Influence of iron sulfate on adipose tissue endocrine dysfunction in Wistar rats

Aim. To study the adipose tissue endocrine function at adipogenic effect development in Wistar rats on high-fat diet and increased iron intake with drinking water. Methods. Animals on standard and high-fat diets were administered 3 mg/l of iron sulfate with drinking water during 3 months. Levels of circulating proinflammatory cytokines (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, tumor necrosis factor alpha), leptin, adiponectin, serum glucose and insulin, as well as morphometric parameters and iron content in hair and adipose tissue were evaluated. Results. A significant increase in morphometric parameters, hair iron levels was observed in rats taking iron salts compared to the controls, with highest adipose tissue iron level in rats on high-fat diet. At the same time, serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, tumor necrosis factor alpha) and leptin was also higher in rats obtaining iron with drinking water compared to controls. Increased serum insulin level together with slightly elevated serum glucose level indicated insulin resistance development in rats on high-fat diet, fed with iron. Conclusion. The research shows that, on the one side, iron intake potentiates the adipogenic effect of high-fat diet, and on the other side, acting as a trigger for endocrine dysfunction formation (so called endocrine disruptor).