Effect of cerium oxide on iron metabolism in mice

The use of metal nanoparticles such as cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) in living organisms is attracting increasing attention. We administered nanoceria to chronic kidney disease model rats, including a 5/6 nephrectomy model and adenine administration model rats, and reported high phosphorus adsorption capacity and renal function improvement effects of nanoceria. However, the iron ion concentration in the serum fluctuated significantly after administration. Therefore, we investigated changes in proteins related to iron metabolism following administration of nanoceria to normal mice without chronic kidney disease over different periods of time. Nanoceria were administered to 10-week-old C57BL/6 mice for 4 or 12 weeks. Another group was administrated lanthanum carbonate, which is currently used as a phosphorus adsorbent. The amount of iron in the serum and the concentration of transferrin in the liver were significantly increased following nanoceria administration, and the amount of iron in the liver was significantly decreased. There were no changes in serum hepcidin, ferroportin, cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein levels. These results indicate that nanoceria administration can affect iron metabolism in mice. Although the detailed mechanism remains unknown, caution is warranted when considering biological utilization in the future.