The Interaction Between Iron Overload and Lead Exposure on Bone Metabolism.
Yongjie Yang1,2, Tianbao Gong1,2, Haitao Ma1,2
1Graduate School, Bengbu Medical University, 233030 Bengbu, Anhui, China.
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark Edition)
|July 7, 2026
Summary
Iron overload worsens lead exposure effects on bone, disrupting mineral balance and structure. This study reveals significant metabolic changes in bone tissue, highlighting risks of combined heavy metal and iron exposure.
Area of Science:
- Bone Biology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Toxicology
Background:
- Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic bone disease linked to heavy metal exposure.
- The effects of iron overload combined with lead exposure on bone metabolism are not well understood.
- Investigating combined iron and lead exposure impacts on bone mineral homeostasis and remodeling is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of combined iron and lead exposure on bone mineral homeostasis.
- To elucidate the metabolic mechanisms underlying these effects.
- To assess alterations in bone microarchitecture and metabolic profiles.
Main Methods:
- Mice exposed to lead acetate and varying doses of iron dextran for 8 weeks.
- Quantification of metal accumulation using ICP-MS.
- Evaluation of bone microarchitecture via micro-CT.
- Untargeted metabolomics and KEGG pathway analysis of bone tissue.
Main Results:
- Iron overload disrupted mineral balance (calcium, zinc, magnesium, vanadium) dose-dependently without altering lead accumulation.
- Significant changes in bone microarchitecture were observed.
- Metabolomic and KEGG analyses revealed widespread alterations in amino acid, lipid, and nucleotide metabolism, and mineral absorption pathways.
Conclusions:
- Iron overload exacerbates lead-induced bone metabolic disruption.
- Combined exposure leads to structural deterioration and trace element imbalance.
- Extensive metabolic reprogramming in bone tissue occurs under these conditions.
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