Alzwawy_2026_Open.Vet.J_16_1893

BACKGROUND: Iron is a necessary trace element in the human body. However, excessive concentration can promote the overproduction of reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress and organ injury. AIM: This study aims to evaluate the biochemical and micromorphological changes that occur following exposure to graded doses of ferrous sulfate in a rat model. METHODS: The treated groups (D1, D2, D3, and D4) were orally and daily treated with graded doses of ferrous sulfate (12.5 mg/kg [D1], 25 mg/kg [D2], 50 mg/kg [D3], and 100 mg/kg [D4]) for 6 weeks, whereas the control group received only saline solution (0.9% NaCl solution at 5 ml/kg body weight) during the same period. RESULTS: Different doses of ferrous sulfate did not cause mortality. Weekly control of glucose levels in all rats revealed a remarkable interaction effect (p = 0.02) between treatment and time, indicating that the dynamics of change over time differed among the groups. Moreover, a significant effect was detected in the time factor (p < 0.001) and in the second factor, which refers to the treatments (p < 0.001). In addition, ferrous sulfate differentially altered the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, including glutathione, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, and malondialdehyde, as well as the acetylcholinesterase activity in a dose- and organ-dependent manner. Histopathological examination revealed signs of liver inflammation and pancreatic and kidney hyperemia. Prussian blue staining revealed no significant iron deposits in any organs. CONCLUSION: Excessive iron may cause oxidative damage to vital organs and alter blood glucose levels.