Dietary Iron Overload Triggers Hepatic Metabolic Disorders and Inflammation in Laying Hen

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2024 Mar 19. doi: 10.1007/s12011-024-04149-w. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTIron, an essential trace element, is involved in various physiological processes; however, consumption of excessive iron possesses detrimental effects. In practical feed production, the iron content added to feeds often far exceeds the actual demand, resulting in an excess of iron in the body. The liver as a central regulator of iron homeostasis is susceptible to damage caused by disorders in iron metabolism. A model of hepatic iron overload in laying hens was developed in this study by incorporating iron into their diet, and the specific mechanisms underlying iron overload-induced hepatic injury were investigated. Firstly, this study revealed that a high-iron diet resulted in hepatic iron overload, accompanied by impaired liver function. Next, assessment of oxidative stress markers indicated a decrease in activities of T-SOD and CAT, coupled with an increase in MDA content, pointing to the iron-overloaded liver oxidative stress. Thirdly, the impact of iron overload on hepatic glycolipid and bile acid metabolism-related gene expressions were explored, including PPAR-α, GLUT2, and CYP7A1, highlighting disruptions in hepatic metabolism. Subsequently, analyses of inflammation-related genes such as iNOS and IL-1β at both protein and mRNA levels demonstrated the presence of inflammation in the liver under conditions of dietary iron overload. Overall, this study provided comprehensive...
Source: Biological Trace Element Research - Category: Biology Authors: Source Type: research