Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency Research Articles

Evaluation of acidifying nitrogen fertilizers in avocado trees with iron deficiency symptoms

Evaluation of acidifying nitrogen fertilizers in avocado trees with iron deficiency symptoms

Niedokrwistość z niedoboru żelaza – diagnostyka i leczenie

Anemia affects approximately one third of human population. The major cause is iron deficiency. Spectrum of iron deficiency symptoms covers broad range of complaints from fatigue, cold intolerance, pallor to pagophagia and beeturia. In case of iron deficiency a priority should be given to the identification of the underlying cause. Blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract or due to menorrhagia is the most common cause in resource-rich countries. Iron studies are required to confirm the diagnosis of iron deficiency. Oral iron remains the first line therapy. Intravenous administration is suggested in case of intolerable side effects or ineffectiveness of oral therapy. Currently available intravenous iron formulations are characterized by acceptable safety profile. The review presents recent data regarding diagnosis and therapy of iron deficiency anemia.

Relation between Iron Deficiency and Susceptibility to Bacterial Infections

Iron deficiency (ID) is a common deficit of the particular nutrient in the body and the top-ranking cause of anemia worldwide. It is a common cause of morbidity and accounts for 50% of anemia cases in the world. Symptoms of iron deficiency are subtle and nonspecific including severe anemia, fatigue, diminished work, gastrointestinal disturbances, associated with the impaired natural type of immunity and the cell-mediated type of immunity. Therefore, differentiating the term iron deficiency and the other term infection is essential. The process by which the microbes acquires iron supplement and the respectful virulence can be identified by the application of the different type of host mechanisms and also different microbial mechanisms, thus interfering with these respective mechanisms is likely to create the future therapy forms for the bacterial diseases that are infectious. In this review article, we summarized the mechanism of iron metabolism in the body, the characteristics of iron deficiency anemia, symptoms, epidemiology and etiology, host mechanism during bacterial infection, and the susceptibility to bacterial invasion in case of iron deficiency anemia.

Characterization of iron deficiency symptoms in grapevine (Vitis spp.) leaves by reflectance spectroscopy

The work aims at the description of the iron deficiency symptoms in grapevine leaves by reflectance spectroscopy at the plant and leaf levels. 5 genotypes of Vitis spp. were selected and grown in hydroponic conditions with and without iron supply. 450 spectra were collected among basal, young and apical leaves, as well as veins and interveinal areas. Iron deficiency produced significant and characteristic modifications in the pigment accumulation, proportion and distribution in plants. Basal leaves resulted to have higher concentrations of photosynthetic pigments in stressed plants with respect to the control, probably due to compensation effects. Iron deficient plants had lower chlorophyll concentrations in young and apical leaves. In the apical zone, also the relative composition of pigments appeared to be modified, explaining the reddish-yellowish apex appearance of iron deficient vines. Finally, the pigment distribution along the shoot characterized the symptoms, as well as the spectral variations among veins and interveinal areas. These results could support future applications in vineyard management (e.g.: symptom identification and detection; precision fertilization) as well as breeding programs for new rootstock selections (e.g.: fast screenings of seedlings).

The Soybean Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factor ORG3-Like Enhances Cadmium Tolerance via Increased Iron and Reduced Cadmium Uptake and Transport from Roots to Shoots.

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most dangerous heavy metal pollutants in the environment and is toxic to animal and plant cells. On the other hand, iron (Fe) is an essential element for plant growth and development. The chlorosis of plant leaves under cadmium stress is similar to the typical symptom of iron deficiency. Recently, several Arabidopsis basic/helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors have been identified that are involved in the interactions between Cd and Fe. In the present study, over-expression the ORG3-like gene GmORG3, a bHLH transcription factor OBP3-responsive gene (ORG), enhanced Cd tolerance and stabilized Fe homeostasis. The domain analysis of GmORG3 showed that the protein contains a conserved 61-residue bHLH domain belonging to subfamily II. Moreover, subcellular localization experiments showed that GmORG3 is a nucleoprotein. GmORG3 was transcribed only in soybean roots and was significantly induced by external Cd stress in soybean plants. Heterologous expression of GmORG3 enhanced Cd tolerance in yeast. Furthermore, the overexpression of GmORG3 in soybean mosaic seedlings using a hairy root system showed that overexpressing plants increased the translocation ratio of Fe but reduced Cd translocation from the roots to shoots. In addition, the ectopic expression of GmORG3 in tobacco reduced phytotoxic effects induced by Cd stress and Fe deficiency, including the blockage of root elongation and decreased chlorophyll content. By integrating all these results, we found that GmORG3 plays an important role in response to Cd stress. The results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of Cd tolerance in soybean.

Prevalence and Determinants of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Adolescents Girls of Low Income Communities in Lahore

AbstractBackground: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in adolescent girls has strong health implications during re-productive years. Current research aimed to assess prevalence and determinants of iron deficiency anemia in adolescent girls of low income families residing in semi urban communities of Lahore, Pakistan.Method: This cross sectional analytical study selected 116 unmarried adolescent girls between the ages of 13 – 19 years from low income families through convenience sampling from semi-urban communities. Dietary data was collected using 3 – day recall, whereas a self-constructed, structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic factors. Hemoglobin and serum Ferritin levels were assessed along with an assessment of clinical signs and symptoms of folate and iron deficiency. Data was enteredand analyzed using SPSS version 21.Results: IDA was present in 68.8% of adolescent girls, of which 40.2% were moderately (8 – 10 gm/dl) and 28.8% were mildly (10.9 – 11.9 gm/dl) anemic. Working status (p < 0.041), source of dietary iron (p < 0.001), frequency of heme iron consumption (p < 0.001), protein consumption/day (p < 0.001) and HEI score (p < 0.001) showed statistically significant association with IDA. Binary regression analysis showed frequency of heme iron consumption [AOR = 29.13, 95% CI (9.627 to 88.203)] and HEI score [AOR = 6.877, 95% CI (.065 to 44.405]) to be the most significantly associated determinant of IDA. Mean Hb level was also significantly different between working and nonworking adolescents (p = 0.001, 95% CI = -1.124 to -0.322). Significant mean difference in serum Ferritin levels between working and nonworking adolescents (p = 0.04 [95% CI = -21.89 to -0.50]) was also observed. 94% and 91% girls showed signs and symptoms of iron and folate deficiency respectively. How-ever BMI, age, educational status of the girls and their parents were not found to be associated with IDA.Conclusion: Prevalence of IDA was alarmingly high in adolescent girls of low socioeconomic class. Working status, source of dietary iron, frequency of heme iron consumption, protein consumption/day and HEI score were found to be determining anemia. Nutrition education targeting IDA is the need of the day to control and prevent this public health epidemic.

Blood lead, iron deficiency and attentional ADHD symptoms in Uruguayan first‐graders

The combined effect of iron deficiency and lead exposure on attentional ADHD symptoms is not well studied. We investigated the associations among blood lead level (BLL), iron deficiency (ID, serum ferritin <15 μg/L) and inattention/cognitive problems (I/CP‐measured by the Conners Teacher Rating Scale) in a cross‐sectional study of first‐grade children (n=257, age 6.7±0.5 years, 55.6% boys) from Montevideo, Uruguay. Aspects of children's attention (ex., attention shifting) were measured by teacher reports on the BRIEF questionnaire. Generalized linear models (GLM) accounting for the school‐based cluster design and adjusting for maternal education and employment, parental smoking, household crowding and SES, as well as child's general intelligence and attention problems were used to model the association of BLL and ID with I/CP scores. Mean of BLL was 4.19±2.2 μg/dL, 39% of children had ID and 25% had mild to severe inattention problems (I/CP > 60 T score). BLL and serum ferritin were not independently associated with I/CP. However, in children with ID, BLL was associated with more problematic I/CP scores (0.32±0.14, p=0.026). This was not observed among non‐ID children (0.09 ±0.08, p=0.239). General intelligence and maternal education were protective factors against I/CP (both at p<0.000). The ability to shift attention, commonly beneficial for cognitive performance, was negatively associated with I/CP in children with ID, presumably by ID's negative effect on the ability to control the attentional focus. In sum, our early findings suggest an adverse effect of the combination of ID and higher BLLs on sustained attention, a key competence for learning and socialization.Support or Funding InformationNIEHS R21ES16523, R21ES019949

Iron Deficiency and Depression in Female State Fair Attendees

Iron deficiency persists as the most prevalent nutrient deficiency on the planet, and women of menstruating age are at high risk due to menstrual blood loss. Recent data suggests that iron deficiency in the absence of anemia can impact quality of life, and currently the prevalence of menstruating females with inadequate ferritin values in the US is high. One important quality of life factor that has been linked to iron deficiency is depression. Although an association between iron deficiency and depression has been supported by some observational studies, the findings are inconsistent. Thus, the objective of this study was to further examine the relationship between iron status and depression. This cross‐sectional study gathered survey data and blood samples from 190 pre‐menopausal female subjects at the Minnesota State Fair in August of 2015. Whole blood hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum ferritin and serum TIBC were determined and correlated to survey data detailing reported iron deficiency symptoms and their severity, including the PHQ9, a validated depression screen. 15% of subjects were anemic as defined by a hematocrit value under 38% or a hemoglobin value below 12 g/dL. Additionally, 73% had low ferritin status as defined by a value less than 20 mg/L. Overall, 18% of subjects reported moderate to severe depression as defined by the PHQ9. Although independent relationships between anemia, low ferritin values, or elevated TIBC values and depression were not seen, of the anemic subjects who also reported fatigue, 55% were moderately to severely depressed compared to 16% of anemic patients who did not report fatigue (p = 0.0065). Additionally, of the subjects with iron‐deficient values for both ferritin and TIBC who also reported fatigue, 47% were moderately to severely depressed compared to the 23% of subjects with iron‐deficient ferritin and TIBC values who did not report fatigue (p = 0.0084). Low iron status with reported fatigue, which we term functional iron deficiency, appears to be strongly associated with depression. Our results also suggest that biochemical indicators of iron status alone are inadequate to examine the relationship between iron status and depression, and that symptomatic indicators of iron deficiency should also be included.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) of the University of Minnesota

Silencing of the FRO1 gene and its effects on iron partition in Nicotiana benthamiana

To evaluate the dynamic role of the ferric-chelate reductase enzyme (FCR) and to identify possible pathways of regulation of its activity in different plant organs an investigation was conducted by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) using tobacco rattle virus (TRV) to silence the ferric reductase oxidase gene (FRO1) that encodes the FCR enzyme. Half of Nicotiana benthamiana plants received the VIGS vector and the rest remained as control. Four treatments were imposed: two levels of Fe in the nutrient solution (0 or 2.5 μM of Fe), each one with silenced or non-silenced (VIGS-0; VIGS-2.5) plants. Plants grown without iron (0; VIGS-0) developed typical symptoms of iron deficiency in the youngest leaves. To prove that FRO1 silencing had occurred, resupply of Fe (R) was done by adding 2.5 μM of Fe to the nutrient solution in a subset of chlorotic plants (0-R; VIGS-R). Twelve days after resupply, 0-R plants had recovered from Fe deficiency while plants containing the VIGS vector (VIGS-R) remained chlorotic and both FRO1 gene expression and FCR activity were considerably reduced, consequently preventing Fe uptake. With the VIGS technique we were able to silence the FRO1 gene in N. benthamiana and point out its importance in chlorophyll synthesis and Fe partition.

Evaluating Calibrachoa (Calibrachoa ×hybrida Cerv.) Genotype Sensitivity to Iron Deficiency at High Substrate pH

Floriculture crop species that are inefficient at iron uptake are susceptible to developing iron deficiency symptoms in container production at high substrate pH. The objective of this study was to compare genotypes of iron-inefficient calibrachoa (Calibrachoa ×hybrid Cerv.) in terms of their susceptibility to showing iron deficiency symptoms when grown at high vs. low substrate pH. In a greenhouse factorial experiment, 24 genotypes of calibrachoa were grown in peat:perlite substrate at low pH (5.4) and high pH (7.1). Shoot dry weight, leaf SPAD chlorophyll index, flower index value, and shoot iron concentration were measured after 13 weeks at each substrate pH level. Of the 24 genotypes, analysis of variance (ANOVA) found that 19 genotypes had lower SPAD and 18 genotypes had reduced shoot dry weight at high substrate pH compared with SPAD and dry weight at low substrate pH. High substrate pH had less effect on flower index and shoot iron concentration than the pH effect on SPAD or shoot dry weight. No visual symptoms of iron deficiency were observed at low substrate pH. Genotypes were separated into three groups using k-means cluster analysis, based on the four measured variables (SPAD, dry weight, flower index, and iron concentration in shoot tissue). These four variables were each expressed as the percent reduction in measured responses at high vs. low substrate pH. Greater percent reduction values indicated increased sensitivity of genotypes to high substrate pH. The three clusters, which about represented high, medium, or low sensitivity to high substrate pH, averaged 59.7%, 42.8%, and 25.2% reduction in SPAD, 47.7%, 51.0%, and 39.5% reduction in shoot dry weight, and 32.2%, 9.2%, and 27.7% reduction in shoot iron, respectively. Flowering was not different between clusters when tested with ANOVA. The least pH-sensitive cluster included all four genotypes in the breeding series ‘Calipetite’. ‘Calipetite’ also had low shoot dry weight at low substrate pH, indicating low overall vigor. There were no differences between clusters in terms of their effect on substrate pH, which is one potential plant iron-efficiency mechanism in response to low iron availability. This experiment demonstrated an experimental and statistical approach for plant breeders to test sensitivity to substrate pH for iron-inefficient floriculture species.

ВПЛИВ КОМПЛЕКСНОГО ЛІКУВАННЯ ТЕЛЯТ НА ОБМІН МЕТАЛОПРОТЕЇНІВ ТА АКТИВНІСТЬ ФЕРМЕНТІВ СИСТЕМИ АНТИОКСИДАНТНОГО ЗАХИСТУ ЗА ГІПОПЛАСТИЧНОЇ АНЕМІЇ

The research results of calves suffering from hypo plastic anemia of iron content, enzyme activity of antioxidant protection (AOP) and the exchange metal protein are listed in the paper.Trace element ration adjustments of calves were performed by including premixes scarce trace elements, which were in the form of sulphates ME (the first experimental group) and methionine chelate compounds (the second experimental group).It is established that the complex treatment of calves eliminates the major clinical symptoms of iron deficiency, normalizes metal enzyme activity of various components of the system AOP. In particular at the end of the experiment, the concentration of iron significantly (p < 0,001) was increased at 1.9 and 2.2 times, the haptoglobin level of was respectively higher at 47.1% and 49.3% compared to the beginning of the experiment.The malonic dialdehyde concentration in serum of calves of the first group decreased by 20.3% (p < 0.001) in the second group, where chelate compounds were applied – by 29.8% (p <0.001).As a result of the treatment the hemoenzyme activity increased: catalases by 31.2% and 36,8% (p < 0,001), peroxidase by 37,6% (p < 0.01) and 49.2% (p < 0.001) and cytochrome oxidase by 54.7% (p <0.01) and 86.5% (p < 0.001).Determination of investigated metal protein can be informative diagnostic criteria for metabolic disorders of calves suffering from hypo plastic anemia. The best therapeutic effect in the treatment of calves of the second group is made, which got minerals in the form of chelate compounds.

IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

Globally about two billion people suffer from anemia of various types amongstwhich Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is the most prevalent type. According to National NutritionSurvey of Pakistan 2011 (NNS), 50.4 % of non-pregnant females suffer from IDA, despite thefact that a variety of low cost, indigenous food sources of iron are available, affordable andaccessible in Pakistan. IDA is a risk factor for complications of pregnancy and low birth weightbaby and is also an independent cause of morbidity and mortality in all ages. Therefore thisstudy was conducted to determine the dietary patterns of iron intake in females of reproductiveage group who had IDA without any other known cause. Study Design: A cross sectionalstudy. Setting: Three tertiary care centers of Ziauddin Hospital located at Clifton, Kemari andNorth Nazimabad. Methods: Reproductive age females suffering from IDA according to theirCBC profile within three months prior to the study were selected through purposive sampling.Females taking iron supplements or with any known cause of iron deficiency were excluded.Total of 141 eligible and consenting IDA patients filled a 7 Day dietary recall questionnaireto determine the iron intake of indigenously available iron rich foods and blood sample wascollected for hematological profiles and iron studies. Results: Mean iron intake was 6.41 ±4.39 mg/day. Median heme and non heme iron intake was 8.0 mg and 28.0 mg per week,respectively. 52.4% of our study population had moderate IDA, 38.2% had pica for one or moresubstance and almost all suffered from one or more symptoms of iron deficiency. Majority ofthe population was consuming non-heme sources of iron. Conclusion: The iron consumptionfrom indigenous dietary sources is very low and contributes significantly to development of IDA.Increasing awareness regarding signs and symptoms of IDA and common dietary sources ofiron will contribute to screening, early diagnosis and correction of the iron deficit thus promotinghealth and preventing complications.

Higher concentrations of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) in soil induced rice chlorosis due to inhibited active iron transportation

In this study, the effects of concentrations 0, 100, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg kg−1 of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) on germination, seedlings growth, physiology and toxicity mechanisms were investigated. The results showed that nZVI had no effect on germination, but inhibited the rice seedlings growth in higher concentrations (>500 mg kg−1 nZVI). The highest suppression rate of the length of roots and shoots reached 46.9% and 57.5%, respectively. The 1000mg kg−1 nZVI caused the highest suppression rates for chlorophyll and carotenoids, at 91.6% and 85.2%, respectively. In addition, the activity of antioxidant enzymes was altered by the translocation of nanoparticles and changes in active iron content. Visible symptoms of iron deficiency were observed at higher concentrations, at which the active iron content decreased 61.02% in the shoots, but the active iron content not decreased in roots. Interestingly, the total and available amounts of iron in the soil were not less than those in the control. Therefore, the plants iron deficiency was not caused by (i) deficiency of available iron in the soil and (ii) restraint of the absorption that plant takes in the available iron, while induced by (ⅲ) the transport of active iron from the root to the shoot was blocked. The cortex tissues were seriously damaged by nZVI which was transported from soil to the root, these were proved by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). This current study shows that the mechanism of iron deficiency in rice seedling was due to transport of active iron from the root to the shoot blocked, which was caused by the uptake of nZVI.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia: A Short Review

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is one of the most widespread nutritional deficiency and accounts for almost onehalf of anaemia cases. It is prevalent in many countries of the developing world and accounts to five per cent (American women) and two per cent (American men). In most cases, this deficiency disorder may be diagnosed through full blood analysis (complete blood count) and high levels of serum ferritin. IDA may occur due to the physiological demands in growing children, adolescents and pregnant women may also lead to IDA. However, the underlying cause should be sought in case of all patients. To exclude a source of gastrointestinal bleeding medical procedure like gastroscopy/colonoscopy is utilized to evaluate the level of iron deficiency in patients without a clear physiological explanation. Inevitably, the accurate management of this disorder improves the quality of life, improves the symptoms of iron deficiency, and lessens the requirement for blood transfusion. The treatment options include oral iron supplement and intravenous iron therapy. However, this mode of treatment is not tolerable by some patients while it is insufficient in a certain subset of patients. Therefore, intravenous iron supplementation is considered undesirable approach and there is not much clarity on the safety concerns associated with this approach in case of very high doses or in the presence of very high ferritin levels. In addition, red cell transfusion is not recommended for IDA unless there is a need for immediate action. The objective of the review is to provide a critical summary and an update of the diagnosis and treatment options of IDA.

Screening for Iron Deficiency Anemia in Young Children: USPSTF Recommendation Statement.

Update of the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) 2006 recommendation on screening for iron deficiency anemia. The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on the association between change in iron status as a result of intervention and improvement in child health outcomes, as well as screening for and treatment of iron deficiency anemia with oral iron formulations, in children ages 6 to 24 months. This recommendation applies to children ages 6 to 24 months living in the United States who are asymptomatic for iron deficiency anemia. It does not apply to children younger than age 6 months or older than 24 months, children who are severely malnourished, children who were born prematurely or with low birth weight, or children who have symptoms of iron deficiency anemia. The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for iron deficiency anemia in children ages 6 to 24 months. (I statement).

Uptake and Distribution of Iron from Different Iron Sources Applied as Foliar Sprays to Chlorotic Leaves of Low-Chill Peach Cultivars

A greenhouse experiment was carried out to examine the uptake and distribution pattern of iron applied through different iron sources to chlorotic leaves of three low-chill peach cultivars viz. Saharanpur Prabhat, Shan-e-Punjab, and Pratap. The plants were grown in sandy loam soil containing 30 g CaCO3 kg−1 soil in plastic pots. Upon the onset of iron deficiency symptoms, separate foliar spray treatments were given using Fe-sulfate [0.5 % (w/v) and 1.0 % (w/v)], Fe-citrate [0.5 % (w/v) and 1.0 % (w/v)], and Fe-EDTA [0.1 % (w/v) and 0.2 % (w/v)] in addition to the control which received foliar spray of only distilled water. All the spray solutions except distilled water were radiolabeled with 59FeCl3. Seven days after imposition of the treatments, iron uptake and distribution was monitored. Among Fe sources, the highest Fe uptake and its distribution in the leaves were recorded with Fe-sulfate followed by Fe-citrate and FeEDTA. Among the low-chill peach cultivars, the highest Fe uptake and distribution was observed with 1.0 % (w/v) Fe-sulfate in Saharanpur Prabhat followed by Shan-e-Punjab and Pratap. The least uptake and distribution of Fe was recorded with 0.1 % (w/v) FeEDTA as iron source in the cultivar Pratap. The highest increase in physiologically active iron (Fe2+) content as well as total iron content of the leaves was also observed with the application of 1.0 % (w/v) Fe-sulfate. However, the level of physiologically active (Fe2+) iron content with 1.0 % (w/v) Fe-sulfate was found to be statistically similar the application of 0.5 % (w/v) Fe-sulfate. The leaf penetration capacity of iron and subsequent distribution of iron from different iron sources in different low-chill peach cultivars were found in the following order Fe-sulfate > Fe-citrate > Fe-EDTA.

Iron deficient toxic milk leads to the mask phenotype in hephaestin knockout mice (907.4)

Iron is an essential element that is required for many cellular functions. Multiple symptoms of iron deficiency have been reported in humans, including anemia, hair loss, stunted growth, and reduced oxygen transport. Mammalian iron intake is mediated in two different ways, across the placenta during fetal growth, and through the intestine during postnatal growth and development. We previously identified hephaestin (Hp), a copper‐iron ferroxidase, which plays a key role in intestinal iron transport. Hephaestin oxidizes iron and works in conjunction with ferroportin to facilitate iron export from enterocytes and its efficient binding to plasma transferrin. Null mutations in the Hp gene cause an accumulation of intracellular iron, specifically in the intestine. During analysis of the Hp null mice, we discovered that neonates born to Hp knockout (Hp KO) dams developed truncal hair loss (the “mask” hair loss phenotype) that resolved after weaning. The same phenotype was also observed in pups born to mothers with intestine‐specific knockout of Hp (even WT (floxed) pups born to these mothers), suggesting that lack of maternal Hp in the intestine alone is responsible for the mask phenotype. In order to determine the stage (ante and/or post natal) at which lack of maternal Hp leads to pup hair loss, we performed cross‐fostering studies. Wild‐type pups fed by Hp KO dams presented with the “mask” phenotype, whereas, all pups fed by the WT dams had normal hair growth. Histology of the affected skin of pups fed by Hp KO dams showed disorientation and keratinization of the follicles, follicular infundibular plugging and some tortuosity to the hair canals. Our findings suggest the involvement of a “toxic milk” phenotype involving low iron levels in the milk causing this phenotype.Grant Funding Source: R01 GM083198‐01A1

Effect of silicon addition on soybean (Glycine max) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) plants grown under iron deficiency

Silicon is considered an essential element in several crops enhancing growth and alleviating different biotic and abiotic stresses. In this work, the role of Si in the alleviation of iron deficiency symptoms and in the Fe distribution in iron deficient plants has been studied. Thus, soybean and cucumber plants grown in hydroponic culture under iron limiting conditions were treated with different Si doses (0.0, 0.5 and 1.0mM). The use of a strong chelating agent such as HBED avoided Fe co-precipitation in the nutrient solution and allowed for the first time the analysis of Si effect in iron nutrition without the interference of the iron rhizospheric precipitation. SPAD index, plant growth parameters and mineral content in plant organs were determined. For soybean, the addition of 0.5mM of Si to the nutrient solution without iron, initially or continuously during the experiment, prevented the chlorophyll degradation, slowed down the growth decrease due to the iron deficiency and maintained the Fe content in leaves. In cucumber, Si addition delayed the decrease of stem dry weight, stem length, node number and iron content in stems and roots independently of the dose, but no-effect was observed in chlorosis symptoms alleviation in leaves. The observed response to Si addition in iron deficiency was plant-specific, probably related with the different Fe efficiency strategies developed by these two species.

Iron-biofortification in rice by the introduction of three barley genes participated in mugineic acid biosynthesis with soybean ferritin gene

Iron deficiency is a serious problem around the world, especially in developing countries. The production of iron-biofortified rice will help ameliorate this problem. Previously, expression of the iron storage protein, ferritin, in rice using an endosperm-specific promoter resulted in a two-fold increase in iron concentration in the resultant transgenic seeds. However, further over expression of ferritin did not produce an additional increase in the seed iron concentration, and symptoms of iron deficiency were noted in the leaves of the transgenic plants. In the present study, we aimed to further increase the iron concentration in rice seeds without increasing the sensitivity to iron deficiency by enhancing the uptake and transport of iron via a ferric iron chelator, mugineic acid. To this end, we introduced the soybean ferritin gene (SoyferH2) driven by two endosperm-specific promoters, along with the barley nicotianamine synthase gene (HvNAS1), two nicotianamine aminotransferase genes (HvNAAT-A and -B), and a mugineic acid synthase gene (IDS3) to enhance mugineic acid production in rice plants. A marker-free vector was utilized as a means of increasing public acceptance. Representative lines were selected from 102 transformants based on the iron concentration in polished seeds and ferritin accumulation in the seeds. These lines were grown in both commercially supplied soil (iron-sufficient conditions) and calcareous soil (iron-deficient conditions). Lines expressing both ferritin and mugineic acid biosynthetic genes showed signs of iron-deficiency tolerance in calcareous soil. The iron concentration in polished T3 seeds was increased by 4 and 2.5 times, as compared to that in non-transgenic lines grown in normal and calcareous soil, respectively. These results indicate that the concomitant introduction of the ferritin gene and mugineic acid biosynthetic genes effectively increased the seed iron level without causing iron sensitivity under iron-limited conditions.

Correlation between serum ferritin levels and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptom scores in children based on the Abbreviated Conners Teachers Rating Scale

factors causing attention􀁚defidt /hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)in children. Iron contributes to the regulation of dopamineneurotransmitter activity, thus, iron deficiency has been associatedwith ADHD. Several studies have been conducted in othercountries to assess for a correlation between serum ferritin levelsand ADHD symptom scores, but 'With varied results.Objective To examine the relationship between iron deficiency andADHD symptoms, in particular the correlation between serumferritin levels and Abbreviated Conners Teachers Rating Scale(ACTRS) scores in children v.ith ADHD.Methods T his cross􀁚sectional study was performed in childrenaged 5􀁚 12 years who were newly diagnosed \\lith ADHD. Subjectswere recruited from the Klinik Anakku Kelapa Gading, theNeurology Outpatient Clinic, the Growth and Development􀁚Social Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic, and the Integrated ChildClinic of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. ADHD diagnoses wereestablished using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of MentalDisorders, 4th edition (DSM􀁚IV). Subjects' parents and teacherswere asked to complete the ACTRS instrument sheet. Venousblood specimens were obtained for peripheral blood and serumferritin level tests.Results Of the 33 subjects recruited, 23 were male. Subjects' agesranged from 5􀁚 12 years, \\lith a median age of onset of 4 (range2􀁚 10) years. The combined type of ADHD (with inattention andhyperactivity􀁚impulsivity) was more commonly found (20/33)in our subjects. T he mean serum ferritin was 51.31 (SD 27.7)ng/mL. Using 20 ng/mL as the serum ferritin cutoff value, 5/33subjects were considered to be iron deficient. Median ACTRSscore by parents and teachers were 15 and 15, respectively. Higherscores were found in the combined type subject group than in theinattention type subject group. Median serum ferritin levels ofthe two ADHD type groups were similar. Median ACTRS scoresof parents and teachers tended to be higher in the iron􀁚deficientgroup (16 and 16, respectively) than in the normal serum irongroup (14.5 and 12.5, respectively). Serum ferritin level showedno correlation (r=􀁚0.243; P=0.086) to the parents' ACTRSscore, and no correlation (r=􀁚.057; P=0.377) to the teachers'ACTRS score.Conclusion Serum ferritin level showed no correlation to ACTRSscores of parents and teachers, respectively. However, the medianACTRS score was higher in the iron􀁚deficiency group than in thenormal iron status group, suggesting that there may be a qualitativerelationship between iron deficiency and ADHD symptoms.[Paediatr lndanes. 2012;52:329-35].