Leukocyte production of IFN-γ and TNF-α in 8- to 12-y-old children with low serum iron levels.

Iron deficiency is likely the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide; low iron concentrations have been related to alterations in immune system functions; therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of low serum iron (LSI) concentrations on the production of proinflammatory cytokines by peripheral blood leukocytes in 8- to 12-y-old children from a local community. We obtained 120 blood samples and determined full blood counts and serum iron concentrations. An LSI and a control group, paired by age and sex were established using serum iron <60 μg/dL as the cutoff point. Ferritin and C-reactive protein concentrations were quantified. Serum interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentrations were measured in these groups by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A second blood sample was taken from children in both groups to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and measure IFN-γ and TNF-α production by unstimulated and lipopolysaccharide/phorbol myristate acetate/ionomycin-stimulated leukocytes in vitro. Of the participants in the present study, 17.5% (21 children) presented LSI, as well as decreased ferritin concentrations. Differential counts from total blood samples showed a significant increase in leukocyte numbers in the LSI group, along with increased neutrophil frequencies and numbers but decreased lymphocyte frequencies. Decreased serum IFN-γ concentrations and decreased in vitro production of IFN-γ by PBMCs were found in the LSI group. The results of the present study suggest that low iron levels alter leukocyte subpopulations in circulation and have a detrimental effect on leukocyte production of proinflammatory cytokines after an antigenic challenge. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Citation

Irazú Contreras, Vladimir Paredes-Cervantes, Luis A García-Miranda, Francisco Bernardo Pliego-Rivero, José A Estrada. Leukocyte production of IFN-γ and TNF-α in 8- to 12-y-old children with low serum iron levels. Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 2016 May;32(5):546-52

PMID: 26777439

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