Serum Ferritin Concentration Research Articles

Association of serum bilirubin, selected iron status indicators and body composition in non-obese, normoglycemic subjects

Background: Recently cardiometabolic risk reduction has been observed in patients with slightly elevated bilirubin concentration, as well as increased risk in subjects with excessive iron reserves. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between overweight and/or abdominal obesity, serum bilirubin and selected iron status indicators levels in non-obese subjects. Methods: The study group consisted of 80 healthy, non-obese subjects aged 25–40 years. In all subjects total and direct bilirubin (T-BIL, D-BIL), iron (Fe), transferrin (TRSF), ferritin (FERR) and hepcidin (HEPC) measurements were performed. Anthropometric parameters (BMI, waist circumference, WHR) were measured and body composition (% of body fat, muscles and level of visceral fat) was evaluated using body segment analyzer. Results: Men showed significantly higher values of waist circumference, WHR, muscle mass, visceral fat level and FERR and HEPC concentrations, compared to women. Lower concentrations of T-BIL, D-BIL and higher concentration of FERR, HEPC occurred in the overweight group. In all subjects and in the overweight group T-BIL, D-BIL showed negative correlations with BMI, waist circumference, fat mass and visceral fat level, while for FERR, HEPC those correlations were positive. Overweight subjects had an approximately 4-fold higher incidence of low T-BIL, D-BIL levels (p < 0,001), as well as nearly 2-fold higher incidence of high transferrin level (p = 0,02). Conclusions: Overweight subjects have lower bilirubin levels and higher levels of factors potentially contributing to increased oxidative stress, for example ferritin and hepcidin. Serum bilirubin, ferritin and hepcidin concentration are related to body composition indicators, particullary fat mass and visceral fat level.

Compared with Cow Milk, a Growing-Up Milk Increases Vitamin D and Iron Status in Healthy Children at 2 Years of Age: The Growing-Up Milk–Lite (GUMLi) Randomized Controlled Trial

Iron deficiency (ID) and vitamin D deficiency (VDD) are significant pediatric health issues in New Zealand and Australia and remain prevalent micronutrient deficiencies in young children globally. We aimed to investigate the effect of a micronutrient-fortified, reduced-energy growing-up milk (GUMLi) compared with cow milk (CM) consumed for 1 y on dietary iron and vitamin D intakes and the status of New Zealand and Australian children at 2 y of age. The GUMLi Trial was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial in 160 healthy 1-y-old New Zealand and Australian children conducted in 2015-2017. Participants were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive GUMLi (1.7 mg Fe/100 mL; 1.3 µg cholecalciferol/100 mL) or CM (0.02 mg Fe/100 mL; 0.06 µg cholecalciferol/100 mL) for 12 mo. Secondary outcomes, reported here, included change in dietary iron and vitamin D intakes, iron status, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations from blood samples at age 2 y. All regression models were adjusted for baseline outcome and study center. GUMLi was a large contributor to dietary intakes of iron and vitamin D after 12 mo when compared with intakes from food and CM. The adjusted mean difference between groups for serum ferritin concentrations was 17.8 µg/L (95% CI: 13.6, 22.0 µg/L; P<0.0001), and for 25(OH)D it was 16.6 nmol/L (95% CI: 9.9, 23.3 nmol/L; P<0.0001). After 12 mo, ID was present in 16 (24%) participants in the CM group and 5 (7%) participants in the GUMLi group (P=0.009), and the prevalence of VDD in the CM group increased to 14% (n=10) and decreased to 3% (n=2) (P=0.03) in the GUMLi group. In comparison with CM, GUMLi significantly improved dietary iron and vitamin D intakes and the iron and vitamin D status of healthy children at 2 y of age. This trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (www.anzctr.org.au) as ACTRN12614000918628.

Fit to Teach?-Cardiorespiratory Capacity, Vitamin D3, and Ferritin in Physical Education Teachers With Specialization in Dance.

Schmidt, M, Ohlendorf, D, Groneberg, DA, and Wanke, EM. Fit to teach?-Cardiorespiratory capacity, vitamin D3, and ferritin in physical education teachers with specialization in dance. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 1156-1164, 2021-Numerous studies have shown that good cardiorespiratory capacity is of great importance for a healthy and long-term professional career as a dancer. Although the cardiorespiratory demands during teaching can reach into the submaximal intensity range, current data on the objective physical fitness of this occupational group are still missing. The aim of this pilot project was to determine selected cardiorespiratory parameters. In addition, measurements of the vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) and iron balance as well as a subjective assessment of dance teachers' (DTs) fitness were performed. Twenty-one DTs (f: n = 18, m: n = 3) aged 48.2 ± 9.3 years were examined for cardiorespiratory performance within the framework of maximum bicycle spiroergometry. In addition, the self-perception of DTs' fitness was examined as well as the serum vit D3 levels and ferritin concentration in the blood. The cardiorespiratory fitness of DTs can be assessed as average (maximal oxygen consumption, V̇o2max = 29.5 ± 7.1 ml·k-1·min-1; physical working capacity, PWCmax = 165.0 ± 44.4). The DTs seemed to underestimate or overestimate their own capacity. Laboratory diagnostics showed that the 25(OH)D3 levels (21.8 ± 8.5 ng·ml-1) and serum ferritin values (102.4 ± 35.0 g·dl-1) were not optimal for almost the entire sample. In view of the physical occupational requirements, an increase in aerobic cardiorespiratory fitness by endurance-oriented basic training for DTs seems advisable. In addition, the substitution of vit D3 is worth being discussed.

Correction: Iron deficiency associates with deterioration in several symptoms independently from hemoglobin level among chronic hemodialysis patients.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201662.].

Serum ferritin levels are associated with insulin resistance in Chinese men and post-menopausal women: the Shanghai Changfeng study.

Associations between ferritin and insulin sensitivity have been described in recent studies. The possible association showed conflicting results by sex and menopausal status. We aimed to investigate the cross-sectional association of ferritin levels with insulin resistance and β-cell function. A total of 2518 participants (1033 men, 235 pre-menopausal women and 1250 post-menopausal women) were enrolled from the Changfeng Study. A standard interview was conducted, as well as anthropometric measurements and laboratory analyses, for each participant. The serum ferritin level was measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Insulin resistance and β-cell function indices were derived from a homeostasis model assessment. The results showed that the serum ferritin levels were 250·4 (sd 165·2), 94·6 (sd 82·0) and 179·8 (sd 126·6) ng/ml in the men, pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women, respectively. In fully adjusted models (adjusting for age, current smoking, BMI, waist:hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, TAG, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, log urine albumin:creatinine ratio, leucocytes, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase), serum ferritin concentrations are significantly associated with insulin resistance in men and post-menopausal females, and the null association was observed in pre-menopausal females. Interestingly, an increased β-cell function associated with higher ferritin was observed in post-menopausal participants, but not in male participants. In conclusion, these results suggested that elevated serum ferritin levels were associated with surrogate measures of insulin resistance among the middle-aged and elderly male and post-menopausal women, but not in pre-menopausal women.

Non‐transferrin‐bound iron and oxidative stress during allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with or without iron overload

Non‐transferrin‐bound iron and oxidative stress during allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with or without iron overload

Iron deficiency associates with deterioration in several symptoms independently from hemoglobin level among chronic hemodialysis patients

BackgroundWhile iron deficiency (ID) is a frequent cause of anemia in hemodialysis patients, the clinical impact of ID without anemic level of hemoglobin remains unclear. As such, this study was designed to clarify the manifestations of ID itself in subjects on hemodialysis.MethodsMaintenance hemodialysis patients achieving target hemoglobin levels (≥ 10.0g/dL) under treatment in our clinic were stratified for comparison from three perspectives: ID (transferrin saturation [TSAT] < 20% or ferritin < 100ng/mL) vs non-ID, level of TSAT (< or ≥ 20%), and level of serum ferritin concentration (< or ≥ 100ng/mL). The severity of frequent symptoms was determined by a self-rating symptom score questionnaire, and the rate of those with severe manifestations was calculated for each symptom. Significant difference was examined between groups; univariate and adjusted multivariate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were obtained by logistic regression.ResultsAmong 154 subjects selected for analysis, the ratio of severe arthralgia and fatigue was significantly higher in the ID group (n = 94) compared to the non-ID group (n = 60), in both univariate and adjusted multivariate analyses. Moreover, in multivariate analysis, low TSAT was significantly associated with exacerbation of pain during vascular access puncture and intradialytic leg cramps, while low serum ferritin concentration was related to significant increase in severe arthralgia, fatigue, intradialytic headache and leg cramps.ConclusionsID was identified as a risk factor regarding severity of several symptoms even without low hemoglobin level among chronic hemodialysis patients, and supplementation of iron was considered efficacious for improving critical symptoms affecting those undergoing maintenance dialysis.

The SLC40A1 R178Q mutation is a recurrent cause of hemochromatosis and is associated with a novel pathogenic mechanism.

Hemochromatosis type 4 is one of the most common causes of primary iron overload, after HFE-related hemochromatosis. It is an autosomal dominant disorder, primarily due to missense mutations in SLC40A1. This gene encodes ferroportin 1 (FPN1), which is the sole iron export protein reported in mammals. Not all heterozygous missense mutations in SLC40A1 are disease-causing. Due to phenocopies and an increased demand for genetic testing, rare SLC40A1 variations are fortuitously observed in patients with a secondary cause of hyperferritinemia. Structure/function analysis is the most effective way of establishing causality when clinical and segregation data are lacking. It can also provide important insights into the mechanism of iron egress and FPN1 regulation by hepcidin. The present study aimed to determine the pathogenicity of the previously reported p.Arg178Gln variant. We present the biological, clinical, histological and radiological findings of 22 patients from six independent families of French, Belgian or Iraqi decent. Despite phenotypic variability, all patients with p.Arg178Gln had elevated serum ferritin concentrations and normal to low transferrin saturation levels. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the p.Arg178Gln mutant reduces the ability of FPN1 to export iron without causing protein mislocalization. Based on a comparative model of the 3D structure of human FPN1 in an outward facing conformation, we argue that p.Arg178 is part of an interaction network modulating the conformational changes required for iron transport. We conclude that p.Arg178Gln represents a new category of loss-of-function mutations and that the study of “gating residues” is necessary in order to fully understand the action mechanism of FPN1.

Comparison of the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of two different iron supplementation products in suckling piglets

Objective: To evaluate and compare the efficacy and pharmacokinetics of two iron sources, gleptoferron (GLF) and iron dextran (DXT) in two-day old piglets. Materials and methods: A total of 32 piglets from four litters were used in the study. On the second day of life, eight piglets were selected per litter and injected with one of two sources of iron, GLF or DXT (four piglets per treatment group in each litter). Blood samples were collected prior to treatment and 1, 2, 6, 10, and 12 hours after treatment. Additional samples were collected on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 14, 19, and 24. Serum iron and ferritin concentrations were analyzed in all samples and the following pharmacokinetic parameters of iron were calculated: the peak concentration, time to peak concentration, half time, and extent of absorption. Hematological parameters were also analyzed to assess the iron status: hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cells, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Piglets were individually weighed weekly. Results: No significant differences in growth performance were observed between groups. Both products were efficient to prevent iron deficiency and anemia in the suckling period. The absorption and the bioavailability of iron were higher with GLF than DXT (overall iron serum concentration, P &lt; .001). Implications: Under the conditions of this study, both iron products are efficient to prevent iron deficiency and anemia in the suckling period. Absorption and bioavailability of GLF are significantly higher and have a confirmed different pharmacokinetic profile to DXT.

Estimation of Serum Iron and Ferritin in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure

Background: The incidence of renal failure, and potentially of CRF, is increasing steadily in Sudan. Anaemia is an accompaniment and independent risk factor for the development of cardiac dysfunction along with other complications. It is also responsible for 40-50% deaths in CRF patients. For this reason, the quick and accurate diagnosis of anaemia should help in decreasing the morbidity caused by CRF. The correction of anaemia, e.g. by the administration of iron supplements and/or erythropoietin, should help improving the general outcome of CRF. methods: Fifty patients with chronic renal failure, already diagnosed clinically and on laboratory basis were selected as a sample group. Another 50 healthy individuals not known to have renal disease were selected as a control group. 5 ml of venous blood was collected in lithium heparin container for iron and ferritin. Concentration of iron was measured by colorimetric method by using SPINREACT™ and serum ferritin by Turbilatex-Ferritin kit. The data obtained were analyzed by using statistical package for social science (SPSS) on programmed computer. Results: The mean ± SD of serum ferritin was calculated in patients and controls and it was found 72 μg/L ± 16.2 for patients and 96 μg/L ± 19.7 for controls the (p-value 0.000). Also the mean ± SD of serum iron was obtain from patients and controls and was found 41μg/dL ± 29.2 and 87 μg/dL ± 47.5 respectively with (p-value = 0.000). There were a weak negative correlation between serum iron and serum ferritin concentrations in patients and controls (R -0.161). Conclusion: The study concludes that serum iron and ferritin levels in CRF patients are significantly low in comparison to healthy controls.

Study of Serum ferritin levels in β-Thalassemia major children

Background: Thalassemiais one ofthe most commoninherited single-gene disorder in the world. Every year approximately 100,000 thalassemia major children are born all over the world, and there are about 65, 000-67,000β thalassemia major patients in India, with around 9,000-10,000 cases being added every year. Measurement of serum ferritin level can give idea regarding starting of Iron chelation therapy, which will reduce the concentration of serum ferritin and effective in preventing iron induced tissue injury and prolonging life expectancy. Method: This study was conducted on 60 children between 3 to 17 years, being regularly transfused at department of Pediatrics, Kamala Raja Hospital, Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior, for period of 1 year from 2011 to 2012, after taking the informed consent from the parents and explaining them the purpose of study. Detailed history weretaken and serum ferritin level weremeasured by ELIS Abased serum ferritin assay kit. Results: Serum ferritin level was found to be elevated in all the patients of betathalassemiamajorwithrange from 1050 to 5029 µg/l and with a mean value of 3879µg/l. Out of 60 patients, 30 (50%) patients had serum ferritin level below 2000μg/l,20 (33.3%) patients had serum ferritin value between 2001 to 4000 μg/l and rest 10 (17.7%) patients had values above 4000 μg/l. Mean value of serum ferritin was found to be higher in patients who received frequent blood transfusion. Conclusion: Majority of the patients had very high ferritin levels, with a mean value of 3879 µg/l. 50% patients had serum ferritin levels more than 2000μg/l. This cut off value reflect either inadequate chelation therapy or non-affordability of parents to purchase oral chelation therapy.

Association between serum ferritin and hypertension according to the working type in Korean men: the fifth Korean National Health and nutrition examination survey 2010\u20132012

BackgroundSeveral studies suggest that serum ferritin concentrations reflect systemic inflammation, and high ferritin levels can increase the risk of hypertension in adult men. Shift work is also known to increase the risk of hypertension; however, there has been no study about the relationship between serum ferritin levels and the prevalence of hypertension according to the working type.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 4,442 male participants (3,651 daytime workers and 791 shift workers) who participated in the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mmHg, a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90 mmHg or the current use of antihypertensive medications regardless of blood pressure values. For the statistical analyses, serum ferritin levels were reclassified into quartiles, and complex sample analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between serum ferritin levels and the prevalence of hypertension according to the working type in this study.ResultsSerum ferritin and shift work were positively associated with the prevalence of hypertension. The effect of interaction was above multiplicative. When compared to participants in the lowest serum ferritin quartile, the odds ratio for hypertension for participants in the highest serum ferritin quartile was 1.372 (1.027–1.833) in daytime workers and 2.009 (1.042–3.873) in shift workers after adjustment.ConclusionsThe prevalence of hypertension increased as ferritin levels increased in individuals, especially in shift workers.

INVESTIGATION OF FACTORS POTENTIALLY ASSOCIATED WITH SERUM FERRITIN CONCENTRATIONS IN THE BLACK RHINOCEROS ( DICEROS BICORNIS) USING A VALIDATED RHINOCEROS-SPECIFIC ASSAY.

Iron overload disorder (IOD) can lead to organ dysfunction and may exacerbate other diseases in the critically endangered black rhinoceros ( Diceros bicornis). It is important to develop methods for monitoring the progression of iron storage (hemosiderosis), diagnosing the disease, and evaluating treatments in this species. Traditionally, an equine enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was used to measure rhinoceros ferritin, a serum protein correlated to iron stores. The goal of this study was to validate a rhinoceros-specific assay and investigate factors potentially associated with ferritin concentrations in black rhinoceros. A ferritin EIA developed for Sumatran rhinoceros was validated for black rhinoceros via Western blot analysis of liver ferritin and confirmed parallelism of serum samples to the EIA standard curve and used to analyze serum samples ( n = 943) collected from 36 black rhinoceros (<1-33 yr) at 14 U.S. institutions. Mean (±SEM) serum ferritin concentration was 6,738 ± 518 ng/ml (range: 85-168,451 ng/ml). Concentrations differed among individuals with eastern black rhinoceros (7,444 ± 1,130 ng/ml) having a higher mean ferritin than southern black rhinoceros (6,317 ± 505 ng/ml; P < 0.05) and higher mean values in wild-born (11,110 ± 1,111 ng/ml) than captive-born individuals (3,487 ± 293 ng/ml; P < 0.05). Ferritin concentrations did not differ between young rhinoceros (<5 yr old; 2,163 ± 254 ng/ml) and adults (7,623 ± 610 ng/ml) and were not correlated with age ( r = 0.143) or time in captivity ( r = 0.146, wild born; r = 0.104, all animals). Ferritin concentration was not impacted by sex (female: 2,086 ± 190 ng/ml; male: 8,684 ± 717 ng/ml), date, month, or season of collection ( P > 0.05). Data indicate ferritin concentrations are variable and not necessarily associated with IOD; ferritin is not recommended for diagnosing or monitoring IOD in black rhinoceros.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ANEMIA AND IRON STATUS AND THEIR ASSOCIATIONS WITH BLOOD MANGANESE AND LEAD AMONG CHILDREN AGED FROM 3 TO 19 YEARS OLD FROM FOUR NORTHERN FIRST NATION COMMUNITIES IN QUEBEC

Abstract BACKGROUND Prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency (ID) are higher among indigenous children in Canada, although few data are available in Quebec. Iron is metal that interact with the absorption of manganese (Mn) and Lead (Pb) cobalt (Co). ID is known to upregulate these metals, thereby increasing their absorption, concentration inside the body and their toxicity. OBJECTIVES The objectives of the present study are to: (i) Characterize ID and anemia prevalence and their protective/risk factors; and (ii) Study associations between blood Mn, Pb and iron status biomarkers. DESIGN/METHODS Data from The 2015 First Nation Youth Health and Environment Pilot Study was conducted among children (3 to 19 y, n = 198) from four First Nations communities in Quebec will be used in these study where, blood samples and anthropometric measures were collected, hemoglobin was measured on site using an Hemocue analyser. Protective/risk factors including education, food security, housing conditions and lifestyle and dietary habits were documented using interview-administered questionnaire to children’ parents. Serum ferritin and blood Pb, Mn, Co, Zn and Ca were measured by Modular P analyser and ICPMS. Descriptive and multiple regression statistical analyses adjusting for relevant co-variables were used. RESULTS Results showed ID and anemia prevalence of 20.7% and 17.6% respectively, among which 8.8% presented iron deficiency anemia. Moreover, up to 11.9% had elevated blood Mn (median = 15.9 µg/L, range 7.1 to 31.9 µg/L) of which 27.5% presented ID. However, blood Pb was low (median = 5.4 µg/L, range 1.8 to 50.8 µg/L). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that crystal juice intake was associated with lower ID and anemia (OR (95%): 0.50 (0.30 - 0.82) and 0.47 (0.26 - 0.87) respectively) in girls. Likewise, the presence of hunter in the household was associated with lower anemia in girls (0.09 (0.02 - 0.53)). No factors were associated with ID in boys, and for anemia, lower serum ferritin and older age was associated with higher prevalence of anemia (1.08 (1.01 - 1.14) and 1.23 (1.02 - 1.48) respectively). In adjusted models, blood Mn was negatively associated with serum ferritin concentrations (ß = -0.05; p &lt; 0.02) in girls and positively associated with blood Co (ß = 8.50; p &lt; 0.01) in boys. CONCLUSION Findings on high prevalence of ID, anemia and elevated blood Mn among children form these First Nation communities support that, community and family activities increasing traditional foods consumption improve nutritional status and suggest that foods and beverages naturally rich in vitamin C - but lower in added sugar than crystal juice - would improve iron intake in girls, which would contribute to improve their iron status, decrease anemia and restore normal Mn blood levels.

Hepcidin-mediated regulation of iron metabolism in Myelodysplastic syndrome

Continuous red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are the main factor of hemosiderosis development, but many Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients develop iron overload at an early stage of the disease before the red blood cell (RBC) transfusions begin. Hepsidin is a hormone, produced by hepatocytes. It plays a leading role in iron hemostasis. MDS patients demonstrate elevated serum ferritin and hepcidin concentrations even before the RBC transfusions initiating. After 6 months of follow-up, serum ferritin concentration was increased up to 1278 µg/L without significant hepcidin concentration elevation. After 12 months, serum ferritin continued increasing up to 1898 µg/L with a significant hepcidin level decrease to 92±17 pg/ml. The patients group with a ferritin level above average after 12 months of treatment demonstrated significantly lower 5-year overall survival (OS) compared to the group with ferritin level after 12 months of treatment below 1598 µg/L: 5-year OS 9,1±8,7%; median OS – 1,7 years, median observation time 2,9 years (1,2–5,8) in the first group versus 5-year OS 44,4±17,0%; median OS – 4,5 years, median observation time 4,5 years (2,6–6) in the second one. This study findings demonstrating invert correlation of ferritin/hepcidin serum concentration may give evidence to the fact of functional hepatocytes reserves depletion and increased iron deposition in the liver. Altered hepcidin production may be a reason for the hemosiderosis over-progression that is negative for the patients’ quality of life. Serum hepcidin and ferritin concentrations must be assessed every 3 months for the iron helators could be administrated on time.

Growth and Endocrine Function in Tunisian Thalassemia Major Patients.

β-thalassemia major (β–TM) is among the most common hereditary disorders imposing high expenses on health-care system worldwide. The patient’s survival is dependent on lifetime blood transfusion which leads to iron overload and its toxicity in various organs including endocrine glands. This article provides an overview of endocrine disorders in beta-TM patients. This single center investigation enrolled 28 β-TM patients (16 males, 12 females) regularly transfused with packed red cell since early years of life. For each patient were determined: age, sex, number of transfusions received, history of splenectomy and anthropometric parameters. All patients underwent an evaluation of hormonal status including growth, gonadal, thyroid, adrenal cortex, and parathyroid glands. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to diagnose low bone mass. Assessment of iron overload status was performed by measuring the serum ferritin concentration and the results of magnetic resonance imaging T2*. Growth retardation was found in 16 of the 28 studied patients (57 %). Thirteen among them had delayed puberty. Spontaneous puberty was achieved in 16 cases. Growth hormone (GH) deficiency was found in 10 cases (35 %). Seventeen among the studied patients (60 %) developed disorders of glucose homeostasis. Subclinical hypothyroidism was found in six patients (21 %). Intensive chelation therapy had allowed the reversibility of this complication in five cases. Adrenal Insufficiency was observed in 9 cases (32%). Hypoparathyroidism has occurred in one case. Ten of the 28 studied patients had low bone mass (35%). Twenty-three of the 28 studied patients (82%) had at least one endocrine complication.

Do specialized bariatric multivitamins lower deficiencies after RYGB?

BackgroundOne of the side effects of bariatric surgery is the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate, and iron deficiencies are especially common among Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients. ObjectiveTo examine the effectiveness of a specialized multivitamin supplement for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients on deficiencies the first 3 years postoperatively, retrospectively in a large, prospectively collected cohort. SettingLarge specialized bariatric hospital. ResultsOne thousand one hundred sixty patients were included, 883 users and 258 who were nonusers of the specialized multivitamin. Patient characteristics and total weight were comparable. Higher serum concentrations of ferritin (124.7 ± 96.2 µg/L versus 106.0 ± 83.0 µg/L, P = .016), vitamin B12 (347.3 ± 145.1 pmol/L versus 276.8 ± 131.4 pmol/L, P<.001), folic acid (34.9 ± 9.6 nmol/L versus 25.4 ± 10.7 nmol/L, P<.001), and vitamin D (98.4 ± 28.7 nmol/L versus 90.0 ± 34.5 nmol/L, P = .002) were observed in users compared with nonusers after 1 year. Less new deficiencies were found for ferritin (1% versus 4%, P = .029), vitamin B12 (9% versus 23%, P<.001), and vitamin D (0% versus 4%, P<.001) in users compared with nonusers. Two and 3 years after the surgery these findings remained almost identical. ConclusionsThe use of specialized multivitamin supplements resulted in less deficiencies of vitamin B12, vitamin D, folic acid, and ferritin. The study showed that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients benefited from the specialized multivitamin supplements and it should be advised to this patient group.

HEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL EFFECTS OF PARTIAL AND COMPLETE SPLENECTOMY IN DOGS

The purpose of the current study was to describe the effect of surgical splenectomy technique either partial or complete on some biochemical and hematological parameters. Six male mature mongrel dogs were subdivided into two groups (complete and partial splenectomy), and six immature mongrel dogs were subdivided into two groups (complete and partial splenectomy). Blood samples were taken before (base line), 10, 30, and 60 days post-operative. The results showed a significant reduction in serum albumin and iron levels 10 days after partial and complete splenectomy in both immature and mature dogs. However, serum gamma globulin fraction, ferritin, transferrin, and ceruloplasmin concentrations were significantly increased at the same period following surgical operation. There was a perturbation in serum activity of transaminases, bilirubin, and urea levels. The levels of WBCs, neutrophils, lymphocytes, MCH, MCHC, and platelets in completely splenectomized immature and mature dogs were increased. While, the RBCs and Hb concentrations were significantly decreased following complete splenectomy in immature and mature dogs. These results concluded that splenectomy in dogs may induce anemia, thrombosis, and inflammatory conditions but also increase cellular and humeral immunity as a compensatory mechanism. Key words: Splenectomy, transferrin, platelets, ceruloplasmin, dogs

Iron status in relation to cancer risk and mortality: Findings from a population‐based prospective study

While experimental evidence suggests potential carcinogenic effects of increased iron load, there is a lack of data on iron status and cancer risk from epidemiological studies. Here, we evaluated prediagnostic serum concentrations of ferritin, iron and transferrin as well as transferrin saturation (TSAT) in relation to cancer risk and mortality in a prospective study by multivariable Cox regression analyses. A case-cohort sample of the population-based EPIC-Heidelberg Study including a random subcohort (n = 2738) and incident cases of breast cancer (n = 627), prostate cancer (n = 554), lung cancer (n = 195), colorectal cancer (n = 256) and cancer death (n = 759) was used. Ferritin levels were inversely associated with breast cancer risk in the multivariable Cox regression model, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.67 [95% confidence interval: 0.49, 0.92] for women in the highest quartile compared to those in the lowest quartile. Neither ferritin nor the other markers of iron status were significantly associated with colorectal, prostate or lung cancer risk. An inverse association was observed between ferritin and total cancer mortality (HR: 0.70 [0.53, 0.92]). There were no significant overall associations between serum iron, transferrin or TSAT and cancer mortality. The present findings do not support the notion of increased iron load constituting a cancer risk factor in the general population. By contrast, our analyses revealed inverse associations between ferritin levels and breast cancer risk as well as cancer mortality.

Assessment of MR‐based and quantitative susceptibility mapping for the quantification of liver iron concentration in a mouse model at 7T

To assess the feasibility of quantifying liver iron concentration (LIC) using R2* and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) at a high field strength of 7 Tesla (T). Five different concentrations of Fe-dextran were injected into 12 mice to produce various degrees of liver iron overload. After mice were sacrificed, blood and liver samples were harvested. Ferritin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were performed to quantify serum ferritin concentration and LIC. Multiecho gradient echo MRI was conducted to estimate R2* and the magnetic susceptibility of each liver sample through complex nonlinear least squares fitting and a morphology enabled dipole inversion method, respectively. Average estimates of serum ferritin concentration, LIC, R2*, and susceptibility all show good linear correlations with injected Fe-dextran concentration; however, the standard deviations in the estimates of R2* and susceptibility increase with injected Fe-dextran concentration. Both R2* and susceptibility measurements also show good linear correlations with LIC (R2 = 0.78 and R2 = 0.91, respectively), and a susceptibility-to-LIC conversion factor of 0.829 ppm/(mg/g wet) is derived. The feasibility of quantifying LIC using MR-based R2* and QSM at a high field strength of 7T is demonstrated. Susceptibility quantification, which is an intrinsic property of tissues and benefits from being field-strength independent, is more robust than R2* quantification in this ex vivo study. A susceptibility-to-LIC conversion factor is presented that agrees relatively well with previously published QSM derived results obtained at 1.5T and 3T.