Background: Abnormal iron homeostasis such as iron deficiency or iron excess is associated with the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Iron may stimulate the progression of atherosclerosis by increasing the oxidative stress. Changes in carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) have been validated as a vascular indicator of atherosclerosis progression. The purpose of this study was to apply CIMT to investigate the association between iron status and the initial stages of atherosclerosis.
Methods: 140 healthy premenopausal women aged 18 to 50 years who had no chronic or acute disease were selected randomly from one of the Tabriz university sub specialized clinics. Blood samples were taken to assay iron status parameters. CIMT was measured noninvasively by ultrasonography. Based on CIMT results, the subjects were classified as "healthy" (CIMT ≤0.8 mm) or "at risk" (CIMT >0.8 mm). Student's t-test was used to determine the mean differences between the two groups.
Results: The mean±SD age of the participants was 32.76±8.1 years. The mean iron, ferritin, hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were significantly higher and the total iron binding capacity (TIBC) was lower (P<0.05) among the "at risk" group. However, there was no significant differences in red blood cell count or hemoglobin levels between the two groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Results of this study showed a relative correlation between iron status parameters and CIMT as the initial indicator of CVD. Regarding the contradictions found in the literature, more research is needed to clarify the situation.