Modulations of serum hepcidin, IL6 and iron status by different exercise regimens in ovarectomized rats

Background: Hepcidin is a liver-derived regulatory protein playing a crucial role in iron metabolism. It is established that gender differences exist regarding iron storage . However, the effects of sex steroid hormones on iron homeostasis are not completely understood. Objective: Assessing changes in iron status, serum hepcidin & IL6 in an experimental model of induced menopause, and evaluating modulations induced by different exercise intensities. Design: Forty adult female Wistar albino rats were utilized. They were divided into four equal groups. Group 1: non ovariectomized sham operated sedentary group (SHAM/sG). Group 2:ovariectomized sedentary group (OVX/sG). Group 3: ovariectomized moderately trained (adaptive) exercise group (OVX/ MEG).Group 4: ovariectomized strenuously trained exercise group (OVX/ SEG). Serum hepcidin, IL6& different parameters assaying iron status were assessed. Results: The present study demonstrated that hepcidin and IL6 were significantly elevated in OVX/sG versus SHAM/sG. These elevations were associated with significant decreases in the parameters assaying iron status. Following moderate training for 10 weeks, both hepcidin and IL6 were significantly decreased compared to OVX/sG with significant increases in the parameters assaying iron status. However, following strenuous training for 10 weeks a more significant increase in serum hepcidin and IL6 compared to their levels in OVX/sG with worsening in the parameters assaying iron status were detected. Conclusion: Experimentally induced menopause was associated with elevated serum hepcidin and IL6 and deteriorated iron status, which were nearly reversed back to pre-ovariectomized values after moderately adaptive but not strenuous exercise.