The <i>TMPRSS6</i> variant (SNP rs855791) affects iron metabolism and oral iron absorption – a stable iron isotope study in Taiwanese women

Abstract

Genome wide studies have associated TMPRSS6 rs855791 (2321 C>T) with iron status and hepcidin. It is unclear whether this polymorphism affects iron absorption. We administered standardized ricebased test meals containing 4 mg of labeled 57Fe or 58Fe as FeSO4 on alternate days in non-anemic Taiwanese women (n=79, 44 TT variant, 35 CC variant). Fractional iron absorption was measured by erythrocyte incorporation of the tracers 14 days after administration. Compared to the CC variant, iron and transferrin saturation were lower (P=0.001; PT) polymorphism show altered iron homeostasis which affects oral iron absorption and may increase their risk for iron deficiency. The trial was registered as clinicaltrials gov. Identifier: NCT03317873, and funded by the Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, (grant CMRPG8F0721) and ETH Zurich, Switzerland.