The role of dietary non-heme iron load and peripheral nerve inflammation in the development of peripheral neuropathy (PN) in obese non-diabetic leptin-deficient ob/ob mice.

Introduction: Here, we investigated inflammatory signs of peripheral nerves in leptin-deficient obese ob/ob mice and the modulating effects of the exogenous iron load.

Methods: Ob/ob and ob/+ control mice were fed with high, standard, or low iron diet for four months.

Results: We found intraepidermal nerve fiber degeneration in foot skin and low-grade neuropathic abnormalities including mildly slowed motor and compound sensory nerve conduction velocities and low-grade macrophage and T-cell infiltration without overt neuropathology in sciatic nerves of all ob/ob mice.

The role of nerve inflammation and exogenous iron load in experimental peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PDN).

Background: Iron is an essential but potentially toxic metal in mammals. Here we investigated a pathogenic role of exogenous iron in peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PDN) in an animal model for type 1 diabetes.

Methods: Diabetes was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in 4-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats.