Low iron tongue
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Low Iron Tongue: Histopathological and Clinical Insights
Histopathological Changes in Rat Tongue Epithelia Due to Low Iron Diet
Research has shown that low iron conditions can induce significant histopathological changes in the tongue epithelia of rats. In a study where Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a low iron diet, histological analysis revealed epithelial dysplasia in some rats. Additionally, there was a marked increase in the percentage of PCNA positive cells in the basal and parabasal cell layers, indicating heightened mitotic activity in the tongue epithelia under low iron conditions.
Structural Alterations and Iron Supplementation Efficacy
Further studies have demonstrated that an iron-deficient diet can lead to notable structural changes in the rat tongue. These changes include deformed and irregularly arranged tongue papillae, vascular congestion, and mononuclear cellular infiltration in the connective tissue beneath the epithelium. However, these adverse effects can be mitigated with iron supplementation. Rats that received a balanced diet along with daily oral iron supplementation showed complete restoration of tongue structure within two weeks.
Clinical Evidence of Atrophic Changes in Human Tongue
In humans, iron-deficiency anemia is often associated with atrophic changes in the tongue. Clinical evidence from biopsies of patients with iron-deficiency anemia revealed the absence of filiform papillae and keratohyalin granules in the tongue epithelium. Iron therapy led to the reappearance of these structures, indicating that iron supplementation can reverse atrophic changes. Additionally, symptoms such as dysphagia were alleviated following iron treatment.
Conclusion
Low iron levels can lead to significant histopathological and structural changes in the tongue, both in animal models and humans. These changes include increased mitotic activity, epithelial dysplasia, and atrophy of tongue papillae. However, iron supplementation has been shown to effectively reverse these adverse effects, highlighting the importance of maintaining adequate iron levels for oral health.
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