Total Iron Binding Capacity Levels Research Articles

Serum iron level is independently associated with sarcopenia: a retrospective study

Sarcopenia greatly reduces the quality of life of the elderly, and iron metabolism plays an important role in muscle loss. This study aimed to investigate the association between iron status and sarcopenia. A total of 286 adult patients hospitalized between 2019 and 2021 were included in this study, of which 117 were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin, and transferrin saturation levels were compared between groups with and without sarcopenia and were included in the logistic analyses, with significant variables further included in the logistic regression model for the prediction of sarcopenia. Serum iron, TIBC, and transferrin levels decreased significantly in the sarcopenia group (p < 0.05), and were negatively associated with handgrip strength, relative skeletal muscle index, and multiple test performances (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and serum iron level were independent risk factors for sarcopenia. In the final logistic regression model, male sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67–7.98), age > 65 years (OR 5.40, 95% CI 2.25–12.95), BMI < 24 kg/m2 (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.08–0.36), and serum iron < 10.95 μmol/L (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.16–0.93) were included. Our study supported the impact of iron metabolism on muscle strength and performance.

How does maternal anemia affect the levels of umbilical cord brain-derived neurotrophic factor?

ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of maternal iron deficiency anemia on the umbilical cord level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which plays a very important role in the central nervous system. MethodsOur research was planned as a quantitative, prospective, and analytical type of study. A total of 90 volunteers, term, singleton pregnant hospitalized in the Health Sciences University Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between September 2021 and August 2022 were included in this study. While 45 of these pregnants were pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin ≤ 110 g/L and serum ferritin level ≤ 12 μg/L), 45 cases were in the control group without iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin > 110 g/L, serum ferritin > 12 μg/L). When pregnant were admitted to the hospital, blood samples were taken to analyze hemoglobin, mean cell volume (MCV), iron, unsaturated iron binding capacity, total iron binding capacity, serum ferritin, transferrin, and CRP levels. Also, we noted the maternal age, gravida, parity, birth weight, head circumference, type of birth, 1. minute Apgar score, and 5. minute Apgar score. During the delivery; after the umbilical cord had been clamped and cut, we took 5 cc of umbilical cord blood. Then, we put it in the serum-separating laboratory tubes. After we centrifuged these blood samples, we put the serum parts in the Eppendorf tubes to be stored at −80 degrees Celsius. At the end of the study, we calculated the level of BDNF using special human brain-derived neurotrophic factor ELISA kits. The umbilical cord BDNF levels of the maternal iron deficiency anemia group and the control group were compared statistically. ResultsWhen we evaluated the fetal umbilical cord BDNF values of 90 participants, the median value BDNF in the babies of 45 anemic mothers was 3.16 (IQR 0.73), and the median BDNF value of the babies of 45 healthy mothers was 5.37 (IQR 1.02). We found a statistical difference between BDNF and hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, and iron values between these two groups. ConclusionIn conclusion, the BDNF value of the babies of healthy individuals is higher than that of anemic individuals. Our study showed that the amount of BDNF in the umbilical cord blood was significantly affected by maternal iron deficiency anemia.

Association of single nucleotide polymorphism at BMP2 gene with iron deficiency status among anaemic patients in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

BackgroundIron deficiency contributes for over half of all anaemia cases, especially among women and children. Iron deficiency anaemia remains a serious public health concern worldwide. The aim of this study is to determine the association between the single nucleotide polymorphism rs235756 in the bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) gene and iron deficiency status.Results104 total anaemic samples were selected from Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. ARMS-PCR was performed to genotype the rs235756 SNP in the 104 samples. The genotype distribution of BMP2 rs235756 showed that AG genotypes had the highest frequency 51(86.4%) followed by GG 6(10.2%) and AA 2(3.4%) in IDA group, whereas AG 42(93.3%), AA 2(4.4%) and GG 1(2.2%) were found in the other anaemia group. The minor allele frequency in BMP 2 rs235756 from this study (0.514) was not similar to the East Asian (EAS) population (0.135); however, the allelic frequency showed significant association between these two. The mean of total iron binding capacity level differed significantly between homozygous-dominant AA and AG + GG genotypes (P < 0.05) but no significant difference for the mean of haematological parameter, ferritin and serum iron.ConclusionsIn future clinical settings, this finding can potentially be as a guide in the early prediction for IDA patients through the genetic testing.

Effects of cholecalciferol and omega-3 fatty acids on hepcidin levels in 5/6 nephrectomy rats

Background: Anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In patients with CKD-related anemia, an inverse relationship between vitamin D and hepcidin levels has been observed. Hepcidin is a key regulator of iron homeostasis, mediated via binding to ferroportin. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cholecalciferol and omega-3 fatty acids (FA) on hepcidin levels using 5/6 nephrectomized (Nx) rats.Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: sham control, 5/6 Nx, 5/6 Nx treated with cholecalciferol, 5/6 Nx treated with omega-3 FA, and 5/6 Nx treated with both cholecalciferol and omega-3 FA. We measured the hepcidin and ferroportin levels in the kidney and liver by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and Western blots. We evaluated hepcidin expression in the kidney by immunohistochemical staining.Results: Among the five groups, 5/6 Nx rats exhibited the worst kidney function. Compared with the sham controls, 5/6 Nx rats showed significantly increased serum hepcidin levels and decreased vitamin D levels. Supplementation with either omega-3 FA or cholecalciferol decreased hepcidin and increased vitamin D levels, with a concurrent improvement of anemia. Furthermore, 5/6 Nx rats treated with omega-3 FA/cholecalciferol showed decreased ferroportin and ferritin levels, while iron and total iron-binding capacity levels increased.Conclusions: Treatment with a combination of cholecalciferol and omega-3 FA may improve anemia in a CKD rat model by decreasing hepcidin levels.

Molecular Mechanisms of Iron Transport and Homeostasis Regulated by Antarctic Krill-Derived Heptapeptide-Iron Complex.

In this study, the molecular mechanisms of iron transport and homeostasis regulated by the Antarctic krill-derived heptapeptide-iron (LVDDHFL-iron) complex were explored. LVDDHFL-iron significantly increased the hemoglobin, serum iron, total iron binding capacity levels, and iron contents in the liver and spleen to normal levels, regulated the gene expressions of iron homeostasis, and enhanced in vivo antioxidant capacity in iron-deficiency anemia mice (P < 0.05). The results revealed that iron ions within LVDDHFL-iron can be transported via the heme transporter and divalent metal transporter-1, and the absorption of LVDDHFL-iron involved receptor-mediated endocytosis. We also found that the transport of LVDDHFL-iron across cells via phagocytosis was facilitated by the up-regulation of the high mobility group protein, heat shock protein β, and V-type proton ATPase subunit, accompanied by the regulatory mechanism of autophagy. These findings provided deeper understandings of the mechanism of LVDDHFL-iron facilitating iron absorption.

Serum Ferritin Level and Total Iron Binding Capacity Relationship with Iron Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy and Labour

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent condition globally, impacting maternal and fetal health outcomes significantly. The condition is especially concerning during pregnancy, given its association with complications such as preterm labor and increased maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates. Objective: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of IDA among pregnant women and its correlation with fetal-maternal complications, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of current healthcare interventions in managing the condition. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Shikhzayad Women Hospital, Larkana, over six months from January 1, 2022, to July 1, 2022. Fifty pregnant women with IDA at various gestational stages were selected and evaluated for serum ferritin and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). The severity of anemia and its correlation with feto-maternal complications were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Out of the 50 women studied, 6 had mild anemia, 37 had moderate anemia, and 7 had severe anemia. Serum ferritin levels showed that 10 participants had levels between 5-10 mg/L, 20 had levels between 10-50 mg/L, 10 had levels between 50-150 mg/L, and 10 had normal levels (150-300 mg/L). Elevated TIBC levels (400-600 ug/ml) were observed in 30 women. Feto-maternal complications included emergency cesarean sections (28 cases), postpartum hemorrhage (8 cases), disseminated intravascular coagulation (6 cases), cardiac failure (4 cases), and maternal death (4 cases). Pregnancy outcomes were reported as 5 first-trimester abortions, 2 second-trimester abortions, 4 preterm deliveries, 15 cases of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), 9 intrauterine deaths (IUD), and 5 neonatal deaths (NND). Conclusion: IDA remains a significant determinant of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study underscores the urgent need for enhanced preventive strategies, including iron supplementation and dietary education. Further large-scale research is required for a comprehensive understanding of IDA's impact and the development of targeted interventions.

Correlation of iron deficiency indexes with Eradication and Recurrence of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Children.

To explore the correlation of iron deficiency (ID) indexes with eradication and recurrence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in children. This is a clinical comparative study. One hundred and twenty-six children who were first diagnosed as Hp infection in Baoding Children's Hospital (Hp infection group); and the control group included 200 children without Helicobacter Pylori infection (negative stool Hp antigen test and/or 13C-urea breath test) in local region at the same time from January 2020 to January 2022. Enrolled children were subjected to routine blood test, serum ferritin (SF), serum iron (SI) and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) detection. Meanwhile, children with Hp infection were given triple therapy for eradication and followed up for one year. The levels of SI, SF and Hb in non-eradication group were lower than those in eradication group (P<0.05); while TIBC level in the former group was higher than that in the latter group (P<0.05). Furthermore, SF level in the recurrence group was lower than that in the non-recurrence group (P<0.05). While there was no significant difference in Hb, SI and TIBC levels between the recurrence group and the non-recurrence group (P>0.05). Low level of SF may be a risk factor for difficulty in eradication and recurrence after eradication in children with Hp infection. Meanwhile, low levels of Hb and SI are influential factors for difficulty in eradication in children with Hp infection.

Evaluation of Iron Profiles and Coagulation Profiles in Ischemic Heart Diseases Patients in Elmek Nimir Hospital, Sudan

Background: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a constellation of diseases that includes stable angina, unstable angina, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death. It belongs to the group of cardiovascular diseases and is the most common type among them. Iron is an essential trace element. It plays an important role in maintaining various cellular functions and enzymatic reactions. On the other hand, excessive intake of iron is known to be a risk factor for the progression of atherosclerosis. Abnormal iron deposition in the heart causes hemochromatosis and dilated cardiomyopathy, which leads to ischemic heart disease. Objective: This study aims to investigate the role of serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), PT, and PTT in ischemic heart disease (IHD) and their relationship with other risk factors for IHD. Methods: This is a prospective, case-control, cross-sectional analytical study conducted at Elmek Nimir University Hospital, Shendi City, to assess the iron profile and coagulation profile of patients with ischemic heart disease. The study included (30) patients diagnosed with ischemic heart disease and the study group was compared with the mean of the control group (20). Serum iron, ferritin, and TIBC were estimated using a spectrophotometer, and PT and PTT were estimated using manual methods. Data were collected using a structured personal questionnaire and the program (SPSS) version (11.5) was used for data analysis. Results: In this study, patients with ischemic heart disease were (40%) male and (60%) female. In this study, iron averaged (41.0) ug/dl (P. value 0.010), ferritin averaged (233.0) ug/dl (P. value 0.000), and TIBC averaged (44.0) µg/dl. Was shown. (P. value 0.000) compared to mean controls (27.0), (162.0), (56.0). A significant difference was found between the iron profile and his IHD. This study showed the mean PT, PTT for cases (13.4), (40.4) (P-value 0.024), (P. value 0.009) compared with the mean for controls (12.0), (35.1). A significant difference was found between the coagulation profile and IHD. Conclusions: This study concluded that serum levels of iron, ferritin, TIBC, PT, and PTT may be associated with Ischemic heart disease.

High Ferritin and Low Total Iron-Binding Capacity in Plasma Predict All-Cause Mortality During the First 3 Years of Hemodialysis in Patients with End-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease.

To determine all-cause mortality rate and the predictive value of plasma ferritin and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) concentrations for mortality during the first 3 years of hemodialysis in patients with end-stage chronic renal disease (ESRD). We conducted a study on 174 ESRD patients (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate < 15 mL/min/1.73m2). The plasma TIBC level was quantified by the ELISA method in all patients at the time before hemodialysis. Based on TIBC concentration, patients were divided equally into 2 groups. Each group had 87 patients. Patients were initiated on hemodialysis, and patients who died from any cause during the first 3 years of hemodialysis were recorded. The all-cause mortality rate of ESRD patients in the first 3 years of maintenance hemodialysis was 22.9%. Plasma high hs-CRP, high ferritin, and low TIBC concentrations were independent factors associated with all-cause mortality in the patients. Plasma ferritin (cut-off value = 454.2 ng/L) and TIBC (cut-off value = 39.84 µmol/L) were predictors of all-cause mortality, AUC is: 0.772; 0.723, p < 0.001. Plasma ferritin and TIBC were good predictors of all-cause mortality in ESRD patients during the first 3 years of hemodialysis.

Potential Association of Serum Hepcidin, hs-CRP and Iron Status Levels in Hemodialytic Patients

Patients on hemodialysis (HD) are usually anemic because of defective erythropoiesis. Hepcidin is a polypeptide that regulates iron homeostasis and could indicate functional iron deficiency in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD); this may also aid in assessing a patient's response to erythropoietin (EPO). The present study was directed to investigate serum levels of hepcidin, iron status, and inflammation markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with ESRD on maintenance HD and to observe the correlation of serum hepcidin with conventional iron and inflammatory markers. Forty-two patients of both sexes on maintenance HD and EPO therapy were enrolled; 42 age and sex-matched healthy subjects were included as controls. Laboratory tests were performed, including complete blood count, serum hepcidin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), serum ferritin, serum iron, and CRP. Serum hepcidin levels were significantly higher in patients with ESRD than in the control group (18.2 \(\pm\) 2.8 ng/mL and 8.5 \(\pm\) 2.3 ng/mL, respectively P = 0.000). The hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron, TIBC, and transferrin saturation levels in the patient group were significantly lower than in the control group. Higher hepcidin levels were found in EPO non-responders (19.6 (\pm) 2.4 ng/mL), while lower levels (16.9 \(\pm\) 2.5 ng/mL) were seen in responders (P = 0.001). A positive and significant correlation was observed between the values of serum hepcidin and CRP. Our study indicates that higher hepcidin levels are found in ESRD patients on HD and in those not responding to EPO. Our findings suggest that hepcidin might play a role in the pathophysiology of anemia associated with chronic diseases and EPO resistance.

Serum Copper, Iron, and Total Iron Binding Capacity in Hypothyroidism: A Case Control Study

Background: Thyroid hormone metabolism is linked to iron metabolism. Thyroperoxidase, a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones, is iron-dependent. Thus, iron deficiency might be the primary cause of hypothyroidism. Copper is another trace element that has been linked to thyroid status. Copper regulates excessive thyroxine (T4) absorption and reduces cell damage during thyroid hormone synthesis. The present study clarified the possible correlations between iron and copper levels as well as total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and triiodothyronine (T3), T4, as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in healthy and hypothyroid subjects.Materials and methods: Thirty-five healthy subjects and 35 hypothyroid subjects were included in this study. Serum T3, T4, and TSH levels were measured using the enzyme linked fluorescence assay. Serum iron levels and TIBC were estimated using ferrozine/magnesium carbonate method, while serum copper levels were estimated using colorimetric method.Results: Copper levels were not significantly different between healthy and hypothyroid subjects. Iron and T4 levels were significantly lower in hypothyroid subjects compared with those in healthy subjects, while TIBC and TSH levels were significantly higher. There was no significant correlation between copper levels and T3, T4, and TSH levels.Conclusion: There were inverse correlations between TIBC and T4 as well as iron levels, and there was no significant correlation between copper levels and all thyroid function parameters. Routine examination of iron levels and thyroid function is highly recommended for early diagnosis and therapy of hypothyroidism.Keywords: total iron binding capacity, iron, copper, hypothyroidism

Associations between Sickle Cell Disease, Pica and Enuresis

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that impacts the shape and functional capacity of red blood cells. Beyond altered cerebral perfusion, individuals with SCD have higher rates of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability, and specific learning disabilities. Past research has shown that in adolescent populations with either SCD or NDDs, pica, the act of eating non-food items, and enuresis, or involuntary urination, commonly occur. Both pica and enuresis are associated with biopsychosocial issues in typically developing children. However, the etiology of both of these disorders, as well as the confluence of NDDs and SCD on their occurrence, remains unclear. Hypothesis: The objective of this study was to determine the rates of pica and enuresis in a local pediatric SCD clinic and determine if these conditions present differently and/or have different associations in SCD than in the general population. We hypothesized that NDDs would serve as risk factors for both pica and enuresis with both conditions being associated with increased sickle cell severity. Methods: To test these hypotheses, we performed a retrospective chart review on 275 SCD patients. Using Epic, patients who at point visited either Kennedy Krieger Institute or John Hopkins Medical Center for SCD and were in an existing database were queried. Patients in the database ranged from 1 to 17 years old and were predominantly Black, non-Hispanic individuals. Primary keywords searched included: “enuresis, pica, bedwetting, diurnal, nocturnal, eating, non-food, peeing, urination, incontinence.” Results: Pica was reported in 9% (Table 1), while enuresis was reported in 27% of patient charts reviewed (Table 2). Both enuresis (Chi-squared test, p = 0.0050) and pica (Chi-squared test, p = 0.0190) were significantly linked to NDD occurrence, with pica being nearly three times as likely to occur alongside NDDs and/or enuresis. Notably, SCD patients with pica most commonly ate paper or wood, different from the general population with pica primarily eating rocks or dirt. Through the Wilcoxon rank sum test, we also noted no associations between pica and median hemoglobin (p=0.9572), ferritin (p=0.6209), iron serum (p=0.9500), total iron-binding capacity (p=0.1598), iron saturation (p=0.6292), or transferrin (p=0.1765) levels. Beyond this, our data also validate prior results demonstrating that enuresis is associated with both SCD type and hydroxyurea usage. There were no significant differences in rates of enuresis between males and females, unlike what is seen in the general population. Sleep apnea was associated with enuresis, at a higher rate than in the general population (Chi-squared post-hoc residual test, p = 0.0004). Patients with SCD and enuresis had higher mean reticulocyte counts and lower mean hemoglobin levels than patients with SCD without enuresis, consistent with increased hemolysis and worsening SCD severity. Conclusion: These results suggest etiologies for pica and enuresis in SCD patients may differ from the general population. As pica and enuresis commonly occur together with NDDs, there is a clear need for increased standardized screening for these conditions in clinics. Understanding why the risk factors for these conditions in SCD differ from the general population requires further investigation into their respective mechanisms of disease.

Grape seed extract in combination with deferasirox ameliorates iron overload, oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver dysfunction in beta thalassemia children

Background and purposeIron overload in the body is associated with serious and irreversible tissue damage. This study aimed to investigate the iron‐chelating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities of grape seed extract (GSE) supplement as well as its safety in β‐thalassemia major (β‐TM) pediatric patients receiving deferasirox as a standard iron‐chelation therapy. Materials and methodsThe children were randomly allocated to either GSE group (n = 30) or control group (n = 30) to receive GSE (100 mg/day) or placebo capsules, respectively, for 4 weeks. The serum levels of iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration were measured pre-and post-intervention. ResultsGSE supplement significantly attenuated the serum levels of iron (p = 0.030), ferritin (p = 0.017), ALT (p = 0.000), AST (p = 0.000), TNF-α (p = 0.000), and hs-CRP (p = 0.001). The TIBC level (p = 0.020) significantly enhanced in the GSE group compared with the placebo group. Moreover, GSE supplement remarkably improved the oxidative stress markers, MDA (p = 0.000) and GSH (p = 0.001). The changes in the SOD activity (p = 0.590) and Hb concentration (p = 0.670) were not statistically different between the groups. ConclusionGSE supplement possesses several health beneficial influences on children with β‐TM by alleviating iron burden, oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver dysfunction.

Assessment of erythroferrone levels in children with chronic kidney disease on regular hemodialysis

Anemia is a common comorbidity in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with adverse outcomes. Erythroferrone (ERFE) is a hepcidin inhibitor whose synthesis is stimulated by erythropoietin, which increases iron absorption and mobilization. Aim of the study: to assess the levels of ERFE hormone in children with CKD on regular hemodialysis. This case–control study was carried out at Menoufia University Hospital and included 70 subjects: 38 healthy individuals (controls) and 32 children with CKD on regular dialysis (cases). The study was approved by the Faculty of Medicine Ethics Committee at Menoufia University. All children were subjected to full history taking, complete clinical examination, blood tests such as complete blood count, reticulocyte count, serum iron, ferritin, and total iron binding capacity, liver and renal function tests, and an immunoassay to measure human ERFE. There was a statistically significant difference in the levels of ERFE between the cases and controls (p &lt; 0.001). There was a significant, strong correlation between the levels of hemoglobin and serum iron and the level of ERFE (r = –0.655, p &lt; 0.001). There was no significant correlation between the administered dose of exogenous erythropoietin and the level of ERFE (p = 0.460). Serum ERFE levels in the children with CKD on regular hemodialysis were significantly higher than in the controls and were negatively correlated with hemoglobin and iron levels. There was no significant correlation between ERFE levels and both serum ferritin and total iron binding capacity levels.

Blood biomarker profiles and exceptional longevity: comparison of centenarians and non-centenarians in a 35-year follow-up of the Swedish AMORIS cohort

Comparing biomarker profiles measured at similar ages, but earlier in life, among exceptionally long-lived individuals and their shorter-lived peers can improve our understanding of aging processes. This study aimed to (i) describe and compare biomarker profiles at similar ages between 64 and 99 among individuals eventually becoming centenarians and their shorter-lived peers, (ii) investigate the association between specific biomarker values and the chance of reaching age 100, and (iii) examine to what extent centenarians have homogenous biomarker profiles earlier in life. Participants in the population-based AMORIS cohort with information on blood-based biomarkers measured during 1985–1996 were followed in Swedish register data for up to 35 years. We examined biomarkers of metabolism, inflammation, liver, renal, anemia, and nutritional status using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and cluster analysis. In total, 1224 participants (84.6% females) lived to their 100th birthday. Higher levels of total cholesterol and iron and lower levels of glucose, creatinine, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and total iron-binding capacity were associated with reaching 100 years. Centenarians overall displayed rather homogenous biomarker profiles. Already from age 65 and onwards, centenarians displayed more favorable biomarker values in commonly available biomarkers than individuals dying before age 100. The differences in biomarker values between centenarians and non-centenarians more than one decade prior death suggest that genetic and/or possibly modifiable lifestyle factors reflected in these biomarker levels may play an important role for exceptional longevity.

Comparison of Total Iron Binding Capacities between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients and Healthy Individuals

Background: Worldwide, diabetes mellitus (DM) is a leading cause of death and disability. Iron overload is increasingly being connected to insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Free iron causes the assembly of reactive oxygen species that invariably steer the body’s homeostasis toward oxidative stress-mediated diabetic complications. We have very limited research-based data regarding the total iron binding capacities in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to compare the total iron binding capacities (TIBC) between type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and healthy individuals. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College (DMC), Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2015 to June 2016. In total 100 participants were enrolled in 2 groups as the study subjects. In group A, in total 50 diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were included. On the other hand, in group B, 50 age and sex-matched healthy individuals were included. Properly written consent was taken from all the participants before data collection. All the demographic and clinical information of the participants was recorded. All data were processed, analyzed and disseminated by using MS Excel and SPSS version 23.0 program as per necessity. Results: In this study, the mean serum iron in group A and group B were 112.7 μg/dl and 87.6 μg/dl respectively. The mean serum ferritin concentration in group A and group B were 199.3 μg/dl and 107.0 μg/dl respectively. There was a statistically significant increase in serum iron and serum ferritin concentrations in group A compared to group B. Both serum ferritin and serum iron levels showed strong positive correlations with HbA1C ((r=0.724, p&lt;0.001, r=0.724, p&lt;0.001) and FPG (r=0.724, p&lt;0.001, r= 0.724, p&lt;0.001). The mean TIBC level was found 184 μg/dl in group A and 318.8 μg/dl in group B. In analyzing the total iron binding capacities (TIBC) between the groups we observe that the TIBC (µg/dl) levels in group A and group B were 184.0±79.5 and 318.8 ± 14.0 µg/dl respectively. The TIBC levels were significantly lower in group A than in group B (&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The total iron binding capacity level is significantly lower in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients than that in healthy individuals. Routine screening for iron status along with glycemic control in diabetic patients might help prevent complications in such patients.

Correlation of iron and related factors with disease severity and outcomes and mortality of patients with Coronavirus disease 2019

BackgroundIron is a trace element that possesses immunomodulatory properties and modulates the proneness to the course and outcome of a diverse viral diseases. This study intended to investigate the correlation of different iron-related factors with disease severity and outcomes as well as the mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. MethodsBlood serum samples were obtained from 80 COVID-19 cases and 100 healthy controls. Concentrations of ferritin, transferrin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) was measured by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and iron level was measured by immunoturbidometric method. ResultsConcentrations of iron, transferrin, and TIBC were low, while ferritin level was high in the COVID-19 cases in comparison to controls. In non-survivor (deceased) patients as well as severe subjects, the levels of iron, ferritin, transferrin, and TIBC were significantly different than survivors (discharged) and mild cases. Significant correlations were found between iron and related factors and the clinicopathological features of the patients. Based on ROC curve analysis, iron, ferritin, transferrin, and TIBC had potential to estimate disease severity in COVID-19 subjects. ConclusionIron metabolism is involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Iron and related factors correlate with disease outcomes and might serve as biomarker in diagnosis of the disease severity and estimation of mortality in the COVID-19 subjects.

Cytomorphometric analysis of buccal mucosal cells in iron deficiency anemia: A cross-sectional study.

Worldwide, at any given moment, more individuals have iron deficiency anemia (IDA) than any other health problems. Very few studies have been conducted to evaluate changes in oral mucosa in IDA. The present study is undertaken for cytomorphometric analysis of buccal mucosal cells in IDA. Nuclear diameter (ND), cell diameter (CD), nuclear area (NA), cell area (CA), and nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio (N/C) are measured and compared in buccal mucosal cells of IDA patients and controls. To evaluate cytomorphometric changes in epithelial cells of oral mucosa in IDA and to compare these changes with the controls. A cross-sectional study. Forty cases of IDA and forty cases of control group were selected for the study. IDA cases were diagnosed with decreased Hb level, MCV, MCH, MCHC and confirmed by decreased serum iron and increased total iron-binding capacity levels. Cytomorphometric analysis of buccal mucosa was performed to study CA, CD, NA, ND, and N/C ratio. Statistical analysis was done using t- test in SPSS software version 4. Results of our study showed increased cell area, cell diameter, nuclear area, nuclear diameter, and nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio in anemic group as compared to controls. The study suggests that individuals with IDA regardless of clinically visible oral lesions show cytological changes in oral mucosal epithelium. Knowledge of quantitative alterations in oral epithelial cells of IDA patients is important as these alterations are similar to those seen in precancerous and radiation-induced changes. Cytomorphometry is an efficient tool to understand the extent of cellular changes that occur in oral epithelial cells in IDA.

Predictive model for long-term weight recovery after gastrectomy for gastric cancer: an introduction to a web calculator

BackgroundWeight changes after gastrectomy affect not only quality of life but also prognosis and survival. However, it remains challenging to predict the weight changes of individual patients. Using clinicopathological variables, we built a user-friendly tool to predict weight change after curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer.MethodsThe clinical data of 984 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy between 2009 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify variables predictive of postoperative weight change. A nomogram was developed and verified via bootstrap resampling.ResultsAge, sex, performance status, body mass index, extent of resection, pathological stage, and postoperative weight change significantly influenced postoperative weight recovery. Postoperative levels of hemoglobin, albumin, ferritin and total iron-binding capacity were significant covariates. The nomogram performed well (concordance index = 0.637); calibration curves indicated appropriate levels of agreement. We developed an online weight prediction calculator based on the nomogram (http://gc-weightchange.com/en/front/).ConclusionsThe novel, Web-calculator based on the predictive model allows surgeons to explore patient weight patterns quickly. The model identifies patients at high risk for weight loss after gastrectomy; such patients require multidisciplinary medical support.

Iron metabolism disorders of patients with chronic paracoccidioidomycosis.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is caused by Paracoccidioides spp.; during infection, some host mechanisms limit the availability of iron, thereby reducing its reproduction. However, Paracoccidioides spp. can evade the immune defense and, even under limited iron conditions, use this mineral for growth and dissemination. This study evaluated the iron metabolism of 39 patients who were diagnosed with chronic PCM from 2013 to 2021. The forms of iron before treatment and at the time of clinical cure were evaluated based on the following: serum ferritin levels (storage iron); total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and transferrin saturation (TSAT) level (transport iron); red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) levels; and sTfR/log ferritin ratio (functional iron). The mean age of the patients was 54.5 years (±6.7 years). Most patients were men (97.4%), rural workers (92.1%), and smokers (84.6%); furthermore, most had moderate disease severity (66.7%). After achieving clinical cure, we observed that serum ferritin levels decreased, and parameters of functional iron increased. The extent of alteration in these parameters were more pronounced in severe cases than in to mild or moderate cases. Furthermore, moderate correlations were observed between C-reactive protein and the Hb (r = -0.500; p = 0.002), RBC (r = -0.461; p = 0.005), HCT (r = -0.514; p = 0.001), and iron levels (r = -0.491; p = 0.002). However, it is possible to infer that PCM interferes with functional and storage iron because improvements in these parameters after treatment as well as associations with disease severity were observed. PCM can lead to anemia of inflammation, which can be differentiated from iron deficiency anemia by a careful investigation of the iron form parameters.