Effects of Iron Overload on Growth and Intestinal Mucosa in Rats

Author(s): JIANG Yi-chen, SUN Yong-ye, GONG Wei-lei, LI Yuan-yuan, MA Ai-guo

Objective: To detect the mechanism of excess iron intake on growth and intestinal mucosa in rats. Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Low Iron Group, Normal Iron Group, Medium Iron Group and High Iron Group upon daily iron intake of 7mg/kg, 16.8mg/kg, 35mg/kg, 70mg/kg respectively via fodder for eight weeks. The general condition, body weight and food intake were documented simultaneously. Serum level of Ferritin, IL-6 and IL-10 were detected using ELISA. The observation of morphology of intestine was also included concurrently. Results: The weight obtained was significantly lower in the High Iron Group compared with the other three groups while the average weight of the rats in the High Iron Group was lower than the Normal Iron Group. Meanwhile, the average amount food uptake of the High Iron Group had slightly decreased in the eighth week. In addition, the level of IL-6 in small intestine of the High Iron Group is higher than that of the Normal Iron Group (P<0.05), while the level of IL-10 in small intestine of the High Iron Group is lower than that of the Normal Iron Group (P<0.05). The histopathology results showed that normal morphology was found in Low Iron Group and Normal Iron Group, but the mucosa showed a slight injury in the Medium Iron Group with apical microvilli slightly off. Irregular shape of microvilli and necrosis were found in some epithelial cells of intestinal mucosa in the High Iron Group. Conclusion: Excessive dietary iron intake plays a negative effect on the normal growth and development, and resulted in intestinal inflammatory injury in rats.

Rat, Iron Overload, Growth and Development, Small Intestinal Mucosa

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