Abstract
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a global health problem affecting various body systems and tissues including the cardiovascular system. Several literatures described the associated physiological and clinical changes in the cardiovascular system and heart. However, the associated structural changes were poorly investigated. Therefore, the main aim of the present work was to elucidate whether IDA induces structural changes and alterations in the VEGF, CD34 and ASMA immunoexpression in the myocardium of albino rats. Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into two groups (fifteen rats each); control and anemic. Hematological data for all animals were assessed weekly and statistically analyzed. Three weeks later, animals were sacrificed, and heart specimens were obtained and processed for light and electron microscopy. All hematological parameters showed a statistically significant decrease in the anemic group. Structurally, the anemic group showed markedly degenerated, disrupted and disorganized cardiomyocytes in addition to markedly congested blood vessels, fibroblasts, collagen fibers deposition and perivascular cellular infiltration were noted. Also, positive immunostaining for VEGF, CD34 and ASMA was observed. Ultra-structurally, the myocardium of the anemic group showed disrupted and degenerated myofibrils with degenerated nuclei, perinuclear edema, widened interstitial spaces and marked collagen deposition. Mitochondria markedly increased with abnormal shapes. IDA induced myocardial injury that may propagate to regeneration through activated CD34 progenitor cells and increased VEGF or to degeneration and fibrosis through collagen fibers deposition and enhanced ASMA. So, early diagnosis and treatment of IDA is mandatory to avoid the associated myocardial structural changes.