Histopathological Effects of Excess Dietary Iron on the Liver, Spleen, Kidney, and Cardiac Tissues of Rats

Abstract

Iron is an essential micronutrient that numerous physiological processes require. However, iron overload can cause tissue damage through iron accumulation and oxidative stress . The study aimed to investigate the histopathological changes in the liver, spleen, kidney and cardiac tissues of rats caused by excess dietary iron. Thirty-five adult male albino rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=7). The control group was fed a standard diet and the experimental groups were fed diets supplemented with 40, 80, 120 and 160 mg iron/kg feed for 28 days . Blood samples were collected at the end of the experimental period for hematological analysis and tissue specimens from liver, spleen, kidneys and heart were examined histologically with Hematoxylin and Eosin staining.The results showed dose-dependent increase in the concentration of hemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) values in groups treated with iron as compared to the control group. Histopathological studies revealed progressive deposition of hemosiderin, cellular degeneration, congestion and focal necrosis in hepatic tissues particularly at higher concentrations of iron. Similar changes occurred in splenic tissue, with increased hemosiderin deposition and loss of normal splenic architecture. Kidney and cardiac tissues showed comparatively milder lesions such as tubular degeneration, inflammatory infiltration, myocardial degeneration and vascular congestion.In conclusion, despite improvement of hematological parameters, excessive dietary iron supplementation induced significant histopathological alterations in several vital organs. The liver and spleen were the most affected organs suggesting their important role in iron storage and metabolism. These findings emphasize the importance of keeping iron intake within dietary recommendations to avoid the adverse effects of iron overload.