Liver tissue changes induced by biological and chemical silver nanoparticles in trained male Wistar rats

IntroductionDespite the widespread use of chemical and biological nano-silver are in industry, their side effects on hepatocytes have been less studied. On the other hand, different types of physical activities may increase liver resistance to toxins. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the resistance of hepatocytes to receiving chemical versus biological silver nanoparticles in aerobic and anaerobic pre-conditioned rats.Materials and methods45 male Wistar rats with similar average range of age (8–12 weeks) and weight (180–220 g), were randomly divided normally into 9 groups, including Control (C), Aerobic (A), Anaerobic (AN), Biological nano-silver (BNS), Chemical nano-silver (CNS), Biological nano-silver + Aerobic (BNS+A), Biological nano-silver + Anaerobic (BNS+AN), Chemical nano-silver + Aerobic (CNS+A) and Chemical nano-silver + Anaerobes (CNS+AN). Prior to injection, rats trained on a rodent treadmill, 10 weeks, 3 sessions per week, according to aerobic and anaerobic protocols.Then, 48 h after the last training session, the rats received 10 % of their body weight, chemical and biological nanosilver intraperitoneally. Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) and liver tissue were sent to the relevant laboratories for further evaluation.ResultsResults showed that the weight of rats in all groups of physical pre-conditioning, decreased comparison to the control and non-exercise groups, and this decrease was much greater in the anaerobic group (p-value=0.045). Also, the distance traveled in the progressive endurance running a test on a rodent treadmill, increased significantly in the training groups compared to the nano-exercise and control groups (p-value=0.001). Also, the results showed that the level of ALT in chemical nano-silver (p-value=0.004) and biological nano-silver (p-value=0.044), increased significantly compared to other groups. Also, histopathological results showed that nano-silver injection affects the structure of the liver of male Wistar rats and causes inflammation, hyperemia and destruction of liver cells, especially in chemical nano-silver.ConclusionThe results of the present study showed that chemical silver nanoparticles cause liver damage more than comparison biological ones. Also, physical pre-conditioning increases hepatocyte resistance to toxic nanoparticle doses and aerobic preparation appears to be more effective than anaerobic.     

Green tea activity and iron overload induced molecular fibrogenesis of rat liver

Iron overload toxicity was shown to associate with chronic liver diseases which lead to hepatic fibrosis and subsequently the progression to cancer through oxidative stress and apoptotic pathways. Green tea potential activity as chelating, anti-oxidative, or anti-apoptotic mechanisms against metal toxicity was poorly clarified. Here, we are trying to evaluate the anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic properties of green tea in the regulation of serum hepcidin levels, reduction in iron overloads, and improve of liver fibrosis in iron overloaded experimental rats. Three groups of male adult rats were randomly classified into three groups and treated as follows: control rats, iron treated rats for two months in drinking water followed by either vehicle or green tea extract (AGTE; 100 mg/kg) treatment for 2 more months. Thereafter, we studied the effects of AGTE on iron overload-induced lipid peroxidation, anti-oxidant depletion, liver cell injury and apoptosis. Treatment of iron-overloaded rats with AGTE resulted in marked decreases in iron accumulation within liver, depletion in serum ferritin, and hepcidin levels. Iron-overloaded rats had significant increase in malonyldialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide (NO) in liver when compared to control group. Also, significant change in cytochrome c and DNA content as apoptotic markers were reported in iron treated rats. The effects of iron overload on lipid peroxidation, NO levels, cytochrome c and DNA content were significantly reduced by the intervention treatment with AGTE (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the endogenous anti-oxidant capacities/levels (TAC) in liver were also significantly decreased in chronic iron overload and administration of AGTE restored the decrease in the hepatic antioxidant activities/levels. Also, hepatic hepcidin was shown to be significantly correlated with oxidative and apoptotic relating biomarkers as well as an improvement in liver fibrosis of iron treated rats following AGTE treatment. In-vitro analysis showed that, the improvement in iron toxicity of the liver depend mainly on antioxidant and protective ability of green tea polyphenolic compounds especiallyepigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Our study showed that green tea extract (GTE) ameliorates iron overload induced hepatotoxicity, apoptosis and oxidative stress in rat liver via inhibition of hepatic iron accumulation; improve of liver antioxidant capacity, and down regulation of serum hepcidin as well as reduction in the release of apoptotic relating proteins.     

Protein alteration of HepG2.2.15 cells induced by iron overload

Hepatitis B can progress into hepatocellular carcinoma. Body irons may interfere with the clearance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and contribute to genesis of tumor. To investigate the role of iron played in HBV-related pathogenesis, here we studied the effect of iron with different concentrations and valence states on growth of HepG2.2.15 cells and secretion of virus proteins. A strong tolerance of HepG2.2.15 cells to iron challenge was found. The concentration of hepatitis B surface antigen in cell culture medium was decreased after iron stimulation. Lower concentrations of iron facilitated hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) secretion. Fe(2+) appeared more effective on HBeAg secretion than Fe(3+) did. In parallel, the differential protein profiles in HepG2.2.15 cells were studied by iTRAQ and LC-MS/MS. The differentially expressed proteins were mainly involved in stress response, signal transduction, apoptosis, etc. Four proteins (14-3-3 β/α, VCP, migration inhibitory factor, and Nup153) were verified by Western-blotting and found to be consistent with the iTRAQ data. Interestingly, nuclear import of Nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and its activity were found to be affected by the decreased Nup153 in iron stimulated HepG2.2.15 cells. The results may indicate possible molecular mechanism how the synergism of HBV and iron stimulation damages host liver cells.     

Melatonin relieves diabetic complications and regenerates pancreatic beta cells by the reduction in NF-kB expression in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Melatonin, a pleiotropic hormone, has many regulatory effects on the circadian and seasonal rhythms, sleep and body immune system. It is used in the treatment of blind circadian rhythm sleep disorders, delayed sleep phase and insomnia. It is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenger, helpful in fighting infectious disease and cancer treatment. Decreased level of circulating melatonin was associated with an increased blood glucose level, losing the anti-oxidant protection and anti-inflammatory responses. We aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin administration, in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats, on blood glucose level and pancreatic beta (β) cells. Diabetes mellitus was induced in Sprague dawley male rats by the intravenous (i.v) injection of 65 mg/kg of STZ. Diabetic rats received melatonin at a dose of 10 mg/kg daily for 8 weeks by oral routes. The results showed, after 8 weeks of melatonin administration, a reduction in: 1- fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fructosamine (FTA) levels, 2- kidney and liver function parameters, 3- levels of serum triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL-C, 4- malondialdehyde (MDA), 5- NF-κB expression in treated group, 6- pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-12) and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgE and IgG). Furthermore, an elevation in insulin secretion was noticed in melatonin treated group that indicated β cells regeneration. Therefore, melatonin administration, in STZ induced diabetic rats; reduced hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress. Melatonin acted as an anti-inflammatory agent that reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-12) and oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA). Melatonin succeeded in protecting β cells under severe inflammatory situations, which was apparent by the regeneration of islets of Langerhans in treated diabetic rats. Moreover, these results can open a gate for diabetes management and treatment.     

Detection of Hsp60 in saliva and serum from type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic control subjects

There is increasing evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress may be integral to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Heat shock protein (Hsp60) is a mitochondrial stress protein known to be induced under conditions of mitochondrial impairment. Although this intracellular protein is normally found in the mitochondrion, several studies have shown that this protein is also present in systemic circulation. In this study, we report the presence of elevated levels of Hsp60 in both saliva and serum of type 2 diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic controls. Hsp60 was detectable in the saliva of 10% of control and 93% of type 2 diabetic patients. Levels detected were in the range of 3–7 ng/ml in control and 3–75 ng/ml in type 2 diabetic patients. Serum Hsp60 levels in the range of 3–88 ng/ml were detected in 33% of control subjects, and levels in the range of 28–1,043 ng/ml were detected in 100% of type 2 diabetic patients. This is the first reporting of the presence of mitochondrial stress protein in salivary secretions. The serum Hsp60 levels were 16-fold higher compared to those in saliva, and there was a good positive correlation between salivary and serum Hsp60 levels (r = 0.55). While the exact mechanisms responsible for the secretion of Hsp60 into biological fluids such as saliva and blood are not yet known. The presence of this molecular marker of mitochondrial stress in saliva offers a non-invasive route to further investigate the biological functions of extracellular Hsp60 in type 2 diabetes mellitus and other conditions.     

Iron increases liver injury through oxidative/nitrative stress in diabetic rats: Involvement of nitrotyrosination of glucokinase

Excessive tissue iron levels are associated with the increase of oxidative/nitrative stress which contributes to tissue damage that may elevate the risk of diabetes. Therefore, we investigated the effects of iron on diabetes-associated liver injury and whether iron-related tyrosine nitration participated in this process. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, iron overload (300 mg/kg iron dextran, i.p.), diabetic (35 mg/kg of streptozotocin i.p. after administration of a high-fat diet) and diabetic simultaneously treated with iron. Iron supplement markedly increased diabetes-mediated liver damage and hepatic dysfunction by increasing liver/body weight ratio, serum levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, and histological examination, which were correlated with elevated levels of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyls and tyrosine nitration, oxidative metabolism of nitric oxide, and reduced antioxidant capacity. Consequently, the extent of oxidized/nitrated glucokinase was markedly increased in the iron-treated diabetic rats that contribute to a decrease in its expression and activity. Further studies revealed a significant contribution of iron-induced specific glucokinase nitration sites to its inactivation. In conclusion, iron facilitates diabetes-mediated elevation of oxidative/nitrative stress, simultaneously impairs liver GK, and can be a link between enzymatic changes and hepatic dysfunction. These findings may provide new insight on the role of iron in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus.     

Numerical simulation of haemodynamics of the descending aorta in the non-diabetic and diabetic rabbits

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a predisposing risk factor leading to macrovascular diseases. Changes in haemodynamics of the diabetic aortas remain largely unclear and relevant computational analyses are lacking in the literature. Ten adult rabbits (1.6–2.2 kg) were collected and the type I diabetic rabbit model was induced by injection of alloxan. A total of five control and five diabetic rabbit aortas were considered for subsequent numerical simulation. The CT scanning was performed to reconstruct three-dimensional model of the individual rabbit descending aorta. The flow velocity waveforms were measured by ultrasound machine and were set to be the inlet boundary conditions. The reconstructed aortas were then imported into ANSYS to perform mesh generation and computational analysis. Results showed that the distributions of haemodynamic indicators time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), oscillating shear index (OSI) and transverse wall shear stress (transWSS) in the non-diabetic rabbit aortas were similar to those in the diabetic rabbit aortas. However, the mean values of TAWSS and transWSS in the non-diabetic rabbit aortas were significantly higher than those values in the diabetic rabbit aortas (TAWSS: p = 0.04; transWSS: p = 0.02). The back of right renal artery tended to have high OSI in both the non-diabetic and the diabetic rabbit aortas. Notably, the regions with high OSI tended to have intense disturbed flow and low TAWSS in the most diabetic rabbit aortas. The results suggest that diabetes leads to changes in haemodynamic parameters in the rabbit aortas. In particular, the lower TAWSS and the higher OSI within the diabetic aortas may further contribute to aortic wall remodeling.     

青少年食蟹猴糖尿病模型的肝脏病理生理学研究

目的通过对胰岛素用量不足条件下链脲佐菌素诱导的青少年食蟹猴1型糖尿病模型肝脏病理生理学的研究,探讨长期高血糖所致青少年食蟹猴肝损伤特点及机制。方法通过静脉注射68 mg/kg的链脲佐菌素,诱导4只3岁的食蟹猴成为1型糖尿病模型,然后经长期的血糖监测和静脉糖耐量实验来评价该模型的可靠性及稳定性,造模4年后,对模型猴进行血生化、PAS染色、苏丹III染色及普通病理和超微病理等指标的检测,另外选取4只健康与模型猴年龄匹配的猴作为正常对照组,同时进行相应的检测。结果与正常对照组比较,糖尿病猴血清学检测指标中总胆汁酸、尿素氮、谷丙转氨酶、谷草转氨酶、胆碱酯酶、乳酸脱氢酶、总胆固醇、甘油三酯和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇明显升高。组织化学染色结果显示,与正常猴比较,糖尿病猴中央静脉区肝实质细胞肿胀,肝细胞PAS染色（糖原染色）加深,苏丹Ⅲ染色（脂肪染色）阳性细胞增多;电镜结果显示糖尿病猴肝细胞内胞质糖原颗粒增多;线粒体电子密度显著增高,结构不清;窦周隙内含有大量脂滴的肝星状细胞明显增多。结论在长期胰岛素用量不足血糖控制不理想的条件下,青少年食蟹猴1型糖尿病模型肝脏特异性的病理改变是肝糖原贮积和含有大量脂滴的肝星状细胞增生,这些病理改变与非酒精性脂肪肝病的病变特点存在显著不同,但其机制目前尚不清楚。     

替米沙坦改善糖尿病大鼠肾脏功能机制研究

目的研究替米沙坦对糖尿病大鼠24 h尿蛋白、血肌酐、肌酐清除率(Ccr)和血清尿素氮(BUN)等相关代谢指标的影响,且应用基因芯片探讨替米沙坦改善肾功能的机制。方法 30只SD大鼠,其中随机选取10只为正常对照组(给予等体积生理盐水)。选用20只大鼠,采用STZ法制备糖尿病模型,而后将16只造模成功的糖尿病大鼠随机分为替米沙坦治疗组(给予10 mg/kg/d的替米沙坦,n=8)和糖尿病模型组(给予等体积生理盐水,n=8)。三组大鼠均连续灌胃12周。每4周测定大鼠空腹血糖(FBG)和体重。12周末测定大鼠24h尿蛋白、尿肌酐、血肌酐和BUN水平。12周末处死大鼠,取肾脏组织进行基因芯片实验,并运用real time PCR进行验证。结果糖尿病模型组24h尿蛋白(P<0.01)、血肌酐(P<0.05)和BUN(P<0.01)比对照组显著升高,Ccr较对照组显著降低(P<0.05)。替米沙坦能改善糖尿病大鼠24h尿蛋白、血肌酐、Ccr和BUN水平。基因芯片结果显示替米沙坦组较糖尿病模型组有1541个基因发生显著改变,其中554个上调,987个下调。基因富集分析显示这些差异表达基因集中在氧化磷酸化通路和PPAR通路。Real time PCR证实替米沙坦组较糖尿病模型组ATP合成酶β亚基(Atp5b)、细胞色素c氧化酶亚基VIc(Cox6c)和NADH脱氢酶(辅酶Q)铁硫蛋白3(Ndufs3)基因显著下调。结论替米沙坦能有效改善糖尿病大鼠肾脏功能。替米沙坦的肾脏改善作用可能是通过线粒体氧化磷酸化通路和PPAR-γ通路调节。     

Iron overload in Hepc1(-/-) mice is not impairing glucose homeostasis

Diabetes Mellitus is found with increasing frequency in iron overload patients with hemochromatosis. In these conditions, the pancreas shows predominant iron overload in acini but also islet beta-cells. We assess glucose homeostasis status in iron-overloaded hepcidin-deficient mice. These mice presented with heavy pancreatic iron deposits but only in the acini. The beta-cell function was found unaffected with a normal production and secretion of insulin. The mutant mice were not diabetic, responded as the control group to glucose and insulin challenges, with no alteration of insulin signalling in the muscle and the liver. These results indicate that, beta-cells iron deposits-induced decreased insulin secretory capacity might be of primary importance to trigger diabetes in hemochromatosic patients.     

重构肠道菌群Ⅱ型糖尿病大鼠造模血脂代谢变化及肝细胞线粒体超微结构观察

目的重构肠道菌群Ⅱ型糖尿病大鼠模型脂类代谢变化比较,探讨肠道菌群潜在的调脂作用。方法将64只SD雄性大鼠随机分为对照组、造模组、益生组和去污组。采用高糖高脂喂养,亚致病剂量（30mg／mL）链脲佐菌素腹腔一次性注射造模,分别于2周、4周后取腹腔主动脉血做血脂检测,同时处死大鼠取肝脏做电镜切片观察。结果注射4周后各组出现的胆固醇升高两两比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）,LDL升高差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）;益生组肝细胞线粒体受损明显;去污组血脂升高相对较轻,肝细胞内有大量脂肪堆积。结论益生菌对Ⅱ型糖尿病大鼠胆固醇升高有一定改善作用,肝线粒体损伤较明显;去污染组损伤相对较轻,而脂肪堆积明显;提示糖尿病脂类代谢与肠道菌群密切相关。     

Sodium molybdate improves the phagocytic function in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a disease, which virtually affects all the systems in the body including the immune system. Bacterial infections are important causes of increased morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. In the present study, we assessed the effect of molybdate on immune responses of diabetic rats. The phagocytic potency and nitroblue tetrazolium dye reduction capacity were found to be considerably lowered whereas soluble immune complex formation enhanced significantly in diabetic rats when compared with control rats. From our findings, it is suggested that dietary intake of molybdate may have a vital role in enhancing immune functions during diabetic mellitus.     

Oral glycine administration attenuates diabetic complications in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by impaired glucose metabolism that leads to retinopathy, brain micro-infarcts and other complications. We have previously shown that oral glycine administration to diabetic rats inhibits non-enzymatic glycation of hemoglobin and diminishes renal damage. In this work, we evaluated the capacity of the amino acid glycine (1% w/v, 130 mM) to attenuate diabetic complications in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats and compared them with non-treated or taurine-treated (0.5% w/v, 40 mM) diabetic rats. Glycine-treated diabetic rats showed an important diminution in the percentage of animals with opacity in lens and microaneurysms in the eyes. Interestingly, there was a diminished expression of O-acetyl sialic acid in brain vessels compared with untreated diabetic rats (P<0.05). Additionally, peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from glycine-treated diabetic rats showed a better proliferative response to PHA or ConA than those obtained from non-treated diabetic rats (P<0.05). Glycine-treated rats had a less intense corporal weight loss in comparison with non-treated animals. Our results suggest that administration of glycine attenuates the diabetic complications in the STZ-induced diabetic rat model, probably due to inhibition of the non-enzymatic glycation process.     

Role of iron metabolism in heart failure: From iron deficiency to iron overload

Iron metabolism is a balancing act, and biological systems have evolved exquisite regulatory mechanisms to maintain iron homeostasis. Iron metabolism disorders are widespread health problems on a global scale and range from iron deficiency to iron-overload. Both types of iron disorders are linked to heart failure. Iron play a fundamental role in mitochondrial function and various enzyme functions and iron deficiency has a particular negative impact on mitochondria function. Given the high-energy demand of the heart, iron deficiency has a particularly negative impact on heart function and exacerbates heart failure. Iron-overload can result from excessive gut absorption of iron or frequent use of blood transfusions and is typically seen in patients with congenital anemias, sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia major, or in patients with primary hemochromatosis. This review provides an overview of normal iron metabolism, mechanisms underlying development of iron disorders in relation to heart failure, including iron-overload cardiomyopathy, and clinical perspective on the treatment options for iron metabolism disorders.     

Alterations in beta-islets of Langerhans in alloxan-induced diabetic rats by marine Spirulina platensis

Marine Spirulina platensis may potentially influence the metabolic process in animal cells, and the effect of marine Spirulina platensis in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats was therefore investigated. Normal and diabetic rats (albino Wistar strain) were orally administered marine Spirulina platensis for 30 days and their blood levels of glucose and insulin and body weight changes were determined. Pancreatic histopathology was also noted. Treatment with marine Spirulina platensis caused significant alterations in the content of these indicators and therefore in the antidiabetic capacity of the treated animals compared to control rats.     

Carvacrol partially reverses symptoms of diabetes in STZ-induced diabetic rats

Little is known about the protective effects of carvacrol on the symptoms of streptozotocin induced diabetes in rats. Hence, this present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of the strong antioxidant, carvacrol, on the symptoms of streptozotocin induced diabetes in rats. Carvacrol at the doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight were orally administered to diabetic rats for a period of 7 days after the onset of diabetes. Food-water intake and body weight changes were daily recorded. Biochemical parameters such as serum glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase were measured. Although treatment of diabetic rats with oral administration of carvacrol resulted in a slight reduction in serum glucose level and significant reduction in serum total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase in comparison with diabetic control rats, there were no significant differences in serum insulin levels, food-water intake values and body weight changes. Despite the inadequacy of carvacrol on diabetes treatments, it was determined to have at least a partially protective role on liver enzymes.     

Effect of bis[curcumino]oxovanadium complex on non-diabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The effect of the vanadium complex bis[curcumino]oxovanadium (BCOV) on blood glucose level, serum lipid levels, blood pressure and vascular reactivity were studied in non-diabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic (STZ-diabetic) rats and compared to that of vanadyl sulfate. Blood glucose level, serum lipid levels, and blood pressure were significantly increased in STZ-diabetic rats. Vascular reactivity to various agonists such as noradrenaline and acetylcholine were significantly increased in STZ-diabetic rats. Blood glucose and serum lipid levels were restored to normal in STZ-diabetic animals treated with vanadyl sulfate at a concentration of 0.5 mmol/kg/day (p.o.). However, vanadyl sulfate at a concentration of 0.2 mmol/kg/day (p.o.) did not produce any significant change in blood glucose and lipid levels. There was no significant effect of vanadyl sulfate (0.2 or 0.5 mmol/kg/day) treatment on blood pressure and vascular reactivity in STZ-diabetic rats. Vanadyl sulfate significantly reduced the body weight of non-diabetic and STZ-diabetic rats. Moreover, it also caused severe diarrhea in both groups of animals. Treatment with BCOV (0.05, 0.1 and 0.2mmol/kg/day, p.o.) significantly decreased blood glucose level and serum lipids in STZ-diabetic rats. Furthermore, administration of BCOV to STZ-diabetic rats restored the blood pressure and vascular reactivity to agonists to normal. There was no significant change in the body weight of BCOV treated non-diabetic and STZ-diabetic rats. Diarrhea was not observed in both BCOV treated groups. In conclusion, the present study shows that the vanadium complex BCOV has antidiabetic and hypolipedimic effects. In addition, it improves the cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes.     

胰岛素对糖尿病大鼠肝细胞氧化损伤的影响

利用四氧嘧啶建立糖尿病大鼠模型 ,研究了胰岛素对糖尿病大鼠肝细胞及线粒体氧化损伤的保护作用。结果表明 ,胰岛素 1U kg皮下注射 9d ,能明显降低肝组织谷丙转氨酶、谷草转氨酶、乳酸脱氢酶、黄嘌呤氧化酶的活性 ,显著提高肝组织丙二醛的含量及肝线粒体O· -2 (活性氧自由基 )的生成量 ,显著提高抗氧化酶谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶、超氧化物歧化酶的活性 ,提高肝线粒体H+ ATPase的合成活力 ,从而使受损的肝细胞功能得到改善     

Effects of marginal iron overload on iron homeostasis and immune function in alveolar macrophages isolated from pregnant and normal rats

The effects of changes in macrophage iron status, induced by single or multiple iron injections, iron depletion or pregnancy, on both immune function and mRNA expression of genes involved in iron influx and egress have been evaluated. Macrophages isolated from iron deficient rats, or pregnant rats at day 21 of gestation, either supplemented with a single dose of iron dextran, 10 mg, at the commencement of pregnancy, or not, showed significant increases of macrophage ferroportin mRNA expression, which was paralleled by significant decreases in hepatic Hamp mRNA expression. IRP activity in macrophages was not significantly altered by iron status or the inducement of pregnancy ± a single iron supplement. Macrophage immune function was significantly altered by iron supplementation and pregnancy. Iron supplementation, alone or combined with pregnancy, increased the activities of both NADPH oxidase and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB). In contrast, the imposition of pregnancy reduced the ability of these parameters to respond to an inflammatory stimuli. Increasing iron status, if only marginally, will reduce the ability of macrophages to mount a sustained response to inflammation as well as altering iron homeostatic mechanisms.