Impaired Iron Metabolism in the Pathogenesis of Critical Conditions (an Experimental Study)

Abstract

Objective: to study the pathogenetic value of iron metabolic disturbances in microcirculatory disorders and in the development of endotoxemia in the critical conditions caused by abdominal sepsis and bone injury. Material and methods: Abdominal sepsis was simulated in the first series of experiments on 40 male Wistar rats; hip fracture of both hind limbs was done in 40 rats in the second series. In each series of experiments, deferoxamine was injected at a dose of 80 mg/kg in 10 animals for preventive purposes 2 hours before simulating the critical condition. The viscosity of blood and the levels of serum transferrin, ferritin, iron, oligopeptides, and low and medium molecular weight substances (LMMWS) were studied. Results. In severe bone injury and abdominal sepsis, there was a reduction in serum transferrin by more than 50%, impaired blood rheology, and increases in LMMWS and oligopeptides. Pre-administration of deferoxamine led to the normalization of transferrin concentrations and blood rheology, which was associated with lower serum Fe2+ concentrations. Conclusion. Thus, pre-administration of deferoxamine reduces impaired blood rheology and the intensity of endotoxemia in different critical conditions. Key words: critical conditions, iron metabolism, transferrin, microcirculatory disorders, endotoxemia, deferoxamine.