Chitosan Iron(III) Reduces Phosphorus Levels in Alloxan Diabetes‐Induced Rats with Signs of Renal Failure Development

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of complex cross-linked chitosan iron-(III) (CH-FeCL) polymer as phosphate binder in renal failure induced by alloxan (150 mg/kg, i.p.) in rats. The animals (male and female) were divided into four groups and received the treatment once a day for 15 days: (i) control group, which received a single injection of saline (3 ml/kg, i.p.) and normal diet; (ii) alloxan group, which received only a dose of alloxan and normal diet; (iii) phosphate (PO4) group, which received diet supplemented with phosphate 1.2%; and (iv) CH-FeCL group, which received diet supplemented with phosphate 1.2% + CH-FeCL 0.5% (0.054% Fe elemental). It was observed that the CH-FeCL treatment did not alter body-weight, relative weight of the organs and haematological parameters in the treated and control groups for both sexes. However, a decrease in serum phosphorus level of the CH-FeCL group was observed after 15 days, compared with the phosphate group in both sexes. The serum iron concentration of the CH-FeCL group did not differ from the control group in either sex. CH-FeCL polymer decreases intestinal phosphate absorption in rats with renal failure and is promising for the treatment of phosphate retention in patients with renal failure.

Chitosan‐Fe (III) Complex as a Phosphate Chelator in Uraemic Rats: A Novel Treatment Option

“…The cross‐linking process with glutaraldehyde renders the polymer insoluble at the acidic pH in the stomach, preventing the release of iron , which, as a transition metal, can establish a strong link to phosphate. The phosphate‐chelating capacity of this non‐absorbable polymer was demonstrated in previous animal and in vitro studies, with a serum phosphate reduction of 20%–40%, without promoting changes in serum iron levels . However, although these animals presented elevated phosphate levels, they did not develop CKD, contrary to the animals in our study.…”

“…CH‐FeCl combines the chelation properties of chitosan and iron, without the risk of increased iron availability and consequent toxicity. This compound has been shown to reduce phosphate absorption in the intestine of diabetic rats with hyperphosphataemia induced by diet phosphorus overload . However, in those studies, the animals did not have CKD or CKD‐MBD, which limits the clinical usefulness of the results.…”

Effect of cross-linked chitosan iron (III) on vascular calcification in uremic rats

“…17 Previous in vitro and in vivo studies with diet phosphorus overload models have shown the efficacy of iron-III chitosan (Ch-Fe(III)CL) as a chelator. [17][18][19] However, the phosphorus-chelating effect of Ch-Fe(III)CL in VC has not yet been tested in a model of CKD-induced hyperphosphatemia.…”

“…This product was then added to a 15% glutaraldehyde solution in acetone (Merck, Cotia, Brazil) for 24 h, filtered and washed with water to remove excess glutaraldehyde. [17][18][19] All drugs were dissolved in distilled water.…”

Integral pharmacological management of bone mineral disorders in chronic kidney disease (part I): from treatment of phosphate imbalance to control of PTH and prevention of progression of cardiovascular calcification

“…Fermagate (iron-Mg hydroxycarbonate), SBR-759 (a polymeric complex of iron and starch), PT-20 (ferric-hydroxide adipate) and cross-linked chitosan iron-(III) are currently in different phases of development 57,112,114,129 . Old papers reported that iron-dextran, iron-hydroxide, and iron-saccharide also bind P effectively 57 .…”