Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026
Quantitating Iron Transport Across the Mouse Placenta In Vivo Using Nonradioactive Iron Isotopes
Published on: May 10, 2022
Transfusional iron overload and intravenous iron infusions modify the mouse gut microbiota similarly to dietary iron
Francesca La Carpia1, Boguslaw S Wojczyk1, Medini K Annavajhala2,3
11Department of Pathology and Cell biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY USA.
Abstract:
Iron is essential for both microorganisms and their hosts. Although effects of dietary iron on gut microbiota have been described, the effect of systemic iron administration has yet to be explored. Here, we show that dietary iron, intravenous iron administration, and chronic transfusion in mice increase the availability of iron in the gut. These iron interventions have consistent and reproducible effects on the murine gut microbiota; specifically, relative abundance of the Parabacteroides and Lactobacillus genera negatively correlate with increased iron stores, whereas members of the Clostridia class positively correlate with iron stores regardless of the route of iron administration. Iron levels also affected microbial metabolites, in general, and indoles, in particular, circulating in host plasma and in stool pellets. Taken together, these results suggest that by shifting the balance of the microbiota, clinical interventions that affect iron status have the potential to alter biologically relevant microbial metabolites in the host.
Insights
Systemic iron administration impacts gut microbiota composition and microbial metabolites. Increased iron stores alter specific bacterial groups and metabolite levels, suggesting potential for clinical interventions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Iron is a vital element for both microbial and host organisms.
- Dietary iron's influence on gut microbiota is known, but systemic iron administration's effects remain unexplored.
- Understanding iron's systemic impact is crucial for host-microbe interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of systemic iron administration on the gut microbiota.
- To determine how iron availability in the gut influences microbial composition and metabolites.
- To explore the link between clinical iron interventions and host-microbial metabolite profiles.
Main Methods:
- Mice were subjected to dietary iron changes, intravenous iron administration, and chronic transfusion.
- Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing.
- Host plasma and stool pellet metabolites, including indoles, were quantified.
Main Results:
- All iron interventions consistently increased gut iron availability in mice.
- Increased iron stores led to decreased relative abundance of *Parabacteroides* and *Lactobacillus*.
- Members of the Clostridia class positively correlated with iron stores.
- Iron levels modulated microbial metabolites, notably indoles, in host plasma and stool.
Conclusions:
- Systemic iron administration significantly alters gut microbiota composition.
- Iron interventions can shift the balance of gut microbial communities.
- These shifts have the potential to modify biologically relevant microbial metabolites in the host.
