Effects of iron overload and exenatide on erythrocyte deformability in a rat model

Abstract

Iron overload is known to affect erythrocyte membrane properties and erythrocyte shape. We hypothesized that iron overload which directly affects the erythrocyte morphology may also interfere with erythrocyte deformability (ED). Exenatide, a glucagon like peptide -1 (GLP-1) analogue used in the treatment of diabetes, is known to have benefi cial pleiotropic effects on endothelial function and blood fl ow which are different from its glucoselowering effects. In our study we aimed to test the effect of iron overload on ED in a rat model (1) and to evaluate the effect of exenatide on ED in the same model (2). For this purpose, the animals were randomly divided into three groups, each containing 6 rats. Rats in the control group (Group C) were given intraperitoneal injections of saline as placebo. The second group (Group Fe) was given intraperitoneal iron dextran (60 mg/kg/day) fi ve days a week for 4 weeks to develop iron overload. The third group (Group Fe +E) received subcutaneous injections of 10 mcg exenatide (Byetta ® Lilly Pharma) in two divided doses for 4 weeks in addition to iron dextran. We observed that ED index was signifi cantly higher in Group Fe when compared to Group C and Group Fe+E (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001). Administration of exenatide to the iron-loaded rats (Group Fe +E) led to a signifi cant decrease in the deformability index (p < 0.017) when compared to Group Fe. Our study shows a decrease in ED with iron and benefi cial effect of exenatide on ED in the iron-overloaded rat model (Fig. 1, Ref. 24). Text in PDF www.elis.sk.