Soluble transferrin receptor: a possible index of body iron status

Erythrocyte microcytosis and hypochromia constitute a haematological problem associating many haematological disorders such as true iron deficiency anemia and anemia complicating chronic diseases. Therefore, the present study has been planned for evaluating the level of soluble transferrin receptor [sTfR] as a differentiating parameter in these conditions. The study included 40 patients with hypochromic microcytic anemia who were classified as a true iron deficiency [IDA] group and a group of anemia of chronic disease [ACD], in addition to a control group of matched age and sex. Serum TfR and conventional iron parameters were evaluated in all included individuals. Soluble TfR was found to be significantly higher in patients with IDA, while in ACD patients, its level showed a non-significant change. Moreover, TfR/Log ferritin ratio [TfR-F index], was shown to be significantly elevated in IDA than either ACD or healthy controls. This ratio was also found to be more convenient, than serum ferntin, in differentiating ACD from that of iron deficiency. In addition, a nonsignificant difference was observed among both anemic groups as regards other parameters of iron status. On the other hand, sTfR was significantly inversely correlated with serum iron, serum ferritin and Hb in both anemic groups. It could be concluded that sTfR may be considered as a possible important parameter for evaluation of body iron status and in differentiation of the true iron deficiency anemia from that of chronic disease

Effect of prepubertal exposure to cigarette smoke on sexual maturation and the reproductive tissues of female rats

The impact of cigarette smoke on fertility of females has been amply documented, but there has been no attention paid to the possible impact of prepubertal exposure to cigarette smoking on female reproductive capacity. Beginning on the day 15 postnatal life, twenty female albino rats were exposed passively to cigarette smoke [0.5 mg/kg body wt. daily for 30 min] in a special container allowing good areation [cigarette smoke-exposed group]. Under similar conditions, twenty female rats were exposed to room air only [Sham-exposed group]. All rats were weighed every two days till the day of puberty; detected by the vaginal membrane rupture. Also, blood samples were collected on the day 35 postnatal life and on the day of puberty for assay of gonadotropins, prolactin and ovarian hormones which are related to sexual maturation as well as ovarian and uterine functions. On the day of puberty, the uteri and ovaries were weighed. Also, the number of ova were counted. In addition, tissue bath experiments were done to assess the effect of pre-pubertal exposure to cigarette smoke on the contractile response of uterine horns of nonpregnant mature female rats to oxytocin or 5 HT [10.90 ng/ml, 10-90 nM respectively]. In rats exposed to cigarette smoke, as compared to shame-exposed rats, it was found: [1] a significant delayed puberty associated with a significant growth retardation, [2] a significant hyperprolactinemia associated with a significant decline in gonadotropins and ovarian hormones at prepubertal and at the day of ovulation, and [3] a significant increase in the strength of spontaneous uterine contractions, prolonged the duration of their cycles and declined their frequency. The stimulatory effects of both spasmogens [oxytocin or SHT] were potentiated and prolonged. It is suggested that: [1] the neurotransmitter systems may be involved in the mechanisms of the sexual maturation, and [2] The mechanism attributed to cigarette smoked - changes in uterine contractility could be due to phosphatidyl inositol signaling

Erythropoietic response to androgen replacement therapy Erythropoietic and role of IL-6 in aging male rats

Changes in iron status and bone marrow Junctions are frequently observed in the elderly. These phenomena are often associated with chronic diseases and/or neoplcfsmas. In a minority of elderly subjects; it is not possible to identify the causes of anemia. This study was carried out to clarify the functional capacity of the erthropoietic tissues of the aged rats, to investigate the role of IL-6 in erthropoietic activity, and to evaluate the short-term testosterone therapy. Thirty healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided according to their age into group I [16-week-old; n = 6], group II [48-week-old; n=12], group III [72-week-old; n=I2]. Six rats enrolled in each elderly group [groups II and III] received s.c. testosterone propionate; 2 mg/100 g body weight every other day for 10 days [Groups lIb and Illb]. The remaining rats not received testesterone were named groups [Ila and IlIa]. One day after the last injection, bone marrow aspirates were performed to evaluate the erthropoietic activity and iron stores in the erythroid precursors. In addition, a peripheral haemogram and determination of serum levels of iron, TIBC, IL-6, and free testosterone were done. Significant age-linked changes were observed in the form of decreased serum levels of free testosterone, IL-6, TIBC, RBCs count, and Hb levels as well as an increase in serum iron level in groups Ila and IIla. Bone marrow hypocellularity with a decrease in the amount of iron storage were especially remarkable in Group IlIa. Moreover improvement in the function of erythropoietic tissues in Group lib indicated by erythroid hyperplasia and an increase in the amounts of iron storage. However, reduced serum IL-6 was not affected by testosterone therapy. These data reveal that senile anemias are of hypoproliferaitue character. Testosterone and IL-6 may be, at least in part, the important factors in determining an age-associated decrease in erythropoiesis