Iron deficiency, but not anemia, is identified in naturally occurring obesity and insulin resistance in male nonhuman primates

J Med Primatol. 2022 Jun;51(3):165-171. doi: 10.1111/jmp.12572. Epub 2022 Feb 28.

Abstract

Objectives: To understand the development of iron deficiency in obesity and its long-term impact on the profile of anemia in spontaneously obese nonhuman primates.

Methods: The study included 69 adult male nonhuman primates, (NHPs, Macaca mulatta, rhesus monkeys), ranging from normal to obese, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) as defined for humans.

Results: Iron deficiency was present in 31.9% and mild anemia in 13% of the rhesus monkey in the colony. Serum iron levels were significantly lower in obese (p < .01) and T2D (p < .01)) compared with normal NHP. Obese NHPs also had significantly higher hemoglobin (p < .05), and red blood cell count (p < .05) than normal weight NHPs, thus not related to anemia.

Conclusions: Iron deficiency with increased hemoglobin and red blood cells was significantly associated with increased adiposity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Iron deficiency does not cause and is not related to anemia in obese and T2D NHPs.

Keywords: adiposity; anemia; insulin resistance; iron deficiency; nonhuman primates; obesity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Anemia* / etiology
  • Anemia* / veterinary
  • Animals
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / veterinary
  • Hemoglobins
  • Insulin Resistance*
  • Iron Deficiencies*
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Male
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / veterinary

Substances

  • Hemoglobins