Increase In Serum Iron Levels Research Articles

Comparison of the Effect of Omega-3 vs. MCT Supplementation on Iron-Related Indices in Patients Undergoing Dialysis.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), characterized by progressive kidney failure, significantly increases mortality and comorbidity risks such as anemia. This study contrasts the impacts of omega-3 and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil on levels of iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and transferrin saturation in patients with CKD undergoing dialysis. This interventional trial was conducted on 120 patients with CKD undergoing dialysis in Rasht, Iran. For 8weeks, the omega-3 group was orally administered three 1000-mg capsules of omega-3 fatty acid supplement, and the MCT group was administered three 1000-mg capsules containing MCT oil daily. Serum concentrations of ferritin, iron, TIBC, Hb, and transferrin saturation were assessed pre-intervention and after the intervention. There was a significant increase in serum iron levels in the MCT group compared to the omega-3 group (103.72 ± 57.8vs. 77.48±40.13; P = 0.031). No effect was found regarding other iron-related factors such as TIBC, Hb, transferrin saturation, and ferritin levels. The results of our study indicated that taking MCT oil increased serum iron levels compared to omega-3 supplementation in patients with CKD undergoing dialysis. Further research is needed to better understand the potential benefits of MCT oils in patients with CKD.

Assessment of Trace Metal Disturbances in Healthcare Workers Exposed to Low Dose Ionizing Radiations in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Objective: To determine the effects of ionizing radiations on trace metal levels in healthcare workers exposed to occupational radiation in a tertiary care health facility. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemical Pathology & Endocrinology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi Pakistan, in collaboration with the Department of Radiology, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Apr to Oct 2021. Methodology: Healthcare workers (n=45) exposed to occupational radiations were compared with an equal number of Controls in a tertiary care health facility for their trace metal levels. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to measure serum zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels. A calorimetric technique was used to measure serum iron (Fe) levels. Results: Mean serum Copper (9.54±2.52 µmol/l) and Zinc (11.78±1.90 µmol/l) concentrations of the Risk-Group were significantly lower than their respective Control-Groups (Copper: 14.76±3.13 µmol/l and Zinc: 14.67±3.01 µmol/l). At the same time, mean serum Iron levels in the Exposed-Group (17.55±3.88 µmol/l) were significantly (p<0.001) higher than the Control-Group (14.41±4.23 µmol). The duration of radiation exposure was inversely proportional to serum Copper (p-value0.002) and serum Zinc (p<0.001) concentrations, which is statistically significant. At the same time, serum iron level (p-value0.001) and TIBC (p-value 0.003) increased proportionately with increasing duration exposure, which was also statistically significant. Conclusion: Low-dose ionizing radiation exposure led to a significant decrease in serum Copper and Zinc levels, whereas an increase in serum Iron levels was no................

Iron Parameters in Patients Treated with Roxadustat for Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease.

Roxadustat is a novel agent with a distinct mechanism of action compared to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and a potentially different combination of effects on iron parameters. This narrative review describes the effects of roxadustat on iron parameters and on hemoglobin levels in the context of iron supplementation in patients with anemia of non-dialysis-dependent (NDD) or dialysis-dependent (DD) chronic kidney disease (CKD). Roxadustat use was associated with a greater reduction in serum ferritin levels than seen with ESAs and an increase in serum iron levels compared to a decrease with ESAs. Decreases in transferrin saturation in patients treated with roxadustat were relatively small and, in the case of patients with NDD CKD, not observed by Week 52. These changes reflect the concomitant increases in both serum iron and total iron-binding capacity. Compared to placebo and an ESA, roxadustat improved iron availability and increased erythropoiesis while requiring less intravenous iron use. Hepcidin levels generally decreased in patients who received roxadustat compared to baseline values in all CKD populations; these decreases appear to be more robust with roxadustat than with an ESA or placebo. The mechanisms behind the effects of roxadustat and ESAs on iron availability and stores and erythropoiesis appear to differ and should be considered holistically when treating anemia of CKD.

Using three statistical methods to analyze the association between aldehyde exposure and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress

BackgroundExposure to aldehydes has been linked to adverse health outcomes such as inflammation and oxidative stress, but research on the effects of these compounds is limited. This study is aimed at assessing the association between aldehyde exposure and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.MethodsThe study used data from the NHANES 2013–2014 survey (n = 766) and employed multivariate linear models to investigate the relationship between aldehyde compounds and various markers of inflammation (alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), and lymphocyte count) and oxidative stress (bilirubin, albumin, and iron levels) while controlling for other relevant factors. In addition to generalized linear regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) analyses were applied to examine the single or overall effect of aldehyde compounds on the outcomes.ResultsIn the multivariate linear regression model, each 1 standard deviation (SD) change in propanaldehyde and butyraldehyde was significantly associated with increases in serum iron levels (beta and 95% confidence interval, 3.25 (0.24, 6.27) and 8.40 (0.97, 15.83), respectively) and the lymphocyte count (0.10 (0.04, 0.16) and 0.18 (0.03, 0.34), respectively). In the WQS regression model, a significant association was discovered between the WQS index and both the albumin and iron levels. Furthermore, the results of the BKMR analysis showed that the overall impact of aldehyde compounds was significantly and positively correlated with the lymphocyte count, as well as the levels of albumin and iron, suggesting that these compounds may contribute to increased oxidative stress.ConclusionsThis study reveals the close association between single or overall aldehyde compounds and markers of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which has essential guiding value for exploring the impact of environmental pollutants on population health.

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BACKGROUND The focus of this study was to assess the relationship of nutrients (magnesium, iron) in periodontitis and diabetic patients. Serum magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe) levels were evaluated in periodontitis patients and were compared between diabetic patients with periodontitis and healthy controls. METHODS Total sixty subjects (18 females and 42 males) were recruited in this cross-sectional study and were divided into three groups - Group I (healthy subjects), Group II (chronic generalized periodontitis), Group III (Type II diabetes mellitus and chronic generalized periodontitis). Loe and Silness gingival index and probing pocket depth were used for categorizing chronic generalized periodontitis patients. Serum levels of magnesium and iron were estimated and then compared among the groups. Statistical analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Newmann-Keuls multiple post-hoc procedures. Statistical significance was accepted for P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS Mean serum levels of magnesium (Mg) were 0.89 in Group 3 (Type II DM + CGP), 1.01 in Group 2 (CGP) against 1.52 in Group 1 (Control), which were statistically significant. Mean Iron (Fe) levels showed 165.56 in Group 3 (Type II DM + CGP), 137.77 in Group 2 (CGP) against 78.17 (Control) which is also statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we found statistically significant decrease in magnesium and increase in serum iron levels in Group 3 (Type II DM + CGP) compared to Group 2 (CGP) and healthy controls. These findings suggest that trace elements also play an important role in the progression of periodontal disease. KEY WORDS Chronic Periodontitis, Diabetes Mellitus, Iron, Magnesium

Selective Inhibition of ALK2 Signaling Suppresses Serum Hepcidin and Increases Serum Iron

Hepcidin is an endocrine regulator of iron metabolism that, when elevated, can decrease levels of iron available for erythropoiesis and, as a result, decrease red blood cell production. Signaling though activin-like kinase-2 (ALK2), a TGFβ type 1 receptor, has been implicated in regulation of hepcidin-mediated iron regulation and mobilization; however, to date, ALK2's specific degree of involvement has not been convincingly elucidated, mainly due to the redundant effects of the type 1 receptors ALK3 and ALK5. Activation of type 1 receptors including ALK2, ALK3, and ALK5 via ligand BMPs and co-receptor hemojuvelin (m-HJV), results in downstream SMAD phosphorylation, increased hepcidin, and decreased serum iron while suppression of the receptor signaling would have the opposite effects. In order to assess the specific effect of ALK2 inhibition on hepcidin and iron mobilization, we utilized multiple modalities of inhibition and tested inhibitors in both naive and diseased animals. KTI-2338, a small molecule ALK2 kinase inhibitor, has been characterized to inhibit ALK2 signaling potently and selectively in in-vitro assays. To further assess the specific contribution of ALK2 to hepcidin expression and iron mobilization, we evaluated the effect of the novel neutralizing antibody KTI-A2.0MAb. This fully human antibody is targeted against the extracellular domain of ALK2 with no affinity for the other type 1 receptors and provides a unique tool for understanding ALK2 involvement in this system. In wild-type animals, targeting ALK2 signaling with either a small molecule or biologic therapeutic leads to decreased serum hepcidin and increased serum iron. To assess the efficacy of ALK2 inhibition in a disease state, we utilized an siRNA-based model of Iron Refractory Iron Deficiency Anemia (IRIDA). In IRIDA, patients exhibit a loss of functional TMPRSS6, a gene that encodes the transmembrane type II serine protease Matriptase-2 (MT-2). MT-2 suppresses hepcidin secretion by cleaving m-HJV, interrupting ALK2 signaling and downstream SMAD activation. Failure to cleave m-HJV allows continued activation of BMPRs, increased hepcidin, and decreased serum iron. Phenocopying what is observed in IRIDA patients, intravenous dosing of TMPRSS6 targeted siRNA results in suppressed TMPRSS6 expression and functional MT-2, increases in serum hepcidin, and decreases in serum iron. Therapeutic dosing of either a small molecule or biologic ALK2 inhibitor in the siRNA based IRIDA model resulted in rescue of hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum hepcidin, and serum iron in the disease state. Following treatment, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and serum iron were increased and serum hepcidin was decreased in treated groups compared to control cohorts receiving vehicle. Herein, we have evaluated multiple modalities of ALK2 inhibition in both healthy and disease states. We have characterized that inhibition of ALK2 signaling via either modality in both naïve and anemic mice contributes to a decrease in serum hepcidin and increase in serum iron levels. Though the use of a selective ALK2 targeted biologic does not completely preclude involvement of other BMP receptors such as ALK3, these data support our assertion that ALK2 signaling is an integral part of hepcidin-mediated iron mobilization, and illustrate the potential therapeutic benefit of ALK2 inhibition (with a small molecule inhibitor or a neutralizing monoclonal antibody) in anemia of high hepcidin including IRIDA and anemia of inflammation. Disclosures Backus: Keros Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Medeiros:Keros Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Lema:Keros Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Fisher:Keros Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Seehra:Keros Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Lachey:Keros Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company.

Appraisal of Preventive and Curative Outcome of Yasad Bhasma in Anemic Children.

Introduction: In Ayurveda, lot of drugs have been mentioned to treat Anemia (Pandu roga) and is supposed to treat the disease relatively early and more rationally. Yashad Bhasma is considered as one of the drug to treat anemia disease of children in terms of improvement in hemoglobin, serum iron etc. Aim: The aim of the study was to find out the effect of Yashada Bhasma in anemic children when given with or without iron salt (ferrous Ascorbate) as well as in diseased children. Methodology: All the cases were registered from the O.P.D./I.P.D. of department of Kaumarbhritya/Bal Roga, FOA, IMS, BHU, after getting written informed consent from either parents or guardian of the baby/ child. The study protocol was approved by the PG Medical Board of FOA, IMS, BHU and ethical committee of IMS, BHU. Observation and Result: Mean serum iron level was seems to be increased in group –‘A’ after first follow up and on final follow up but on inter group comparison increase in serum iron level was more consistent and significant (t value of group A & B =4.6 Vs 12.43 and 7.53 Vs 8.78 respectively) in group B than others. Discussion: Serum iron has better improvement in, when give iron along with Yashad bhasma rather than only iron. The present study also clarifies that incidence of URTI (upper respiratory tract infection), diarrhea associated with fever is found reduced at first follow up and maximum reduced in group-C. After final follow up patients of A, B & C do not show onset of any sign and symptoms of any disease.

Changes of Serum Trace Elements Levels in Coronary Heart Disease Patients

The study was aimed to investigate the changes of serum trace elements levels in coronary heart disease patients and their clinical significance. A total of 94 patients with coronary heart disease were enrolled in the study as case group, and 94 healthy adults were enrolled as control group. The oxidation reaction index and serum level of iron, calcium and magnesium was compared between the two groups. The severity of coronary artery disease was scored. The correlation analysis between Gensini score and the levels of serum trace elements in coronary heart disease patients was conducted. The serum levels of calcium and magnesium in the case group were lower than those in the control group, while the serum iron level was much higher (allp < 0 05). In addition, the Gensini score was negatively correlated with serum calcium and magnesium level, but positively correlated with serum iron level (allp < 0 05). The oxidation reaction index in coronary heart disease patients was higher than that in healthy control group. A decrease in serum calcium or magnesium level or an increase in serum iron level might lead to the increased risk of coronary heart disease.

Improvement of iron-deficiency anemia resulting from gastric antral vascular ectasia in patients with systemic sclerosis: cyclophosphamide versus argon plasma coagulation

BackgroundSystemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by multisystem affection that could involve the gastrointestinal tract in the form of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) that might cause iron-deficiency anemia.ObjectiveEvaluation of the outcome and the experience of management of iron deficiency anemia resulting from GAVE in patients with scleroderma using cyclophosphamide therapy compared with argon plasma coagulation (APC).Patients and methodsThis study was conducted over a 2-year period from February 2015 to February 2017. Scleroderma patients with GAVE and iron deficiency anemia were treated with cyclophosphamide (group I) others with APC application to areas with mucosal vascular lesions (group II).ResultsIn total, 14 scleroderma patients with iron deficiency anemia resulting from associated GAVE were enrolled into two groups: group I included seven patients who were treated with cyclophosphamide infusion and group II were exposed to APC in sessions. Patients were followed up at 3 and 6 months; the endpoint was a complete response with improved anemia [hemoglobin (HB) and blood indices], and it was achieved in both groups as we found in group I patients there was a highly significant improvement (P<0.001) in HB, 3 and 6 months after therapy and in group II patients there was a highly significant improvement (P<0.001) in iron level 3 and 6 months, HB 6 months after. On comparing both groups it was clear that there was a significant improvement in group I as regards HB and ferritin levels 3 and 6 months after treatment when compared with group II, and highly significant increase in serum iron level 6 months after treatment in group I when compared with group II.ConclusionWe found that cyclophosphamide and APC are highly efficacious and safe in controlling anemia resulting from scleroderma-associated GAVE. Also, cyclophosphamide is more efficient than APC in improving in those patients.

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The plant kingdom constitutes a source of new chemical compounds which may be important owing to their potential use in medicine and other applications. This study discussed the effect of taking 8 g of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) for 20 days on the blood samples of female volunteers where the hemoglobin levels before and after the study was recorded. The results showed mild increase in hemoglobin readings, decrease in total iron binding capacity (TIBC), increase in ferritin and decrease in transferrin. Also, there was mild increase in serum iron levels after taking beetroot. Regarding MCV, it showed mild increase in four volunteers only. However, more research is needed to clearly identify mechanisms of action and proper dosing patterns to maximize the performance benefits of beetroot. Key words: Beetroot, Beta vulgaris L., iron.

Investigating the cytotoxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles in in vivo and in vitro studies

In recent years, iron oxide nanorods find a lot of applications including drug delivery, cell separation, hyperthermia and magnetic resonance imaging. In this study the cytotoxicity of iron oxide nanorods was evaluated based on mouse fibroblast cell behavior and wistar rat’s liver and kidney function. At first for modification, nanorods were added to Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM) which contained a lot of sources of vitamins, amino acids, proteins in Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS). The MTT assay was employed for evaluating the toxic effects of 200 and 400μg/mL modified and non-modified iron oxide nanorods on L929 mouse fibroblast cells in a 24h period. Changes in cell granularity and size as well as cell cycle were investigated using flow cytometry. Moreover liver and kidney function test and serum iron level measurement were performed 24h after the injection of modified iron oxide nanorods via the tail peripheral vein of wistar rats. Results indicated that greater concentration of modified iron oxide nanorods had no significant effect on cell viability while greater concentration of non-modified iron oxide nanorods significantly decreased cell viability. Modified iron oxide nanorods did not have significant effects on cell cycle. The results of liver and kidney function tests did not differ significantly while a significant increase in serum iron level was observed. After H&E staining of slices, there were no changes on morphology of rat’s kidney and liver cells. This study suggests that short-time use of 200 and 400μg/mL iron oxide nanorods are probably safe. Further studies are needed for investigation of toxic effects of different concentrations, coatings, and exposure time periods of iron oxide nanorods.

Mechanism underlying increased serum iron levels during FOLFOX/FOLFIRI therapy.

e14608 Background: We previously reported a significant transient increase in serum iron levels during FOLFOX and FOLFIRI therapies in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Moreover, serum iro...

The effect of iron loading and iron chelation on the innate immune response and subclinical organ injury during human endotoxemia: a randomized trial

In this double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial involving 30 healthy male volunteers we investigated the acute effects of iron loading (single dose of 1.25 mg/kg iron sucrose) and iron chelation therapy (single dose of 30 mg/kg deferasirox) on iron parameters, oxidative stress, the innate immune response, and subclinical organ injury during experimental human endotoxemia. The administration of iron sucrose induced a profound increase in plasma malondialdehyde 1 h after administration (433±37% of baseline; P<0.0001), but did not potentiate the endotoxemia-induced increase in malondialdehyde, as was seen 3 h after endotoxin administration in the placebo group (P=0.34) and the iron chelation group (P=0.008). Endotoxemia resulted in an initial increase in serum iron levels and transferrin saturation that was accompanied by an increase in labile plasma iron, especially when transferrin saturation reached levels above 90%. Thereafter, serum iron decreased to 51.6±9.7% of baseline at T=8 h in the placebo group versus 84±15% and 60.4±8.9% of baseline at 24 h in the groups treated with iron sucrose and deferasirox, respectively. No significant differences in the endotoxemia-induced cytokine response (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-1RA), subclinical vascular injury and kidney injury were observed between groups. However, vascular reactivity to noradrenalin was impaired in the 6 subjects in whom labile plasma iron was elevated during endotoxemia as opposed to those in whom no labile plasma iron was detected (P=0.029). In conclusion, a single dose of iron sucrose does not affect the innate immune response in a model of experimental human endotoxemia, but may impair vascular reactivity when labile plasma iron is formed. (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:01349699).

Iron Absorption following a Single Oral Dose of Ferrous Sulfate or Ferric Gluconate in Patients with Gastrectomy

Background: Iron deficiency anemia frequently occurs in gastrectomized patients. Methods: Serum iron levels following the ingestion of a single oral dose of 105 mg elemental iron, taken as ferrous sulfate (FeS) or ferric gluconate (FeG), have been evaluated in 20 gastrectomized patients (and 20 controls). All subjects participated on 2 different test days, 1 month apart: they took a single dose of 105 mg elemental iron as FeS or FeG after a night of fasting. Serum iron concentrations at baseline, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min after the oral dose administration were measured. Results: In patients and controls receiving FeG, serum iron levels did not significantly change. After oral ingestion of FeS, patients' serum iron levels gradually increased. The increase in serum iron levels was 148 and 168% at 120 and 180 min in patients (p < 0.0001 for both evaluations), whilst in controls, it was 216% at 120 min and 234% at 180 min, i.e. significantly higher than in gastrectomized patients (p < 0.001 for both evaluations). Conclusions: In gastrectomized patients, a single oral dose of FeS shows a significant increase in iron serum concentration, albeit lower than in controls. Further studies on a larger sample of patients will be necessary to confirm these results.

Serum iron levels as a new biomarker in chemotherapy with leucovorin and fluorouracil plus oxaliplatin or leucovorin and fluorouracil plus irinotecan, with or without molecularly-targeted drugs

Serum iron levels have been reported to increase following the administration of various anticancer drugs. An increase in serum iron levels during therapy with leucovorin and fluorouracil plus oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) or leucovorin and fluorouracil plus irinotecan (FOLFIRI) was also observed. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between serum iron levels and prognosis in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients treated with FOLFOX/FOLFIRI ± molecularly-targeted drugs. Serum iron levels were measured prior to and at 48 h after treatment with FOLFOX/FOLFIRI ± molecularly-targeted drugs in 72 advanced CRC patients, all of whom succumbed to the disease between December, 2005 and February, 2012. No patients received radiotherapy. Taking the median rate of increase in serum iron levels as the cut-off value in each therapy, the patients were divided into cohort I (increase rate greater than the cut-off value in at least one therapy) or cohort II (increase rate less than the cut-off value in all therapies). The χ2 test and the t-test were used to compare patient characteristics between the two cohorts. Prognosis was evaluated between the two cohorts using the Kaplan-Meier method, the log-rank test and the Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. No significant bias in patient characteristics (including the frequency of chemotherapy or number of patients treated with molecularly-targeted drugs) was observed between the two cohorts. Serum iron levels were transiently elevated following treatment (P<0.001), returning to baseline within 2 weeks. Median survival time (MST) in cohort I (n=44) and cohort II (n=28) was 430 and 377 days, respectively. The MST was significantly higher in cohort I (P=0.0382). The multivariate analysis identified a small increase in serum iron levels as an independent risk factor for overall survival (OS). These results suggest that serum iron levels may be used as a new predictive factor in FOLFOX/FOLFIRI ± molecularly-targeted drug therapy. Serum iron levels may therefore prove to be a useful and convenient biomarker for OS in CRC patients.

Serum iron levels potential biomarker in FOLFOX/FOLFIRI with or without molecularly targeted drug therapy.

e14651 Background: We reported an increase in serum iron levels during therapy with FOLFOX or FOLFIRI ± molecularly targeted drugs and a correlation between prognosis and transition of those levels in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients (ASCO; 2009: #e15110, 2011: #e14141, 2012: #e14004). The aims of this prospective cohort study were to establish serum iron levels as a new biomarker in advanced CRC patients undergoing therapy based on this correlation and investigate the mechanism of this increase in serum iron levels. Methods: Eighty-one advanced CRC patients were treated; all died between Dec. 2005 and Nov. 2012; none received radiotherapy; 9 of these patients were undergoing treatment between Sep. 2012 and Nov. 2012. Serum iron levels were measured at before and 48 hr after treatment. Taking the median rate of increase in serum iron levels as the cut-off value in each therapy, the patients were categorized into cohort I (increase rate over cut-off value in at least one therapy) or cohort II (increase rate under cut-off value in all therapies). Prognosis was evaluated between the two. Hepcidin (Hepc), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) were measured at before and 48 hr after treatment. Results: No significant bias in patient characteristics (including in frequency or type of regimen) was observed between the two cohorts. Serum iron levels transiently increased after treatment (p&lt;0.001), then returning to baseline within 2 weeks. Median survival time (MST) in cohort I (n: 50) and cohort II (n: 31) was 437 and 378 days, respectively, with MST significantly better in cohort I (p=0.0417). Multivariate analysis identified Dukes’ stage, recurrence type, and serum iron level as independent risk factors for overall survival (OS). Hepc significantly increased after treatment (p&lt;0.001), with no significant change in IL-6 or sTfR. Conclusions: Serum iron levels offer potential as an extremely useful and convenient biomarker for OS in CRC patients. While Hepc significantly increased, no significant decrease was observed in sTfR after treatment. This suggests that serum iron levels increased as a result of a treatment-induced reduction in iron consumption by bone marrow.

Iron Levels Increased in Serum from Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Mothers in Coastal Area of Andhra Pradesh

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been observed to be associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. GDM affects approximately 7% of all pregnancies. The objective of the present study was to establish correlation of serum iron, phosphorous and hemoglobin levels in women with carbohydrate tolerance in gestational diabetes mellitus and to find out its association with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: The study involved screening of 100 pregnant women with gestational period of 24 – 28 weeks, for carbohydrate tolerance and prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus. We estimated fasting glucose, post load glucose, serum iron, serum phosphorous, and hemoglobin in all 100 pregnant women selected for this study. The study was carried out in the department of OBG in collaboration with department of biochemistry. Results: In the present study, prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus is 8%. Both fasting and post serum glucose levels are significantly high in cases of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. We observed increase in serum iron level for gestational diabetes mellitus mothers and is associated with carbohydrate tolerance. However, there was no correlation observed with phosphorous and hemoglobin levels in GDM mothers. Conclusion: Present study showed elevated serum iron levels correlates with the development of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Serum phosphorous and hemoglobin concentrations have not shown any significant variation.

A Noninvasive Method to Determine the Fate of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles following Intravenous Injection Using Scanning SQUID Biosusceptometry

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) of Fe3O4 have been widely applied in many medical fields, but few studies have clearly shown the outcome of particles following intravenous injection. We performed a magnetic examination using scanning SQUID biosusceptometry (SSB). Based on the results of SSB analysis and those of established in vitro nonmagnetic bioassays, this study proposes a model of MNP metabolism consisting of an acute metabolic phase with an 8 h duration that is followed by a chronic metabolic phase that continues for 28 d following MNP injection. The major features included the delivery of the MNPs to the heart and other organs, the biodegradation of the MNPs in organs rich with macrophages, the excretion of iron metabolites in the urine, and the recovery of the iron load from the liver and the spleen. Increases in serum iron levels following MNP injection were accompanied by increases in the level of transferrin in the serum and the number of circulating red blood cells. Correlations between the in vivo and in vitro test results indicate the feasibility of using SSB examination for the measurement of MNP concentrations, implying future clinical applications of SSB for monitoring the hematological effects of MNP injection.

Iron overload in chronic Hepatitis C patients with Candida albicans infection

Patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) often have increased liver iron. The distribution of pathogenic microorganisms including Candida albicans in human body mainly depend up on the concentration of iron which changes during hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study aimed to measure iron overload and its correlation to C. albicans infection in patients with CHC. According to the presence of C. albicans antibodies measured using, patients were classified into 40 CHC patients with C. albicans positive IgG antibodies and 40 CHC patients negative for C. albicans IgG antibodies. Serum iron, transferren saturation and ferritin were estimated using spectrophotometric analysis. C. albicans IgG antibodies were estimated in 50% (40/80) of CHC patients. Statistical analysis showed that age but not gender was associated with HCV infection and duration (P<0.001). Comparisons with demographic and laboratory parameters showed that age (P<0.001); BMI (P<0.001); HCV-RNA (P<0.002); Hb (P<0.001); ALT (P<0.001); AST (P<0.001) were all associated with C. albicans infection in HCV patients compared with both CHC and control groups. A significant increase in serum iron levels, Ferritin, Transferrin and Transferrin saturation among CHC patients with C. albicans compared to both CHC patients and control group. The increase in iron status showed a significant correlation between aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), body mass index (BMI), Age, Hb and HCV-RNA. This study finding suggests that iron overload disorder plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of C. albicans in CHC patients. Key words: Iron overload, ferritin, transferrin saturation, hepatitis C virus- RNA (HCV-RNA), Candida albicans.

Serum iron levels as new predictive factor in FOLFOX/FOLFIRI with or without molecularly targeted drug therapy.

e14004 Background: An increase in serum iron levels after administration of various anticancer drugs was reported (Follezou et al, NEOPLASMA 1985). We have also reported an increase in serum iron levels during FOLFOX and FOLFIRI therapies (ASCO 2009: #e15110) and a correlation between prognosis and transition of serum iron levels in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients (ASCO 2011: #e14141). The aim of this cohort study was to evaluate the correlation between prognosis and serum iron levels in advanced CRC patients treated with FOLFOX/FOLFIRI ± molecularly targeted drugs. Methods: Serum iron levels were measured before and at 48 hr after treatment (FOLFOX/FOLFIRI ± molecularly targeted drugs) in 69 advanced CRC patients, all of whom died between December 2005 and December 2011. No patients were treated with radiotherapy. Taking the median rate of increase in serum iron levels as the cut-off value in each therapy, the patients were categorized into cohort I (increase rate over cut-off value in at least one therapy) and cohort II (increase rate under the cut-off value in all therapies). Prognosis was evaluated between the two cohorts using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log rank test. Results: No significant bias in patient characteristics was observed between the two cohorts. Serum iron levels transiently increased after treatment (p&lt;0.001), then returning to baseline within 2 weeks. Median survival time (MST) in cohort I (n: 41) and cohort II (n: 28) was 430 and 377 days, respectively. The MST was significantly better in cohort I (p=0.0496). No significant differences were observed in the frequency of chemotherapies or number of patients treated with molecularly targeted drugs between the two cohorts. Conclusions: Cohort I showed a statistically significant better prognosis. The results suggest that serum iron levels could be used as a new predictive factor in FOLFOX/FOLFIRI ± molecularly targeted drug therapy. In Cohort II patients, molecularly targeted drugs should be used positively for further improvement in prognosis.