Serum ferritin as a measure of stored iron in horses.

The study developed a method to measure stored iron in horses using serum ferritin and verified its correlation with iron stored in liver and spleen. It concluded that serum ferritin is effective in evaluating iron storage in horses.

Objective of the Study

The purpose of the study was to create a tool that could be used to accurately assess iron storage in horses. This was prompted by the practice of giving horses large amounts of iron to improve their performance. The tool was aimed at evaluating the relationship between serum ferritin, a blood cell protein, in horse serum and iron storage in the liver and spleen.

Methodology and Results

• An enzyme immunoassay was developed specifically for ferritin in equine sera. An enzyme immunoassay is a method that uses enzymes and antibodies to identify and quantify specific substances.
• The relationships between serum ferritin and iron stored in the liver and spleen were then examined. These examinations indicated a significant (P less than 0.0001) correlation, which means the results were statistically compelling.
• The study found that serum ferritin increased after the administration of iron therapy, demonstrating that ferritin levels respond to changes in the body’s iron levels.
• Conversely, serum ferritin decreased after phlebotomy (the practice of drawing blood for medical testing), further demonstrating its response to body iron levels.

Conclusion

After observing the significant correlation between serum ferritin and the concentration of iron not bound to hemoglobin (nonheme) in liver and spleen, as well as the change in ferritin levels in response to iron therapy and phlebotomy, the researchers conclude that serum ferritin provides a good index for measuring hepatic (liver) and splenic iron. Therefore, it can be a useful tool for evaluating iron storage in horses.