Iron induces blood-brain barrier alteration contributing to cognitive impairment in β-thalassaemia mice.

ABSTRACT: Iron overload has been associated with cerebrovascular disease and cognitive impairment in β-thalassaemia patients, typically appearing earlier than in the general population. However, the mechanisms of iron overload on cerebrovascular pathology remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of heavy iron overload on the blood-brain barrier and neurohistology, particularly in the CA3 region of hippocampus and its contribution to cognitive impairment in β-thalassaemia mice. Three-month-old female β-thalassaemia and wild-type mice received iron dextran via intraperitoneal injection to induce heavy iron overload. While β-thalassaemia mice with low baseline iron show cognitive impairment at 22 months, equivalent to 70-80 human years, heavy iron overload accelerated cognitive decline, lead

SUBMITTER: Jamrus P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11697437 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature