Subchronic comparative assessment of graded ferrous sulfate doses on biochemical, histological, and multiorgan...

Iron is a necessary trace element in the human body. However, excessive concentration can promote the overproduction of reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress and organ injury.

This study aims to evaluate the biochemical and micromorphological changes that occur following exposure to graded doses of ferrous sulfate in a rat model.

The treated groups (D1, D2, D3, and D4) were orally and daily treated with graded doses of ferrous sulfate (12.5 mg/kg [D1], 25 mg/kg [D2], 50 mg/kg [D3], and 100 mg/kg [D4]) for 6 weeks, whereas the control group received only saline solution (0.9% NaCl solution at 5 ml/kg body weight) during the same period.

Different doses of ferrous sulfate did not cause mortality. Weekly control of glucose levels in all rats revealed a remarkable interaction effect (p = 0.02) between treatment and time, indicating that the dynamics of change over time differed among the groups. Moreover, a significant effect was detected in the time factor (p < 0.001) and in the second factor, which refers to the treatments (p < 0.001). In addition, ferrous sulfate differentially altered the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, including glutathione, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, and malondialdehyde, as well as the acetylcholinesterase activity in a dose- and organ-dependent manner. Histopathological examination revealed signs of liver inflammation and pancreatic and kidney hyperemia. Prussian blue staining revealed no significant iron deposits in any organs.

Excessive iron may cause oxidative damage to vital organs and alter blood glucose levels.