| Objective Hepcidin, FPN, DMT1, and DCYTB are iron-regulating channel proteins in the body. This study was to explore the relationship between estrogen and iron metabolism by observing the changes of the gene expression of iron metabolism related channel protein in ovariectomized rats. Methods Twelve female SD rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: OVX group and Sham group. Rats in OVX group underwent bilateral ovariectomy, while rats in Sham group were excised some fat tissue around the ovaries. Twelve weeks later, the specimen were collected. The serum concentration of E2 was detected using ELISA method. The serum iron was detected using were automatic biochemical analyzer. The iron content in the liver and the tibia was detected using an ICP tester. The expression of hepcidin and ferropotin (FPN) mRNA in the liver and the expression of FPN, DMT-1, and DCYTB mRNA in the duodenum were detected using semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results The serum levels of E2 and iron, as well as the iron content in the tibia in OVX group were 19.45±2.28ng/L, 36.36±9.34μmol/L, and 41.00±5.59μg/g, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in Sham group (34.98±4.48ng/L, 54.73±11.08μmol/L, and 66.92±21.94μg/g, respectively, P<0.05). On the contrary, the iron content in the liver in OVX group was significantly higher than that in Sham group (750.20±94.08μg/g VS 369.60±61.87μg/g, P<0.05). The results of RT-PCR revealed that the expression of hepcidin and FPN mRNA in liver in both groups was observed, showing significant different between 2 groups. The expression of FPN, DMT-1, and DCYTB mRNA in the duodenum in both groups was observed, and the expression of FPN and DCYTB mRNA showed significant difference between 2 groups, while no significant change of the expression of DMT1 mRNA was observed. Conclusion The ovariectomy in rats may change the channel proteins modulating the iron metabolism, thus affecting the absorption and distribution of iron. |