−/− mice, correlating with low hemosiderin iron storage, as well as in erythrophagocytic Atg5−/− macrophages were evidenced. Therefore, our results highlight the critical role of autophagy in macrophages for iron trafficking and systemic iron homeostasis. We propose that in macrophages, autophagy restricts ferroportin level and iron export, resulting in hepcidin expression with an autocrine-paracrine effect that plays a role in the regulation of ferroportin expression in duodenal enterocytes.

Association Between the Serum Iron and Acute Cognitive Impairment After Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Complications such as cognitive impairment are common in stroke victims. The goal of this study was to see if there was a link between blood iron levels and post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) within 2weeks after stroke. A total of 313 patients with ischemic stroke were recruited and separated into two groups: PSCI (n = 202) and non-PSCI (n = 111). The Mini-mental state examination scale was used to evaluate the cognitive status within 2weeks after stroke (acute phase). The serum iron levels were divided into 4 layers: Q1 ≤ 11.7μmol/L, Q2 11.8-15.1μmol/, Q3 15.2-19.3μmol/L, Q4 ≥ 19.4μmol/L, respectively. The connection between serum iron and PSCI was then investigated further using binary logistic regression, which was adjusted for confounders. The difference in serum iron levels between the PSCI and non-PSCI group was initially conducted by the Mann-Whitney test, and a significant difference was found (14.5 (11.0-17.8) vs. 16.9 (13.7-21.8), p < .001), with no confounders being adjusted. After adjusting for confounding factors, the binary regression analysis showed that the Q4 layer showed the lowest risk of PSCI, with the Q1 layer being the reference. (odds ratio (OR) = 0.297, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.136-0.649, p = 0.002). A decreased risk of early-onset PSCI was linked to high serum iron levels. Low serum iron levels were found to be a risk factor for acute cognitive impairment following stroke, which could help physicians identify and take intervention measures early to reduce the risk of cognitive impairment after stroke.

Association between the Concentrations of Essential and Toxic Elements in Mid-Trimester Amniotic Fluid and Fetal Chromosomal Abnormalities in Pregnant Polish Women

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the concentrations of essential and toxic elements present in the amniotic fluid (AF) and fetal chromosomal abnormalities in pregnant women. A total of 156 pregnant white Polish women aged between 20 and 43 years and screened to detect high risk for chromosomal defects in the first trimester were included in the study. AF samples were collected from these women during routine diagnostic and treatment procedures at mid-gestation (15–22 weeks of their pregnancies). The concentrations of various minerals in the AF were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Genomic hybridization and cytogenetic karyotyping were performed to detect chromosomal aberrations in the fetuses. The genetic analysis revealed chromosomal aberrations in 19 fetuses (over 12% of all the evaluated women). The major abnormalities identified were trisomy 21 (N = 11), trisomy 18 (N = 2), and triploidy (N = 2). Fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities more frequently showed lower manganese concentration in the AF in the second trimester as compared to those with normal karyotype. A coincidence was observed between high iron levels in the AF and a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetuses.

Determination of Iron Content, Potassium, Calcium, and Sodium In Chinese Date Fruit (Ziziphus Jujuba Miller.) Fresh and Boiled In Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometry

Chinese dates fruit are generally used by the people of Indonesia as a fruit that has a fairly good nutritional value, namely every 100 g of Chinese dates fruit contain 79 kcal of energy, 1.2 g protein, 20.23 g carbohydrates, 250 mg potassium, 21 mg calcium, 23 mg. phosphorus, 0.5 mg iron, 3 mg sodium, 10 mg magnesium, 0.1 vitamin B6 and 69 mg vitamin C. Chinese dates fruit are foods that are rich in fiber, so they can lower blood cholesterol and cure chronic constipation. In addition, Chinese dates fruit are foods with good sources of potassium. Adequate potassium intake can lower blood pressure so that it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. High iron content can also prevent anemia. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in the content of iron, potassium, calcium, and sodium in fresh and boiled Chinese dates fruit fruit, and to determine the percentage decrease in levels after boiling.&#x0D; The method used in this study included dry digestion, then quantitative analysis of iron, potassium, calcium, and sodium was carried out using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) method, namely iron at a wavelength of 248.3 nm, for potassium 766.5 nm, to calcium 422.7 nm, and sodium 589.0 nm.&#x0D; The results showed that the iron content in fresh Chinese dates fruit fruit was (0.6687 ± 0.0084) mg/100 g and boiled (0.3285 ± 0.0127) mg/100 g. Potassium levels in fresh Chinese dates fruit fruit (657.9024 ± 0.4713) mg/100 g and boiled (158.6504 ± 0.2510) mg/100 g. Calcium levels in fresh Chinese dates fruit fruit were (47.3501 ± 1.1630) mg/100 g and boiled (26.3968 ± 0.5922) mg/100 g, and sodium levels in fresh Chinese dates fruit fruit (16.1272 ± 0.1543) mg/100 g and boiled at (13.4048 ± 0.1973) mg/100 g. The percentage decrease in mineral content in Chinese dates fruit fruit after boiling, for iron was 50.87%, potassium 75.88%, calcium 44.25%; and 16.88% sodium.&#x0D; Statistically different test of the average mineral levels of iron, potassium, calcium, and sodium using the T distribution, it can be concluded that fresh Chinese dates fruit fruit contain higher levels of iron, potassium, calcium, and sodium minerals than boiled Chinese dates fruit.&#x0D;

The detrimental impact of elevated Ferritin to Iron ratio on in-hospital prognosis of patients with COVID-19

Background Acute viral infections, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), are characterized by the dysregulation of iron metabolism, resulting in high serum ferritin and low iron levels. Research design and methods This study was aimed to evaluate the prospective impact of iron metabolism dysregulation, as expressed by serum Ferritin to Iron Ratio (FIR), on the in-hospital prognosis of patients with COVID-19. Serum levels of ferritin and iron, as well as other iron metabolism markers and recognized prognostic indicators of COVID-19 severity, were measured in 362 patients consecutively hospitalized for COVID-19. The prospective relationship between FIR and the risk of the composite outcome of intensive care unit (ICU) admission/in-hospital death was analyzed. Results In the population examined (mean age 74±15 years, males 55%), the rates of radiographic signs of pneumonia, respiratory distress, and the need for non-invasive ventilation were higher in patients with high FIR (≥29.2, the 75th percentile) than in those with low FIR (<29.2, the 75th percentile) (p<0.05 for all comparisons). High FIR was associated with a 1.7-fold (HR 1.709, 95% CI 1.017-2.871, p=0.043) higher risk of ICU admission/in-hospital death, irrespective of multiple confounders. Conclusions Increasing FIR values significantly and independently predicts worse in-hospital prognosis in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.