title: Iron deficiency alters DMBA-induced tumor burden and natural killer cell cytotoxicity in rats.
abstract: Natural killer (NK) cell activity is impaired in iron-deficient rats. Natural killer cells destroy tumor cells; therefore, iron-deficient rats may be less able to combat cancer growth. Natural killer cell cytotoxicity, both basal and interferon gamma (IFN gamma)-stimulated, was studied in moderately and severely iron-deficient rats challenged with the carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). Female weanling rats were fed ad libitum semipurified diets containing 8, 13 or 42 mg Fe/kg. A pair-fed group was fed the 42 mg Fe/kg diet at the level consumed by the 8 mg Fe/kg group. Following 6 wk of dietary treatment, DMBA-treated rats received a single intragastric dose of DMBA. Dietary treatment was continued. Rats were killed at 1, 4, 8, 14 and 20 wk post-DMBA treatment. Natural killer cell cytotoxicity (both basal and IFN gamma-stimulated) was analyzed. Feeding the 13 mg Fe/kg diet resulted in lower NK cell activity (P = 0.006) and greater tumor burden (P = 0.045) and tumor incidence. Interferon gamma treatment relieved the lower NK cell cytotoxicity observed in moderate iron deficiency. Feeding the 8 mg Fe/kg diet impaired NK cell activity (P = 0.006), but tumor burden and incidence were less than in moderate iron deficiency. In this model, iron deficiency, particularly moderate iron deficiency, contributed to cancer development and compromised NK cell cytotoxicity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutritional Sciences, Cook College, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick 08903.
authors.forename: A T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Spear
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Sherman
mesh_terms: D015127:9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D007501:Iron / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D000090463:Iron Deficiencies; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008325:Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000276:immunology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D015127:9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene; D007501:Iron