Different iron sources affected haemoglobin and myoglobin synthesis, and gene expression related to iron metabolism in skeletal muscle in piglets

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of different iron sources on haemoglobin and myoglobin (Mb) synthesis, and the mRNA expression of the key genes related to iron metabolism in the skeletal muscle of piglets. Forty-eight piglets were assigned into four treatments including control group, ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) group, ferrous glycinate (Fe-Gly) group and amino acid-Fe(II)-chelator complexes group. The results showed that iron supplementation increased Mb concentration in muscles (P < 0.05). In addition, iron supplementation increased hephaestin (HEPH) expression in the longissimus dorsi muscle (P < 0.1), decreased transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1) expression in the longissimus dorsi muscle (P < 0.05) and increased lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) expression in gastrocnemius muscle, respectively (P < 0.05). In summary, compared with high-dose inorganic iron, low-dose organic iron supplements have the same effects in haemoglobin and myoglobin biosynthesis, and mobilize iron in muscles into circulation.