Effects of Subchronic Aluminum Exposure on Serum Concentrations of Iron and Iron-Associated Proteins in Rats

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of subchronic aluminum (Al) exposure on iron (Fe) homeostasis in rats. One hundred Wistar rats were divided into two groups. Experimental rats were given drinking water containing aluminum chloride (AlCl₃, 430 mg Al³⁺·L^?1), while control rats were given distilled water for up to 150 days. Ten rats were sacrificed in each group every 30 days. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and serum levels of Al, Fe, transferrin (TF), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) were measured. Al-treated rats showed significantly decreased bodyweight and increased Al and Al/Fe levels during the experimental period. Fe levels and MCH were higher on day 150 in the experimental group than in the control group. TF content and TIBC were higher, whereas erythrocyte counts and sTfR content were lower in the experimental group than in the control group from days 90 and 60, respectively. Longer duration of Al administration increased the serum levels of Al, TF, Al/Fe, and TIBC and decreased sTfR. MCH and Fe levels decreased first, and then increased. The results indicate that chronic exposure to Al disturbed Fe homeostasis.