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Ankylosing spondylitis: a chronic inflammatory disease with iron overload in granulocytes and platelets
Abstract:
The cellular stores of iron in granulocytes and platelets isolated from 29 patients with ankylosing spondylitis were measured by the nuclear microprobe technique. The mean iron content in polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) was 32 (SD 3) micrograms/g dry weight and in platelets 11 (2.6) micrograms/g dry weight. Corresponding values for age and sex matched healthy controls were 5.2 (1.9) and 4.6 (0.8) micrograms/g (p less than 0.001). Significant correlations were found in the patient group between (PMN) iron and the circulating levels of transferrin, total iron, and lactoferrin (p less than 0.05). PMN iron was not related to serum ferritin. Platelet iron correlated with transferrin (p less than 0.01) but not with the other iron binding proteins. Significant relationships were also found between the PMN iron stores and the inflammatory activity defined by erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and the immunoglobulins A and G. These data further illustrate the altered iron kinetics in chronic inflammatory disease and record the fact that the redistribution of iron associated with the inflammatory process also includes granulocytes and platelets.
Insights
Patients with ankylosing spondylitis show significantly higher iron levels in polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and platelets compared to healthy individuals. This altered iron distribution in immune cells is linked to inflammation markers in this chronic disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease.
- Iron metabolism is known to be altered in chronic inflammatory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify cellular iron stores in granulocytes and platelets of patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
- To investigate the relationship between cellular iron levels and inflammatory markers.
Main Methods:
- Nuclear microprobe technique was used to measure iron content in isolated polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and platelets.
- Comparison was made between 29 ankylosing spondylitis patients and age/sex-matched healthy controls.
- Correlations were assessed between cellular iron and serum iron-binding proteins (transferrin, lactoferrin, ferritin) and inflammatory markers (ESR, immunoglobulins).
Main Results:
- Patients with ankylosing spondylitis had significantly higher mean iron content in PMNs (32 µg/g dry weight) and platelets (11 µg/g dry weight) compared to controls (5.2 and 4.6 µg/g, respectively; p < 0.001).
- PMN iron correlated with transferrin, total iron, and lactoferrin levels, while platelet iron correlated with transferrin.
- PMN iron stores showed significant relationships with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and immunoglobulin levels (IgA, IgG).
Conclusions:
- Cellular iron redistribution occurs in ankylosing spondylitis, affecting granulocytes and platelets.
- Altered iron kinetics in immune cells are a feature of this chronic inflammatory disease.