Exogenous corticosteroids increase serum iron concentrations in mature horses and ponies.

The research article discusses how the administration of corticosteroids in mature horses and ponies leads to a significant increase in serum iron concentrations which could potentially support bacterial growth and stress these animals.

Experiment Setup

• The study was conducted with a total of 17 equine subjects – 7 Shetland Ponies and 10 Quarter Horses. These are both mature breeds, which provides the scope for study in adult animals.
• A dose of exogenous corticosteroids, which is an externally administered preparation of steroid hormones, was given to these horses and ponies as part of the experimental treatment.
• The effects of this treatment were then monitored by measuring various indicators over time: serum iron concentration, serum iron-binding capacity, and serum ferritin concentration.

Observations and Results

• The researchers found a significant upsurge in the serum iron concentration following corticosteroid treatment. This effect peaked between 48 to 72 hours after administration of the steroids.
• Contrarily, the serum iron-binding capacity and ferritin concentration remained largely unaffected post-treatment. Iron-binding capacity measures the serum’s ability to bind iron and ferritin is a blood cell protein that contains iron. The stability of these parameters implies that the corticosteroid treatment did not interfere with the body’s ability to bind or store iron.

Implications and Conclusions

• The increase in available serum iron due to corticosteroid treatment could potentially enhance bacterial proliferation. Bacteria require iron for growth and if the iron availability increases, it might lead to increased bacterial growth which might cause infections.
• Special care should be taken when horses or ponies are under stress or receiving corticosteroid treatment. Inappropriate treatment could introduce unexpected havoc, notably if the corticosteroid-induced increase in serum iron concentration leads to pathological bacterial overgrowth.