Unsaturated Iron Research Articles

Intravenous administration of iron dextran as a potential inducer for hemochromatosis: Development of an iron overload animal model.

Iron overload in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients represents a significant public health challenge due to its high mortality rate and risks of severe complications. Therefore, developing safe and effective therapeutic modalities for managing iron overload is critical, as current animal models inadequately replicate human conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intravenous iron dextran on hepatocyte morphology, liver iron concentration, and serum iron profile changes as a model for hemochromatosis. An experimental design with a post-test-only control group method was conducted using animal models. Fifty rats were used and divided into ten groups, nine received different intravenous doses of iron dextran: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, and 120 mg/kg body weight (BW) and a control group received no treatment. The results showed that intravenous iron dextran starting at a dose of 10 mg/kg BW caused significant changes in liver iron concentration while starting at 20 mg/kg BW significantly affected hepatocyte morphology, transferrin levels, unsaturated iron binding capacity, serum iron levels, and transferrin saturation. Intravenous iron dextran starting at 40 mg/kg BW resulted significant changes in the level of total iron binding capacity compared to control group. In conclusion, intravenous iron dextran significantly altered hepatocyte morphology, increased liver iron concentration, and modified the serum iron profile, reflecting changes that might be observed in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia.

The Relationship Between Ghrelin and Iron Metabolism In Beta Thalassemia Major Patients

IntroductionStudies in beta thalassemia major (β-TM) patients have shown that the responses of HIF2α, hepcidin and ferroportin molecules to high iron levels are impaired. In recent years, studies conducted in patients with iron deficiency anemia have investigated the relationship between ghrelin hormone and iron metabolism. In this study, we aimed to contribute to the etiopathogenesis of this disease by examining the changes in ghrelin hormone levels in patients with β-TM.Material and methodsFifty-two β-TM and 23 controls were included in our study. Blood counts, routine biochemical parameters, HIF2α, hepcidin and ghrelin levels were studied in blood samples taken from the volunteers.ResultsErythrocyte indexes, serum bilirubin, iron, unsaturated iron binding capacity, total iron binding capacity and ferritin levels showed significant differences between two groups (p<0.05) . There was no significant difference between two groups for serum HIF2α and hepcidin levels. When two groups were compared, ghrelin levels were found to be significantly higher in patients (p<0.05). When the correlation between parameters was examined in all subjects, a weak positive correlation was found between ghrelin and HIF2α (r=0.263) (p<0.05) and a significant positive correlation was found between ghrelin and ferritin (r=0.417) (p<0.05).ConclusionsOur study showed that there is a positive correlation between ghrelin and ferritin levels. Elevated ghrelin levels in patients with β-TM may have an important role in regulating impaired iron metabolism. Molecular level studies are needed to determine synthesis pathways.

Biofortification of iron and zinc under late-season water deficit and iron and zinc deficiency on yield and fatty acid composition of flaxseed

Iron and zinc are essential for plant and human health. Biofortification is crucial for improving crop performance. We studied how biofortification of iron and zinc to flaxseed affected its yield, fatty acid composition, and antioxidant capacity in soil water and nutrient deficiency conditions. We tested nutritional impacts of iron and zinc (0, 4, and 8 g l−1) during the onset of stem elongation (VS) and flowering (RS) within two distinct environments (well-watered (WW) and after-anthesis water deficit (WD), and their interactions, on yield and fatty acid composition of flaxseed in 2018 and 2019 in Kermanshah, Iran. Based on the results in WW, seed, oil, protein, and mucilage yield were 1756, 646, 285, and 131 kg ha−1, and WD reduced seed and oil yield by 24, 33, and significantly increased saturated fatty acids, total phenol, and zinc in the seeds. In WW and WD, iron and zinc fortification significantly increased seed, oil, and protein yield, total phenol, unsaturated fatty acids and iron and zinc in the seeds. Path analysis showed that the number of seed capsule−1 and capsule plant−1 in the WW and WD, respectively, had the most direct and positive impact on seed, oil, mucilage, and protein yield. These findings suggest that oil yield was more sensitive to WD compared to seed, mucilage, and protein yield, and application of iron and zinc can boost the oil quantity and quality, iron, zinc content, and antioxidant capacity by minimizing the harmful impacts of WD.

Absolute and Functional Iron Deficiency in the US, 2017-2020

The prevalence of absolute and functional iron deficiency among adults in the US is unknown. To estimate the prevalence of absolute and iron deficiency and iron supplement use in the US across age, sex, and comorbidity categories. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017 to 2020 prepandemic cycle. Participants included noninstitutionalized, civilian women and men aged 18 years or older who had available serum ferritin, iron, and unsaturated iron binding capacity measurements. Data analysis was performed from March 21, 2023, to July 5, 2024. Absolute iron deficiency and functional iron deficiency. Absolute iron deficiency was defined as serum ferritin less than 30 ng/mL regardless of transferrin saturation. Functional iron deficiency was defined as serum ferritin greater than or equal to 30 ng/mL with transferrin saturation less than 20%. The prevalence of absolute and functional iron deficiency was estimated among all adults in the US and separately among women and men according to age category (>18 years to <50 years, 50-65 years, and ≥65 years) using recommended sample weights and sampling design factors to provide estimates representative of the national, noninstitutionalized civilian population. The 95% CIs were calculated using the Korn-Graubard method. A total of 8021 US adults (mean age, 48 years; 95% CI, 47-49 years; 52% [95% CI, 50%-53%] female) were included in this analysis. An estimated 14% (95% CI, 13%-15%) of adults in the US met the criteria for absolute iron deficiency, and an estimated 15% (95% CI, 14%-17%) met the criteria for functional iron deficiency. Among US adults without anemia, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, or current pregnancy, the estimated prevalence of absolute iron deficiency was 11% (95% CI, 10%-11%), and that of functional iron deficiency was 15% (95% CI, 14%-17%). The prevalence of functional iron deficiency exceeded that of absolute iron deficiency in all US adults except women younger than 50 years. Iron supplement use ranged from 22% (95% CI, 12%-37%) to 35% (95% CI, 29%-42%) of women with iron deficiency and 12% (95% CI, 5%-21%) to 18% (95% CI, 8%-32%) of men with iron deficiency depending on age. These findings suggest that absolute and functional iron deficiency affect a large proportion of American adults even in the absence of anemia, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease. Further research on the role of functional iron deficiency in adverse health outcomes and on iron deficiency screening strategies is needed.

Iron Deficiency Anemia among Sanitation Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) has been the main cause of the health burden in India over the past decade. The aim of the present study was to examine the iron status and prevalence of iron deficiency anemia using biochemical markers among sanitation workers working at a tertiary healthcare center. Methodology: This hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 80 sanitation workers for a period of 18 months (age 31–40 years). Dietary intake patterns were collected through the structured questionnaires. Blood samples were analyzed for complete blood count, serum iron level and unsaturated iron binding capacity, and ferritin. Total iron binding capacity and percentage transferrin saturation were calculated. Stool samples were screened for intestinal helminthic ova and cysts of intestinal protozoa. Results: Of the 80 sanitation workers, IDA was found in 38.7%; out of this, mild anemia was found in 16 (20%) participants, while 11.3% and 7.5% participants had moderate and severe anemia, respectively. Higher plasma sTfR levels were observed in women with severe iron depletion than in those with iron sufficiency (median 17.6 versus 15.5 nmol/L; P = 0.001). A statistically significant positive correlation between hemoglobin and serum iron, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation was found. Hemoglobin was positively correlated with white blood cells, red blood cells, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin. Conclusion: This study highlights the presence of mild IDA among sanitary workers and lower levels of iron intake than the recommended dietary allowance.

Ferrous ascorbate non-effervescent floating mini-caplets as an oral iron supplement.

This research aimed to develop non-effervescent floating mini-caplets of Ferrous Ascorbate (FA) using low-density polymers to overcome the problems of poor bioavailability associated with immediate-release iron products.Methods:The excipients and method (melt granulation) were selected based on pre-and post-compression parameters in trial batches. The formulation was optimized by a full factorial 32 experimental design. An optimized formulation was evaluated for drug release kinetic, accelerated stability study, and in vivo study in healthy adult New Zealand female rabbits.Results:The optimized formulation F6 mini-caplets (42.5% FA, 45% Glyceryl palmitostearate asPrecirol, 10% polyvinyl pyrrolidone K-30, and 2.5% lactose) were found to have instant floating and 12h floating duration in 0.1N Hydrochloric acid (HCl) dissolution medium. In vitro drug release (diffusion mechanism) at 1h and 5h was 30-35% and 65-70%, respectively. It was found stable for three months under an accelerated stability study. In vivo study showed significantly increased serum iron levels and decreased unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) in the test group (optimized formulation) compared to control and standard (immediate-release iron).Conclusion:Based on the in vitro and in vivo results, we conclude that non-effervescent floating FA mini-caplets have higher bioavailability compared to immediate release FA, which may be attributed to prolonged iron release at its absorption site due to their retention in the gastric region. Hence, non-effervescent floating FA mini-caplets may act as a potential approach for iron deficiency.

Femtosecond Core-Level Spectroscopy Reveals Involvement of Triplet States in the Gas-Phase Photodissociation of Fe(CO)5.

Excitation of iron pentacarbonyl [Fe(CO)5], a prototypical photocatalyst, at 266 nm causes the sequential loss of two CO ligands in the gas phase, creating catalytically active, unsaturated iron carbonyls. Despite numerous studies, major aspects of its ultrafast photochemistry remain unresolved because the early excited-state dynamics have so far eluded spectroscopic observation. This has led to the long-held assumption that ultrafast dissociation of gas-phase Fe(CO)5 proceeds exclusively on the singlet manifold. Herein, we present a combined experimental-theoretical study employing ultrafast extreme ultraviolet transient absorption spectroscopy near the Fe M2,3-edge, which features spectral evolution on 100 fs and 3 ps time scales, alongside high-level electronic structure theory, which enables characterization of the molecular geometries and electronic states involved in the ultrafast photodissociation of Fe(CO)5. We assign the 100 fs evolution to spectroscopic signatures associated with intertwined structural and electronic dynamics on the singlet metal-centered states during the first CO loss and the 3 ps evolution to the competing dissociation of Fe(CO)4 along the lowest singlet and triplet surfaces to form Fe(CO)3. Calculations of transient spectra in both singlet and triplet states as well as spin-orbit coupling constants along key structural pathways provide evidence for intersystem crossing to the triplet ground state of Fe(CO)4. Thus, our work presents the first spectroscopic detection of transient excited states during ultrafast photodissociation of gas-phase Fe(CO)5 and challenges the long-standing assumption that triplet states do not play a role in the ultrafast dynamics.

Unravelling the impact of lower vacuum activation temperature on Fe2+/Fe3+ mixed-valence unsaturated iron centres in MIL-101(Fe) and its impact on Fenton degradation of acetaminophen

The impact of varying activation temperatures under vacuum on the Metal-Organic Framework (MOF), MIL-101(Fe), and its consequential effects on H2O2 activation and Fenton degradation of one of the contaminants of emerging concerns, acetaminophen (ACT) is investigated in this work. MIL-101(Fe) underwent vacuum activation at temperatures ranging from 60 ℃ to 150 ℃, and an in-depth analysis of the resulting samples' physical and chemical properties were conducted. XRD, FTIR and microscopic studies revealed that the structure and crystallinity of the samples were preserved irrespective of the activation temperature. MIL-101(Fe) activated at 120 ℃ (MIL-101–120) demonstrated the highest degradation kinetics when examined for Fenton degradation of ACT. XPS analysis revealed that MIL-101–120 exhibited the highest Fe2+: Fe3+ ratio and a complete degradation of ACT was attained within 60 minutes of the reaction. This indicated a direct correlation between increased Fe2+ content and the rate of Fenton degradation. A possible catalytic mechanism for the ACT degradation by MIL-101(Fe) was further proposed, indicating the influence of different active sites and radicals in the reaction. Overall, the study provides insight into the significance of optimizing various activation conditions to improve the catalytic efficiency of MIL-101(Fe).

The role of unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) in the diagnosis of anemia

The role of unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) in the diagnosis of anemia

Verification of analytical performance of Unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) assay on the Abbott Alinity ci®: Experience of the central laboratory of Mohammed VI University Hospital of Oujda

The verification of analytical methods is a requirement outlined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This process involves evaluating the performance of an analytical method according to a well-defined protocol and subsequently comparing it with pre-established analytical objectives. In our study, we conducted an evaluation of the analytical performance of the unsaturated iron binding capacity assay using the Abbott kit on the Alinity CI analyzer in the biochemistry laboratory of Mohammed VI University Hospital in Oujda. The methodology employed adheres to the recommendations of the French accreditation committee (COFRAC) accreditation technical guide SH GTA 04, focusing on the assessment of reproducibility and repeatability. Overall, the results obtained from the study are considered satisfactory and align with the acceptability criteria recommended by the supplier. It's important to note that the accuracy and reliability of examination results are influenced not only by laboratory personnel, equipment, and environmental conditions, but also by the methods utilized and their eventual validation or verification.

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.

Clinical and Clinico-Pathological Observations of the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Dogs Affected by Leishmaniosis and Other Inflammatory Diseases.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) has been used in canine medicine in several disorders, above all, to evaluate levels of inflammation. This study evaluated the ESR in canine leishmaniosis (CanL) and other inflammatory conditions. Three groups of dogs were examined: CanL affected dogs without clinical signs (INFECTED group, #25) or with clinical signs (SICK group, #43) and dogs affected by acute or acute-on-chronic conditions (OTHER DISEASE group, #65). The ESR was compared with acute phase proteins or reactants either positive or negative (leukogram, fibrinogen, iron, unsaturated iron binding capacity, ferritin, haptoglobin, and albumin) and immunological markers (gamma-globulins, IgG, and IgM). The ESR was higher in the SICK group than in the INFECTED group (median 39 vs. 11 mm/h; p < 0.0001), as well as in the OTHER DISEASE than in the INFECTED groups (median 41 vs. 11 mm/h; p < 0.0001). The ESR appeared outside the reference range for all dogs in the SICK and OTHER DISEASE groups and almost with similar values (mm/h; median 39, 95% CI 31-51 vs. 41, 95% CI 12-87; p > 0.05). The extent of changes in ESR can help to establish the severity of CanL and other inflammatory disorders. As a point-of-care test, the ESR can be used to screen dogs for unhealthy conditions, and its values correlate with the severity of any disease, including CanL.

Biochemical Markers of Iron Status Among Iraqi Patients at Different Severity Levels of Celiac Disease

In people with a hereditary predisposition, gluten consumption causes celiac disease, a multifactorial autoimmune condition. The ensuing small intestine inflammatory process develops specific antibodies and causes various gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms with varying degrees of severity. Evaluation of the blood iron profile at various histological celiac disease severity in Iraqi patients was the goal of the current study. Seventy-five Iraqi patients with celiac disease, with a mean age of 18.68± 11.13 years, were the study's participants. These people tested positive for celiac antibodies and experienced gastrointestinal symptoms. Based on the disease histological severity, they were divided into two groups: marsh (III a, b, c) group and marsh (0, I) group. For comparison purposes, 46 people who appeared to be in good health and matched in age and gender to the patients utilized in the study were also included. The levels of iron, transferrin, hemoglobin, ferritin, total iron binding capacity, unsaturated iron binding capacity, and the percentage of transferrin that is saturated with iron were all measured. In comparison to the other patient groups under study, celiac patients (marsh III) group, and particularly those of group (marsh III c), showed a substantial drop (p&lt;0.05) in iron, the percentage of transferrin saturating with iron, the levels of each ferritin and of hemoglobin. The total iron binding capacity and the unsaturated iron binding capacity showed a significant elevation (p&lt;0.05) in (marsh III c) patients’ group, meanwhile non-significant differences (p&gt; 0.05) were found in transferrin concentration. Moreover, significant differences (p&lt; 0.05) were obtained in the iron profile between celiac patients who followed strict gluten free diet and those patients with gluten contained diet.

Evaluación de parámetros hematológicos, estrés oxidativo, niveles de capacidad de unión de hierro y hierro insaturado en perros pastores Kangal, antes y después de la orquiectomía

Gonadectomy is a widely used method in reproductive health management, and behavior disorder therapies of domestic animals. Anemia and its development, one of the complications of surgical castration, which has been done so much recently in shelter dogs and dogs kept at home, has been investigated in male Kangal shepherd dogs. In castrated male Kangal shepherd dogs was to investigate the relationship between gonadectomy and oxidant and antioxidant levels, Iron (Fe) concentrations, unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) and some blood parameters (RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, RDW, MCHC). Blood samples were taken from 20 adult Kangal dogs brought to a clinic before castration (Day 0) and on the 1st, 3rd and 7th days. Some biochemical analyzes and blood parameters were evaluated in the blood samples taken. For this purpose, serum total oxidant–antioxidant capacity (TAC–TOC), Iron (Fe) concentrations, unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) and some blood parameters (RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, RDW, MCHC) were examined. In this study, it was evaluated the relationship between gonadectomy and oxidant–antioxidant capacity and Fe metabolism at some serum parameters in male dogs. After the orchidectomy operation, a remarkable decrease in clinical and statistical blood parameters was observed. As a result of this study, in the analysis of blood parameters, a severe picture of anemia was observed. It was determined an important role in erythropoiesis, with orchidectomy. The statistical difference in blood parameters (P&lt;0.05) was indicative of this.

The Relation of the Iron Metabolism Index to the Vulnerability Index of Carotid Plaque with Different Degrees of Stenosis.

To investigate the differences in serum iron index and iron metabolizing protein expression in plaques in patients with different degrees of carotid artery stenosis and the relationship with plaque traits. A total of 100 patients eligible for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) from August 2021 to February 2022 were included. Patients completed a computed tomography (CTA) scan for patient grouping and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for precise quantification of carotid plaque traits within 1 week prior to surgery. Clinical indicators associated with the progression of carotid stenosis to occlusion were analyzed using ordered logistic regression. Twenty carotid plaques were analyzed immunohistochemically to investigate the relationship between plaque traits and the iron metabolism indexes. No significant correlation between high serum ferritin (SF), unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) and progression of carotid stenosis (OR 1.100, 95% CI 0.004-0.165, p = 0.039; OR 1.050, 95% CI 0.005-0.094, p = 0.031). SF and serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) were correlated with normalized wall index (NWI) (R = 0.470, p = 0.036; R = 0.449, p = 0.046), and the results of multiple linear regression suggested that SF and sTfR remained associated with NWI (R = 0.630, R2 = 0.397, Adjusted R2 = 0.326, p = 0.014). In plaques, H-type ferritin (H-FT) was correlated with NWI and lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) volume (R = 0.502, p = 0.028; R = 0.468, p = 0.043). Transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) was correlated with LRNC volume and intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) volume (R = 0.538, p = 0.017; R = 0.707, p = 0.001). There were statistical differences in the expression of iron metabolism proteins in carotid plaques with different degrees of stenosis. Serum iron metabolism index (SF and sTfR) and expression of iron metabolizing proteins (H-FT and TfR1) in plaques were positively correlated with carotid plaque vulnerability index (NWI, LRNC volume).

Relationship between Iron Metabolic Parameters and Platelet Counts in Blood Donors

To investigate the correlation of iron metabolic parameters with platelet counts in blood donors. A total of 400 blood donors who met requirements of apheresis platelet donation were collected, and their hematological parameters were analyzed. The donors were divided into low ferritin group and normal group, the differences of hematological parameters between the two groups were compared, and the correlation of iron metabolic parameters and routine hematology parameters with platelet counts were analyzed. Whether male or female, low ferritin group had higher platelet counts than normal group (P < 0.01). Among the iron metabolic parameters, the platelet counts was negatively correlated with serum ferritin (SF), serum iron (SI), and transferrin saturation (TSAT) (r =-0.162, r =-0.153, r =-0.256), and positively correlated with total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) (r =0.219, r =0.294) in female blood donors. Platelet counts was also negatively correlated with SF, SI and TSAT (r =-0.188, r =-0.148, r =-0.224) and positively correlated with UIBC (r =0.220) in male blood donors. Among the routine hematology parameters, platelet counts was negatively correlated with mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (Ret-He) in female blood donors (r =-0.236, r =-0.267, r =-0.213, r =-0.284). Platelet counts was also negatively correlated with MCH, MCHC and Ret-He in male blood donors (r =-0.184, r =-0.221, r =-0.209). In blood donors with low C-reactive protein level, the lower the iron store capacity, the lower the iron utilization, and the platelet counts tends to rise.

Assessment of the potential role of Trefoil Factor-3 marker as a predictive marker of complication in splenectomized and non splenectomized patients with beta thalassemia major

Abstract The study’s goal is to appraise the immunological inflammatory marker Trefoil Factor 3, which interacts with thalassemia pathogenesis particularly following splenectomy, and may offer new therapy options for the illness and its repercussions. This is a case-control study design that included 60 patients identified as β-thalassemia major as participators in this study, in addition to 30 seemingly healthy subjects with age and sex close to the patients group who served as a control group. The participants were distributed into four groups: control group, splenectomized patients, non-splenectomized patients, and total patients. Suitable statistical techniques were employed to investigate the results. The study’s findings demonstrated that there was a significance increase in the serum levels of TFF3 when comparing between (splenectomized, non-splenectomized and total patients) with healthy group (322.16±51.241, p-value=0.01, 317.20±42.449, p-value=0.01, 320±46.6, p-value=0.01), vs (309.38±21.94), respectively. Moreover, a comparison between splenectomized and non-splenectomized showed a significantly decrease in TFF3 (322.16±51.241) vs (317.20±42.449), (p-value=0.043).The presented study also revealed significant positive correlation between TFF3 level with ferritin, iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation, transferrin, fasting serum glucose, insulin and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance. Furthermore, unsaturated iron binding capacity and homeostasis model assessment-beta found a significant negative correlation with TFF3 level. High serum levels of TFF3 in beta thalassemia patients, especially in splenectomies patients, are downregulated by inflammatory cytokines, which are primarily regarded as traditional inflammatory cytokines and are related to insulin resistance. Hence, TFF3 level can serve as a potential predictive for the early detection of beta thalassemia in the development and progression of complications.

Reduced levels of hepcidin associated with lower ferritin concentration and increased number of previous donations in periodic blood donors: a pilot study.

Hepcidin is one of the major negative regulators of iron balance. Periodic blood donors are highly susceptible to have iron deficiency. Our goal was to evaluate the possible association between serum hepcidin levels and iron homeostasis parameters in periodic blood donors. We enrolled a total of n=39 periodic healthy blood donors (n=24 M and n=15 F). A solid phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure endogenous hepcidin-25 levels in serum biospecimens collected from each study participant. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate possible associations between hepcidin levels and ferritin, transferrin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC), transferrin saturation (TSAT), and number of previous donations. Reduced serum hepcidin levels significantly correlated with reduced serum ferritin concentration (r = 0.56, IC95%: 0.51-0.60, p < 0.01). A multiple linear regression analysis showed that hepcidin levels were independently and negatively correlated with ferritin (p < 0.01). In addition, the number of previous blood donations was significantly associated with reduced hepcidin levels, independently of the other covariates (p < 0.01). Reduced serum hepcidin levels were significantly associated with reduced levels of ferritin and with increased number of previous donations suggesting its possible clinical role as non-invasive "point-of-care" in predicting iron deficiency among periodic blood donors.

Pathogenetic Effects of Bacteria of the Genus &lt;i&gt;Desulfovibrio&lt;/i&gt;. Experimental Study. Part One: Iron Metabolism

The aim of the work was to study specific systemic effect of sulfate-reducing bacteria of the genus Desulfovibrio on organism systems through creating an experimental model of intragastric bacterial invasion against the background of dysbiotic conditions of rodent gastrointestinal tract. Materials and methods. The experimental study was conducted on Wistar rats. Intestinal dysbiosis was modeled with the help of antibiotics, amoxicillin and metronidazole. Typical strain Desulfovibrio desulfuricans subsp. desulfuricans VKM B-1799T was used as an infectious agent. Results and discussion. As a result of the experiment performed, during the period of acute infection (on day 15 of the experiment), a direct correlation between the concentration of the injected D. desulfuricans VKM B-1799T bacteria suspension and the serum iron level was observed: the higher the infectious agent dose, the lower the serum iron concentration. During the phase of remote effects (day 38 of the experiment), the inverse correlation between the concentrations of D. desulfuricans VKM B-1799T in the intestines of rodents was revealed: when the concentration of the infecting agent increased from 103 CFU/g and higher, the iron level decreased from 43.5 μmol/l to 38.5 μmol/l. When comparing the level of transferrin and unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC), an increase in those parameters was observed in all groups of rats both during the period of acute infection and the period of long-term effects, and the percentage of transferrin iron saturation decreased, indicating the occurrence of iron deficiency against the background of exposure to the infectious agent. Intestinal dysbiosis promotes colonization by opportunistic flora, including Desulfovibrio sp. Changes in the iron metabolism markers in experimental animals against the background of D. desulfuricans VKM B-1799T infestation above 103 CFU/g and the ability of this microorganism to bind iron into an unavailable form suggest that the bacteria Desulfovibrio sp. are one of the key etiological factors of iron deficiency anemia.

A numerical approach on liquefaction of iron ore fines under roll motion of bulk carriers using microscopic fluid coupling scheme in discrete element method

Fine solid bulk cargos, such as iron ore fines and bauxite fines with high moisture content have the potential to raise liquefaction and dynamic separation during ships' roll motion. They lose their strength, and their dynamics may result in a loss of stability of the ship followed by capsizing. A numerical approach is tested to observe these phenomena using the microscopic fluid coupling scheme developed by one of the authors. In the study, analyses of unsaturated iron ore fines are performed to examine the effect of the initial degree of saturation, also compared with the case without fluid. The results of simulations show the liquefaction, i.e., the excess pore fluid pressure occurs and the effective stress decreases in particle assembly when the roll motion begins. Further, the following results are derived. The ratio of excess pore fluid pressure to initial effective overburden pressure increases as the initial degree of saturation increases, i.e. the liquefaction is likely to occur when the degree of saturation increases. When the roll motion begins, the porosity decreases and the degree of saturation increases to represent the mechanism of consolidation and dynamic separation in particle assembly qualitatively. During roll motion, the tilt angle is about 2–6° with localized slopes at both sides. Consequently, it was verified that the scheme precisely simulates the dynamics of unsaturated iron ore fines in a bulk carrier under the ship’s roll motion and evaluates the potential of liquefaction.