Comparison of serum iron, total iron binding capacity, ferritin, and percent transferrin saturation in nine species of apparently healthy captive lemurs

Abstract

Lemurs kept in captivity have been reported to be highly prone to accumulate excessive amounts of iron in tissues (hemosiderosis). Diagnosis of the condition is most commonly made during a postmortem examination because an antemortem diagnosis requires a liver biopsy, a procedure that may not be well tolerated by all animals. The lack of a noninvasive method to evaluate iron status in captive lemurs limits investigators' ability to effectively screen animals for the presence of hemosiderosis, and to detect the condition early when treatment protocols are most effective. This study was conducted in an effort to provide data regarding iron analyte values in healthy captive lemurs of multiple species. The relationship of various iron-related metabolites was evaluated in 177 clinically normal lemurs of nine different species. Serum iron (sI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and ferritin concentration were measured directly and the percent transferrin saturation (TS) was calculated. Significant differences in various iron metabolites were observed among several species, suggesting that normal reference values for iron metabolites in lemurs may need to be developed on a species by species basis.

Variation in physiological health of diademed sifakas across intact and fragmented forest at Tsinjoarivo, eastern Madagascar

“…Iron is an essential element and involved in many biological systems; its metabolism involves several compartments and movement between the compartments depends on health status, nutritional status, and physiological function. Recent research has clarified the significance of iron in disease of captive lemurs and evaluated monitoring mechanisms Williams et al, 2006Williams et al, , 2008. Dietary iron is absorbed from the intestinal tract by the transfer molecule transferrin, and is stored in the body as soluble ferritin or insoluble hemosiderin.…”

Nutrient composition of plants consumed by black and white ruffed lemurs, Varecia variegata, in the Betampona Natural Reserve, Madagascar

“…It was hypothesized that excess dietary Fe, lack of tannins, and the presence of ascorbic acid in captive lemur diets contributed to abnormal iron absorption. However, recent research indicates that the incidence and significance of this syndrome is minimal Williams et al, 2006]. While iron accumulation in liver tissue occurs, there is rarely any clinical compromise associated with it.…”

Serum chemistry concentrations of captive woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha)

“…Elevated ferritin in primates has been associated with numerous diseases including diabetes, hypertension, liver disease, and atherosclerosis and is considered a general indicator of inflammation. Therefore, the oldest woolly monkeys with the highest concentrations may have a higher risk for these diseases [Cutler, 1989;Williams et al, 2006]. Research regarding serum ferritin and baseline levels is ongoing for most primate species and should be further evaluated for woolly monkeys before any diet changes related to this issue are conducted [Williams et al, 2006].…”

“…Therefore, the oldest woolly monkeys with the highest concentrations may have a higher risk for these diseases [Cutler, 1989;Williams et al, 2006]. Research regarding serum ferritin and baseline levels is ongoing for most primate species and should be further evaluated for woolly monkeys before any diet changes related to this issue are conducted [Williams et al, 2006]. It could be argued that the population size for ferritin within this study (n 5 11) is too low for proper assessment of ferritin results particularly considering our inability to accurately identify healthimpaired animals in the cohorts.…”