Figure 9 | Scientific Reports

Figure 9

From: Hypobaric hypoxia induces iron mobilization from liver and spleen and increases serum iron via activation of ghrelin/GHSR1a/MAPK signalling pathway in mice

Figure 9

Elucidated pathways and impacts of ghrelin on iron mobilization and export amidst hypobaric hypoxia (HH) conditions. In the course of this investigation, we observed a prominent release of iron from the duodenum, liver, and spleen into the bloodstream, a physiological adaptation aimed at fulfilling the augmented iron requirements for RBC synthesis under HH conditions. This phenomenon appears to be intricately associated with elevated ghrelin levels and diminished hepcidin concentrations in the plasma. Concurrently, we discerned an enhanced exportation of iron from the liver, specifically hepatocytes, as well as from spleen macrophages. This is facilitated through an upregulation of Fpn expression, meticulously orchestrated by the synergistic interaction of the activated Ghrelin/GHSR1a/MAPK signalling pathway and the reduction of hepcidin under conditions of HH and hypoxia.

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