Browsing by Subject "iron deficiency"

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    Comparative RNA-seq analysis of fetal/neonatal iron deficient and thyroid hormone deficient neonatal rat brain and liver
    (2024-12) Hanson, Benjamin
    Thyroid hormone deficiency and iron deficiency are two prevalent nutritional disorders that significantly impact neonatal development, particularly in the context of brain. This study investigates the unique and overlapping effects of these deficiencies on gene expression in the context of neurodevelopment. Our findings reveal that TH deficiency leads to the downregulation of several key genes involved in peroxisomal lipid metabolism, particularly those associated with beta-oxidation. This downregulation compromises the liver's capacity to oxidize fatty acids, resulting in reduced ketone body production. Similarly, iron deficiency triggers a metabolic switch from fatty acid beta-oxidation to glycolytic dependence, with significant downregulation of genes involved in ketogenesis and upregulation of glycolytic genes. We also found that there is a compounded effect on myelination and extracellular matrix organization, essential for neuronal connectivity and function. Notably, the study highlights the role of insulin-like growth factor signaling, which is significantly perturbed in both deficiencies, linking liver function to neurodevelopmental outcomes. The implications of these findings underscore the necessity for early detection and intervention strategies in populations at risk for TH and iron deficiencies, particularly in neonates. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions and their long-term impacts on cognitive and motor development.
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    Iron Deficiency, Depression, and Other Affective Disorders in Female State Fair Attendees
    (2018-05) Price, Kathleen
    Iron deficiency persists as the most prevalent nutrient deficiency on the planet, and women of menstruating age are at high risk due to menstrual blood loss. Recent data suggests that iron deficiency in the absence of anemia impacts quality of life, and currently the prevalence of menstruating females with inadequate ferritin values in the US is high. Although the literature on iron status and depression is conflicting, a relationship is suggested with a proposed mechanism of altered neurotransmitter functioning. This cross-sectional study gathered survey data and blood samples from 182 female subjects at the Minnesota State Fair in August of 2015. Whole blood hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum ferritin and serum TIBC were determined and correlated to survey data detailing reported iron deficiency symptoms and their severity, including the PHQ9, a validated depression screen. 15% of subjects were anemic as defined by a hematocrit value under 38% or a hemoglobin value below 12 g/dL. Additionally, 74% had low ferritin status as defined by a value less than 20 g/L. Overall, 10% of subjects reported moderate to severe depression as defined by the PHQ9. Although independent relationships between anemia, low ferritin values, or elevated TIBC values and depression were not seen, inclusion of symptomatic iron deficiency, a variable combining iron deficiency symptoms of dizziness and shortness of breath to assess whether deficiency was exerting a physiological effect, improved the correlation between the biochemical measures of iron status and depression (p < 0.0001), as well as self-reported incidence of other affective and executive functioning disorders, including stress or moodiness, ease of anger, emotional unresponsiveness, and alertness or concentration. This data suggests that iron deficiency must be symptomatic for the association with depression and other affective or executive functioning disorders to be apparent.
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    There is Some Evidence that Scalp Hair Loss in Women with Iron Deficiency Can Be Improved With Oral Iron Therapy
    (2009-05-04) Aamodt St. Pierre, Stephanie
    Iron deficiency in women is common and has several causes. Hair loss in women may be associated with iron deficiency. One double-blind study showed some evidence of improvement in non-scarring scalp hair loss, specifically with chronic telogen effluvium, in iron deficient women using oral iron replacement. Additional research is needed to solidify this association.