TGF-β1 levels in response to iron replacement therapy. A preliminary analysis.

Background

The cytokine transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that play an important role in iron metabolism. However, the effect of iron therapy on TGF-β1 expression during pregnancy is still unknown. Here we assess TGF-β1 levels in response to oral and intravenous iron replacement therapy in pregnant women with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). 

Design 

Pregnant women (n=26) with IDA were prescribed oral iron therapy as per the British Society of Haematology 2012 guidelines. Response to treatment was determined by haemoglobin measurement at follow up visits (V1, V2) within 2-4week intervals. Non-responders to oral iron were prescribed IV iron if they failed to respond at V1 and V2. 

Materials and Methods

Serum from each visit and puerperium visit (V5) was analysed for ferritin, hepcidin and TGF-β1 by quantitative-sandwich-ELISA. Results were divided into two groups, those who responded (R) to oral iron (n=15) and non-responders (NR) who received intravenous (IV) iron (n=11).