Sequential changes in serum iron concentration and hepatic hepcidin mRNA expression in LPS-challenged calves

Inflammatory diseases caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are the most frequently observed diseases in dairy and feedlot cows. The acute-phase response to LPS may regulate transcription factors and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and hepcidin. Iron is known to play roles in many enzymatic activities, and is an essential trace element for the host and pathogen. Previous reports demonstrated that serum Fe levels decrease in inflammatory diseases due to intestinal absorption and reduction of the release of Fe by reticuloendothelial cells. In this study, we measured sequential changes in the serum Fe concentration in calves after LPS challenge in order to clarify whether the serum Fe concentration is useful as a marker of inflammation. We also examined sequential changes in mRNA levels of IL-6 and hepcidin to evaluate the inflammatory response.