Serum Iron Concentration Research Articles

C-Reactive Protein and Long-Term Prognosis in Adult Patients with Congenital Heart Disease.

Background/Objectives: Prognostic biomarkers may provide information about the patient's cardiovascular outcomes. However, there are doubts regarding how high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) impacts patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). The main objective is to evaluate whether high hs-CRP levels predict a worse prognosis in patients with CHD. Methods: Observational and prospective cohort study. Adult CHD patients and controls were matched for age and sex. Results: In total, 434 CHD patients (cases) and 820 controls were studied. The median age in the CHD patients was 30 (18-62) years and 256 (59%) were male. A total of 51%, 30%, and 19% of patients with CHD had mild, moderate, and great complexity defects, respectively. The body mass index [1.07 (1.01-1.13), p = 0.022)], diabetes mellitus [3.57 (1.07-11.97), p = 0.039], high NT-pro-BNP levels [1.00 (1.00-1.01), p = 0.021], and low serum iron concentrations [0.98 (0.97-0.99), p = 0.001] predicted high hs-CRP levels (≥0.3 mg/dL) in patients with CHD. During a follow-up time of 6.81 (1.17-10.46) years, major cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred in 40 CHD patients, showing the Kaplan-Meier test demonstrated a worse outcome among patients with hs-CRP levels above 0.3 mg/dL (p = 0.012). Also, hs-CRP showed statistical significance in the univariate Cox regression survival analysis. However, after adjusting for other variables, this significance was lost and the remaining predictors of MACE were age [HR 1.03 (1.01-1.06), p = 0.001], great complexity defects [HR 2.46 (1.07-5.69), p = 0.035], and an NT pro-BNP cutoff value for heart failure > 125 pg/mL [HR 7.73 (2.54-23.5), p < 0.001]. Conclusions: Hs-CRP obtained statistical significance in the univariate survival analysis. However, this significance was lost in the multivariate analysis in favor of age, CHD complexity, and heart failure.

Serum Iron Levels, Dietary Iron Intake, and Supplement Use in Relation to Metabolic Syndrome in Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential associations between serum iron levels, dietary iron intake, and iron supplementation, and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents A cross-sectional analysis was conducted, utilizing data from adolescents participating in the 2003-2018 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) pertaining to serum iron, dietary iron, and iron supplementation were derived through multivariate logistic regression models. Additionally, a restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression model was applied to explore the nonlinear relationship between dietary iron and serum iron concerning MetS. The study encompassed 4858 American adolescents aged 12 to 19, among whom 413 (8.5%) manifested MetS. The study cohort exhibited an average age of 15.52years, comprising 2551 males (52.51%) and 2307 females (47.49%). Relative to individuals in the lowest serum iron quartile, those in the highest quartile for serum iron (OR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.21-0.50), the highest quartile for dietary iron (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.32-0.89), and those utilizing iron supplements (OR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.37-0.99) evinced a diminished prevalence of MetS, even post adjustment for potential confounding variables. A non-linear relationship was discerned between serum iron and MetS, exhibiting a statistically significant negative correlation when serum iron concentrations exceeded the inflection point (serum iron = 8.66µmol/L, P for nonlinear < 0.001). This investigation reveals that higher levels of serum iron, increased dietary iron intake, and the use of iron supplements are linked to a lower prevalence of MetS in US adolescents. These findings suggest that dietary modifications could play a role in promoting the health of adolescents.

Iron overload promotes hemochromatosis-associated osteoarthritis via the mTORC1-p70S6K/4E-BP1 pathway

BackgroundsJoint iron overload in hemochromatosis induces M1 polarization in synovial macrophages, releasing pro-inflammatory factors and leading to osteoarthritis development. However, the mechanism by which iron overload regulates M1 polarization remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the mechanism by which synovial iron overload promotes macrophage M1 polarization. MethodsIn vitro, RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with iron and divided into five groups based on the concentration of the iron chelator, desferrioxamine (DFO): Ctrl, Fe, DFO1, DFO2, and DFO3. In vivo, rats were categorized into five groups based on iron overload and intra-articular DFO injection: A-Ctrl, A-Fe, A-DFO1, A-DFO2, and A-DFO3. Osteoarthritis was induced by transecting the left knee anterior cruciate ligament. Macrophage morphology was observed; Prussian Blue staining quantified iron deposition in macrophages, synovium, and liver; serum iron concentration was measured using the ferrozine method; cartilage damage was assessed using H&E and Safranin O-Fast Green staining; qPCR detected iNOS and Arg-1 expression; Western Blot analyzed the protein expression of iNOS, Arg-1, 4E-BP1, phosphorylated 4E-BP1, p70S6K, and phosphorylated p70S6K; ELISA measured TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations in supernatants; and immunohistochemistry examined the protein expression of F4/80, iNOS, Arg-1, 4E-BP1, phosphorylated 4E-BP1, p70S6K, and phosphorylated p70S6K in the synovium. ResultsIn vitro, iron-treated macrophages exhibited Prussian Blue staining indicative of iron overload and morphological changes towards M1 polarization. qPCR and Western Blot revealed increased expression of the M1 polarization markers iNOS and its protein. ELISA showed elevated TNF-α and IL-6 levels in supernatants. In vivo, ferrozine assay indicated significantly increased serum iron concentrations in all groups except A-Ctrl; Prussian Blue staining showed increased liver iron deposition in all groups except A-Ctrl. Iron deposition in rat synovium decreased in a DFO concentration-dependent manner; immunohistochemistry showed a corresponding decrease in iNOS and phosphorylated 4E-BP1 expression, and an increase in Arg-1 expression. ConclusionIntracellular iron overload may exacerbate joint cartilage damage by promoting synovial macrophage M1 polarization through phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 in the mTORC1-p70S6K/4E-BP1 pathway.

Associations of iron metabolism and inflammation with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in a large NHANES community sample: Moderating and mediating effects

Background and aimsThis study aimed to assess the associations between serum iron concentration, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration and the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in the general population and to explore potential mediating and moderating effects. Methods and resultsThis study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning the years 1999–2010, encompassing 23,634 participants. Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to investigate the independent associations of serum iron and CRP with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Moderation and mediation analyses explored the moderating effect of CRP on the association between the serum iron concentration and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and the mediating role of the serum iron concentration in the association between the CRP concentration and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. After multivariate adjustments in the Cox model, serum iron and CRP levels were independently correlated with both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk. Moderation analyses revealed a more pronounced correlation between the serum iron concentration and both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in participants with higher CRP levels. Mediation analysis indicated that the serum iron concentration partly mediated the impact of CRP on the risk of all-cause mortality (13.79%) and cardiovascular mortality (24.12%). ConclusionSerum iron and CRP are independently associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Moreover, the associations between serum iron concentrations and both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality are more pronounced in individuals with elevated CRP. Serum iron partially mediates the effect of CRP on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Value of serum iron and urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in predicting the mortality of critically ill patients with sepsis.

We aimed to investigate the association of iron metabolism-related parameters with 60-day mortality in critically ill patients with sepsis. Serum or urine concentrations of iron metabolism-related parameters on intensive care unit admission were measured in a prospective cohort of 133 eligible patients with sepsis according to the Sepsis-3 criteria, and these values were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors, categorized according to their 60-day survival status. Cox regression analyses were performed to examine the association between iron parameters and 60-day mortality. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to illustrate the differences in survival between different iron parameters. Of the 133 patients included in the study, 61 (45.8%) had died by day 60. After adjusting for confounding variables, higher concentrations of serum iron (cut-off 9.5 μmol/mL) and higher concentrations of urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL; cut-off 169.3 ng/mL) were associated with a significantly greater risk of death in the Cox regression analysis. These two biomarkers combined with Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores increased the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve to 0.85. These findings suggest that higher concentrations of serum iron and uNGAL are each associated with higher 60-day mortality, and they add significant accuracy to this prediction in combination with SOFA. Abbreviations: uNGAL: urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin; ICU: intensive care unit; SOFA: Sequential Organ Failure Assessment; APACHE II: the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II; ELISA: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; HR: hazard ratio; CIs: confidence intervals; WBC: white blood cell; TBIL: total bilirubin.

Multiple organs injury and myocardial energy metabolism disorders induced by isoproterenol

The study sought to assess the detrimental effects of isoproterenol (ISO) on major organs and investigate the potential reversibility of these adverse reactions in mice. Male mice were divided into normal control, 0.2 mg/kg.d and 3.0 mg/kg.d ISO groups, and were subcutaneously administered of the respective doses for 14 consecutive days. Subsequently, a recovery period experiment was conducted, replicating the aforementioned procedure, followed by an additional 2-week recovery period for the mice. Following 14 consecutive days of administration, mice treated with ISO exhibited notable cardiac damage manifested by abnormal ECG patterns, dysregulated energy metabolism, elevated cardiac hypertrophy, and increased heart pathological score. Additionally, the administration of ISO resulted in liver and kidney damage, as evidenced by increased pathological score, serum albumin level, and urea level. Lung damage was also observed, indicated by an increase in lung pathological score. Furthermore, the administration of ISO at a dosage of 3.0 mg/kg.d resulted in a decrease in liver mass index, serum iron content, and an increase in lung mass index. After a 2-week recovery period, mice treated with ISO showed abnormalities in ECG patterns and dysregulated myocardial energy metabolism, accompanied by a decrease in serum iron content. Histopathological examinations revealed continued pathological changes in the heart and lung, as well as significant hemosiderin deposition in the spleen. Furthermore, the group treated with ISO at a dosage of 3.0 mg/kg.d showed an increase in serum AST and TP levels. In summary, the study demonstrates that both 0.2 mg/kg.d and 3.0 mg/kg.d doses of ISO can induce damage to the heart, liver, lung, kidney, and spleen, with the higher dose causing more severe injuries. After a 2-week withdrawal period, the liver, kidney, and thymus injuries caused by 0.2 mg/kg ISO shows signs of recovery, while damage to the heart, lung, and spleen persists. The thymus injury mostly recovers, with minimal kidney pathology, but significant damage to the heart, liver, and lung remains even after the withdrawal period for the 3.0 mg/kg ISO dose.

A nine-month repeat-dose intravaginal ring (Ovaprene) irritation study in sheep

ObjectivesOvaprene is a novel, investigational, intravaginal hormone-free monthly ring contraceptive designed for use in women of reproductive age to be worn over multiple weeks (one menstrual cycle). The objective of this work was to evaluate the safety of Ovaprene during a nine-month repeat-dose sheep study. Study designIn addition to traditional safety endpoints such as histopathological evaluation of the sheep female reproductive tract, vaginal fluids were collected and tested for released iron over time. Also, the amount of iron in the rings was assessed following removal, and serum iron levels were measured. There were four sheep in each group (Ovaprene group and sham group). ResultsThere were no macroscopic clinical findings. There was minimal to mild, mixed or mononuclear cell infiltration present in all levels of vagina (cranial, mid, and caudal) from all animals including sham controls based on post-study necropsy. The female reproductive tract from animals treated with the Ovaprene ring was comparable to the sham controls. The concentrations of serum iron in sheep treated with Ovaprene ring were similar compared to a sham treated animal. The average amount of ferrous gluconate released from Ovaprene over the 29-day period of use was 175 mg of the approximately 512 mg nominally loaded into the rings. ConclusionsOverall, the Ovaprene devices were well-tolerated in female sheep. ImplicationsThis study should support a chronic (e.g., one year) contraceptive efficacy study in women.

Serum Iron Overload Activates the SMAD Pathway and Hepcidin Expression of Hepatocytes via SMURF1.

Liver iron overload can induce hepatic expression of bone morphogenic protein (BMP) 6 and activate the BMP/SMAD pathway. However, serum iron overload can also activate SMAD but does not induce BMP6 expression. Therefore, the mechanisms through which serum iron overload activates the BMP/SMAD pathway remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the role of SMURF1 in serum iron overload and the BMP/SMAD pathway. A cell model of serum iron overload was established by treating hepatocytes with 2 mg/mL of holo-transferrin (Holo-Tf). A serum iron overload mouse model and a liver iron overload mouse model were established by intraperitoneally injecting 10 mg of Holo-Tf into C57BL/6 mice and administering a high-iron diet for 1 week followed by a low-iron diet for 2 days. Western blotting and real-time PCR were performed to evaluate the activation of the BMP/SMAD pathway and the expression of hepcidin. Holo-Tf augmented the sensitivity and responsiveness of hepatocytes to BMP6. The E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase SMURF1 mediated Holo-Tf-induced SMAD1/5 activation and hepcidin expression; specifically, SMURF1 expression dramatically decreased when the serum iron concentration was increased. Additionally, the expression of SMURF1 substrates, which are important molecules involved in the transduction of BMP/SMAD signaling, was significantly upregulated. Furthermore, in vivo analyses confirmed that SMURF1 specifically regulated the BMP/SMAD pathway during serum iron overload. SMURF1 can specifically regulate the BMP/SMAD pathway by augmenting the responsiveness of hepatocytes to BMPs during serum iron overload.

Correlation between iron metabolism indicators and programmed death ligand 1 expression in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

The dysregulation of iron metabolism is closely linked to the onset and progression of lung cancer. This study aimed to explore the association between iron metabolism indicators (serum iron, transferrin, ferritin) and the expression level of programmed death factor ligand 1 in primary lesions of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. A cohort of 62 patients, including 42 men and 20 women, was recruited from October 2022 to July 2023, all diagnosed with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, confirmed through radiographic imaging and histopathological analysis. Comprehensive clinical data (such as gender, age, familial lung cancer history, smoking history, pathological classification, clinical stage, etc.) and concentrations of fasting serum iron, transferrin, and ferritin were collected. Patients were categorized into PD-L1 negative (<1% expression) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) positive (≥1% expression) groups based on PD-L1 expression levels in tumor tissues. Subsequently, the correlation between levels of serum iron, transferrin, ferritin, and PD-L1 expression in advanced non-small cell lung cancer were examined. Patients in the PD-L1 positive group exhibited lower levels of peripheral serum iron and transferrin compared to those in the PD-L1 negative group (P<0.05). For patients exhibiting positive PD-L1 expression, a negative correlation was observed between PD-L1 expression and both serum iron and transferrin levels (r = -0.465, P=0.003; r = -0.447, P=0.005), and a positive correlation was noted between PD-L1 expression and ferritin levels (r=0.393, P=0.015). We conclude that in In patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, serum iron and transferrin levels can serve as partial predictors of PD-L1 expression; among those positive for PD-L1, a significant association exists between indicators of iron metabolism and PD-L1 expression.

Serum iron concentration and leptin inversely relate, partially mediated by body mass index in American adults

Iron metabolism and leptin are interconnected, and both link with obesity. In this cross-sectional study, we hypothesized that serum iron markers associate with leptin, with body mass index (BMI) acting as a mediator, confounder, and effect modifier in this relationship. We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, with a focus on serum iron markers and leptin. The relationship between serum iron markers and leptin was determined by multiple linear regression. The bootstrap method was used to investigate the mediating effect of BMI on this association. Among 3888 American adults, serum iron and transferrin saturation showed a negative association with leptin (log2-transformed) (β: –0.010, 95% confidence interval [CI], –0.013 to –0.006, P < .001; β: –0.006, 95% CI, –0.008 to –0.004, P < .001). Total iron-binding capacity was positively associated with the serum concentration of leptin (log2-transformed) (β: 0.002, 95% CI, 0–0.004, P = .0292). Sex, BMI, and body fat percentage significantly influenced these associations. Notably, the association between the iron markers and leptin diminished in individuals with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2. There was no observable relationship between leptin and serum ferritin concentrations. BMI mediated 4.81% of the serum iron-leptin association, with no mediation of body fat percentage. Our study identified a link between serum iron and leptin, with BMI as a mediating factor. In clinical settings, it is vital to understand how treatments targeting iron metabolism can directly impact serum leptin concentration and the subsequent physiological changes.

Relationship between prepregnancy BMI and the concentrations of iron, calcium, and magnesium in serum and hair during the first trimester of pregnancy in women

BackgroundIn women of childbearing age, a low dietary supply of iron, calcium, and magnesium is often observed. Minerals deficiency in pregnant women is often associated with abnormal body weight and may impact fetal development disorders. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and the dietary intake of iron, calcium and magnesium and their concentrations in serum and hair in pregnant women. MethodThe study involved 97 Caucasian/white low-risk pregnant women at 12 weeks of gestation. The analysis of minerals in serum and hair samples was performed using atomic absorption spectrometry. Pre-pregnancy BMI was calculated based on self-reported weight. The study used a validated questionnaire and a 24-h recall nutrition interview, which were analyzed using Aliant software. ResultsIt was found that overweight and obese women exhibited higher magnesium concentration in serum, while iron content in serum and hair was markedly lower compared to women with normal body weight. The average total supply of iron was below the recommendation in pregnant women. Moreover, an inverse significant relationship was observed between BMI and iron concentration in hair and serum in the whole population. ConclusionIn conclusion, being overweight or obese before pregnancy is associated with low dietary iron intake and low iron concentration in serum and hair during the first trimester of pregnancy in women.

Effects of dietary citric acid on growth performance, mineral status, body and muscle composition, muscle growth and mTOR signaling in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco fed with low-manganese diets

The positive impacts of dietary citric acid (CA) on aquaculture species have been studied. However, the wide application of CA in aquatic-feed requires a comprehensive understanding of its nutritional functions. Here, an 8- week feeding trial was performed to determine whether dietary CA supplementation could improve manganese (Mn) utilization and thus reduce Mn excretion by investigating the effect of dietary CA on growth performance, mineral statues, body and muscle composition, muscle growth and mTOR signaling of yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco fed with low-manganese (L-Mn) diets. Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated and fed to triplicated groups of fish. A suitable Mn diet containing 5.7 mg kg−1 Mn was set as the control, while the diets without extra Mn addition was regarded as L-Mn group. The other two diets were supplemented with 30 g kg−1 CA into the control and L-Mn diet, respectively. The results showed that the weight gain, specific growth rate, feed efficiency, protein content in muscle, iron concentration in serum, and Mn content in whole body and muscle were significantly decreased after L-Mn diet and resumed by dietary CA addition (P < 0.05). Dietary low-Mn markedly decreased the diameters of muscle fibers, which was alleviated by CA supplementation. Dietary Mn and CA interacted to affect the density of the muscle fiber density, the mRNA expression of muscle development-, myocyte myogenic and myocyte enhancer factors-related genes (P-interaction <0.05). Besides, expression of genes in muscle involved in mTOR signaling including mtor, s6 and eif4e were significantly down-regulated in fish fed L-Mn diet compared to the control. CA supplementation reversed the L-Mn diet induced decrease of their mRNA levels. Furthermore, the protein expression of p-mTOR, S6 and p-S6 were significantly decreased after L-Mn diet, and were upregulated by CA supplementation in the muscle (P < 0.05). Taken together, this study revealed that CA as a feed additive could improve growth performance, mineral bioavailability, muscle growth and protein synthesis in yellow catfish under the condition of Mn deficiency. These positive effects may be partially attributed to dietary CA supplementation improving Mn absorption and bioavailability. This study also has a significance for the development of environmentally friendly feeds for the aquatic species.

Effects of dietary iron supplementation on reproductive performance of sows and growth performance of piglets.

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of dietary iron supplementation from different sources on the reproductive performance of sows and the growth performance of piglets. A total of 87 sows with similar farrowing time were blocked by body weight at day 85 of gestation, and assigned to one of three dietary treatments (n = 29 per treatment): basal diet, basal diet supplemented with 0.2% ferrous sulfate (FeSO4), and basal diet supplemented with 0.2% iron sucrose, respectively, with 30% iron in both FeSO4 and iron sucrose. Compared with the control (CON) group, iron sucrose supplementation reduced the rate of stillbirth and invalid of neonatal piglets (P < 0.05), and the number of mummified fetuses was 0. Moreover, it also improved the coat color of newborn piglets (P < 0.05). At the same time, the iron sucrose could also achieve 100% estrus rate of sows. Compared with the CON group, FeSO4 and iron sucrose supplementation increased the serum iron content of weaned piglets (P < 0.05). In addition, iron sucrose increased serum transferrin level of weaned piglets (P < 0.05) and the survival rate of piglets (P < 0.05). In general, both iron sucrose and FeSO4 could affect the blood iron status of weaned piglets, while iron sucrose also had a positive effect on the healthy development of newborn and weaned piglets, and was more effective than FeSO4 in improving the performance of sows and piglets.

Triastin in immunocorrection of women diagnosed with cancer breast controlled by iron-containing glands treatment efficacy indicator proteins

The article shows that the treckresan BAA derivative triastin can be recocorrected for the immunocorrection of women of the menopause with a diagnosis of breast cancer under the control of determining the concentration of serum iron- containing indicator proteins (lactoferrin and ferritin). Results from a study of lactoferrin and ferritin levels in menopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer when triastine was prescribed are shown. It was found that in the main group, the use of triastine in addition to the main course of treatment caused an earlier (by 7-10 days) concentration of LF — from 401,22±27,58 до 4089,32±119,04 ng/ml and F — from 29,1±1,5 ng/ml до 494,30±13,6 ng/ml, compared with the control group — 1295,37±28,61 ng/ml и 288,59±15,5 ng/ml, respectively.

Markers of oxidative stress in children with iron deficiency anemia

BackgroundOxidative stress can occur in iron deficiency anemia (IDA), causing cellular injury. The primary objective of the study was to assess serum malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl as oxidants and glutathione reductase catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and vitamin C levels as antioxidants in patients with IDA and healthy controls; and secondary objectives were to observe the levels among the mild, moderate and severe category of IDA and their correlations with serum iron and ferritin. Material and methodsFifty-five patients of IDA and 50 healthy controls were enrolled. Diagnosis of IDA was made based on the cut-off values of low hemoglobin as per age, serum iron <30 μg/dL, ferritin <12 ng/mL, and transferrin saturation <16 %. Serum levels of MDA, protein carbonyl, glutathione reductase, catalase, SOD, and vitamin C were estimated. ResultsThe median age of patients and controls was 6 years. IDA patients had significantly raised mean levels of MDA (p < 0.001) and protein carbonyl (p < 0.001) and decreased glutathione reductase (p < 0.001), catalase (p < 0.001), SOD (p = 0.014) and vitamin C (p = 0.010) than controls. Parameters were comparable among mild, moderate, and severe degrees of IDA. Significantly negative correlations of MDA (r = −0. 713, p < 0.001, −0.683 p < 0.001) and protein carbonyl (r = −0.500, p < 0.001, - 0.519, p < 0.001) and positive correlations of glutathione reductase (r = 0.607, p < 0.001, 0.629, p < 0.001), catalase (r = 0.447, p < 0.001, 0.436, p < 0.001), SOD (r = 0.209, p = 0.032, 0.175, p = 0.075) and vitamin C (r = 0.233,p = 0.017, 0.197, p = 0.044) were observed with serum iron and ferritin, respectively. ConclusionOxidative stress exists in patients with IDA, unaffected by the severity of anemia, and has significant correlations with serum iron and ferritin concentrations.

Could nanotechnology improve exercise performance? Evidence from animal studies.

This review provides the current state of knowledge regarding the use of nutritional nanocompounds on exercise performance. The reviewed studies used the following nanocompounds: resveratrol-loaded lipid nanoparticles, folic acid into layered hydroxide nanoparticle, redox-active nanoparticles with nitroxide radicals, and iron into liposomes. Most of these nutritional nanocompounds seem to improve performance in endurance exercise compared to the active compound in the non-nanoencapsulated form and/or placebo. Nutritional nanocompounds also induced the following physiological and metabolic alterations: 1) improved antioxidant activity and reduced oxidative stress; 2) reduction in inflammation status; 3) maintenance of muscle integrity; 4) improvement in mitochondrial function and quality; 5) enhanced glucose levels during exercise; 6) higher muscle and hepatic glycogen levels; and 7) increased serum and liver iron content. However, all the reviewed studies were conducted in animals (mice and rats). In conclusion, nutritional nanocompounds are a promising approach to improving exercise performance. As the studies using nutritional nanocompounds were all conducted in animals, further studies in humans are necessary to better understand the application of nutritional nanocompounds in sport and exercise science.

RESULTS OF IRON SUPPLEMENTATION FOR REGULAR VOLUNTARY NON-REMUNERATED BLOOD DONORS AT NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEMATOLOGY AND BLOOD TRANSFUSION

Objective: To evaluate the results of iron supplementation for RRVBD at the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (NIHBT). Subjects and methods: Including 279 RRVBD with serum ferritin below 26 ng/ml taking iron tablets containing 35 mg of elemental iron. Methods: Cross-sectional description, prospective study. Results: The average age of RRVBD taking iron tablets is 27.8 years old, the average number of blood donations is 11 times, the average time of re-testing is 169.5 days. The proportion of RRVBD taking iron tablets and testing on time is 43.4%, the proportion of RRVBD not taking iron tablets or not taking enough iron tablets is 18.3%, the proportion of RRVBD taking enough iron tablets and not coming to the test on time is 18.6%. The proportion of RRVBD dropping out of the study is 19.7%. Hematological parameters (red blood cell count, hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean serum iron concentration) of RRVBD taking iron tablets are within the normal range, the serum ferritin concentration of RRVBD recovered after taking iron tablets is: in the group of blood donors taking enough iron tablets and testing on time, the mean serum ferritin concentration before taking iron tablets is 15.8 ± 5.5 ng/ml and after taking iron tablets is 24.7 ± 14.9 ng/ml, the proportion of blood donors with ferritin returning to normal range after taking iron tablets is 39.7%. In group of blood donors not taking iron tablets or not taking enough iron tablets, serum ferritin before iron intake is 18.1 ± 5.3 ng/ml and after iron intake is 14.2 ± 10.9 ng/ml, the proportion of blood donors having serum ferritin returning to normal range after iron intake is 7.8%. In group of RRVBD taking enough iron tablets and not coming to the test on time, the mean serum ferritin concentration before iron intake is 16.5 ± 5.9 ng/ml and after iron intake is 28.8 ± 17.1 ng/ml, the proportion of blood donors with serum ferritin concentration returning to normal range after blood donation is 51.9%. Conclusion: The proportion of regularly repeated voluntary blood donors taking enough iron tablets and testing on time is 43.4%, the proportion of regularly repeated voluntary blood donors not taking iron tablets or not taking enough iron tablets is 18.3%, the proportion of regularly repeated voluntary blood donors taking enough iron tablets and not coming to the test on time is 18.6%, the proportion of regularly repeated voluntary blood donors not taking iron tablets and not testing is 19.7%. Hematological parameters (red blood cell count, Hb, MCV, MCH and mean serum iron concentration) of regularly repeated voluntary blood donors taking iron tablets before and after iron intake are within the normal range. The proportion of blood donors with serum ferritin concentration after iron intake returning to the normal range: blood donors taking enough iron tablets and testing on time is 39.7%, blood donors not taking iron tablets or not taking enough iron tablets is 7.8% and blood donors taking enough iron tablets and not coming to the test on time is 51.9%.

Correlation between serum iron levels and pulmonary function: A cross-sectional analysis based on NHANES database 5319 cases.

Pulmonary function, one of the main indicators of respiratory system assessment, is difficult to measure in specific cases. The study investigated the association between serum iron levels and pulmonary function. The cross-sectional study was conducted using data from 5319 participants from the 2010-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory flow from 25% to 75% of FVC were used as indicators of pulmonary function to analyze the relationship of serum iron and pulmonary function. Univariate and stratified analyses, multiple equation regression analysis, smoothed curve fitting analysis, and threshold effect analysis were performed to explore the relationship between pulmonary function and serum iron concentrations. Threshold effect analysis revealed a nonlinear relationship between serum iron levels and FVC, as well as FEV1, with inflection points observed at 8.1 (µmol/L) and 8.4 (µmol/L), respectively. When serum iron concentrations fell below the inflection point, there was no statistically significant relationship between serum iron and FVC (P = .065) or FEV1 (P = .095) (P > .005). However, when serum iron concentrations exceeded the inflection point, both FVC (β = 6.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.95, 9.79; P < .0001) and FEV1 (β = 7.09; 95% CI = 4.54, 9.64; P < .0001) exhibited a positive correlation with increasing serum iron levels. Additionally, forced expiratory flow from 25% to 75% of FVC (mL/s) demonstrated a positive association with serum iron (β = 6.72; 95% CI = 2.30, 11.13; P = .0029). Serum iron level was positively correlated with pulmonary function within a certain range of serum iron concentration. Serum iron level may be a protective factor for pulmonary function.

Combined exposure to multiple essential elements and cadmium at early pregnancy on gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study.

Minerals and trace elements were involved in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetes. However, the association of mixed exposure to essential elements and toxic elements with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is poorly understood. This study aims to examine the associations between serum calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in early pregnancy and GDM risk in Chinese pregnant women. A total of 1,168 pregnant women were included in this prospective cohort study. The concentrations of serum elements were measured using the polarography method before 14 gestational weeks and an oral glucose tolerance test was conducted at 24-28 gestational weeks to diagnose GDM. Binary logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline were applied to evaluate the association between serum individual element and GDM. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were used to assess the associations between mixed essential elements and Cd exposure and GDM risk. The mean concentrations of Zn (124.65 vs. 120.12 μmol/L), Fe (135.26 vs. 132.21 μmol/L) and Cu (23.33 vs. 23.03 μmol/L) in the GDM group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Single-element modeling results suggested that second and fourth-quartile maternal Zn and Fe concentration, third and fourth-quartile Cu concentration and fourth-quartile Ca concentration were associated with an increased risk of GDM compared to first-quartile values. Restricted cubic spline analysis showed U-shaped and non-linear relationships between Cd and GDM. According to the BKMR models and WQS analyses, a six-element mixture was significantly and positively associated with the risk of GDM. Additionally, Cd, Zn, and Cu contributed the most strongly to the association. Serum Zn, Cu, Fe, and Ca exposure during early pregnancy showed a positive association with GDM in the individual evaluation. The multiple-evaluation showed that high levels of elements mixture, particularly Cd, Zn, and Cu, may promote the development of GDM.

Serum Iron, Ferritin, Erythroferrone and their Inter-Correlation In Adult Cigarette Smokers: A Case-Control study

Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of lung and blood cancers worldwide. A higher risk of pulmonary injury is associated with elevated lung iron and ferritin levels. Erythroferrone (ERFE) is a newly discovered tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily member produced by erythroblasts during erythropoiesis. Eventually, it suppresses hepcidin during enhanced erythropoietic activity. The current study investigated the relationship between serum ferritin, iron, and erythroferrone concentrations among adult smokers. This study included 76 selected adult cigarette smokers and 48 healthy individuals (non-smokers) as a control group. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) biochemical techniques were used to accurately measure serum iron, ferritin, and erythroferrone. Cigarette smokers (CS) had a mean age of 42.75±2.92 years, while healthy control (HC) subjects had a mean age of 37.36±2.7 years. The findings have shown a significant increase in serum iron, ferritin, and EREF levels in CS (119± 4.30, 131.1±6.58, and 75.02±2.09) compared with HC (98.67±7.84, 85.50±4.12, and 65.74±2.25) respectively. This study has shown a significant positive correlation between serum EREF (P=0.0072, r=0.4089) and the duration of smoking &lt;20 years and a moderate association between serum iron (P=0.1907, r=0.4511) and the duration of smoking &lt;40 years. For the first time, this outcome shows increased serum EREF and overexpression by erythroblasts in subjects associated with smoking habits, along with increased serum iron and ferritin levels. An indicative correlation is found between EREF overexpression, iron overload, and hyperferritinemia with reference to the duration of smoking. The study also illustrates the interconnection between iron metabolism perturbations and ERFE overexpression induced by cigarette smoking.