06/08/2025
So interesting!
In humans, the link between iron overload and metabolic syndrome (dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome) is known (Stechemesser, Eder et al. 2017). The association between iron overload and metabolic dysfunction occurs in other mammals, like captive black rhinos and its most closely related species, the horse. Due to the similarity between these two species, horses were used as an alternative model by researchers studying the relationship between metabolic dysfunction and iron overload in captive black rhinos (Nielsen, Vick et al. 2012). In 2020, a secondary analysis of the Nielsen data showed iron stores (ferritin) were significantly higher in the group of horses with high insulin compared to control (Kellon and Gustafson, 2020).
Because black rhinos are critically endangered, and captive animals have diseases induced or exacerbated by iron overload, treatment and prevention is paramount to improve their health and longevity. Therefore, feeding protocols were developed to reduce the amount of dietary iron. This resulted in the successful reduction of hyperferritinemia, an approach that should improve the health and longevity for this endangered species (Sullivan, Mylniczenko et al. 2020).
The results of this successful program will be presented by Dr. Kathleen Sullivan at the ECIR NO Laminitis Virtual Conference, October 31-Nov 2, 2025, "Mitigating Iron Overload Disorder in the Black Rhino: Comparative Solutions to a Cross-Species Issue." She will discuss feeding protocols and other aspects of caring for captive rhinos and how these methods can be translated to equine care. See: https://www.nolaminitis.org/guest-speakers.php
The ECIR Group Inc. encourages and supports further research aimed at increasing knowledge of the complex association and mechanisms surrounding EMS, PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction), iron overload, and neurodegeneration (McFarlane, Dybdal et al. 2005, McFarlane 2007).
REFERENCES
Kellon, E. M. and K. M. Gustafson (2020). "Possible dysmetabolic hyperferritinemia in hyperinsulinemic horses." Open Vet J 9(4): 287-293.
McFarlane, D. (2007). "Advantages and limitations of the equine disease, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction as a model of spontaneous dopaminergic neurodegenerative disease." Ageing Research Reviews Ageing Research Reviews 6(1): 54-63.
McFarlane, D., N. Dybdal, M. T. Donaldson, L. Miller and A. E. Cribb (2005). "Nitration and increased alpha-synuclein expression associated with dopaminergic neurodegeneration in equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction." J Neuroendocrinol 17(2): 73-80.
Nielsen, B. D., M. M. Vick and P. M. Dennis (2012). "A potential link between insulin resistance and iron overload disorder in browsing rhinoceroses investigated through the use of an equine model." J Zoo Wildl Med 43(3 Suppl): S61-65.
Stechemesser, L., S. K. Eder, A. Wagner, W. Patsch, A. Feldman, M. Strasser, S. Auer, D. Niederseer, U. Huber-Schonauer, B. Paulweber, S. Zandanell, S. Ruhaltinger, D. Weghuber, E. Haschke-Becher, C. Grabmer, E. Rohde, C. Datz, T. K. Felder and E. Aigner (2017). "Metabolomic profiling identifies potential pathways involved in the interaction of iron homeostasis with glucose metabolism." Mol Metab 6(1): 38-47.
Sullivan, K. E., N. D. Mylniczenko, S. E. Nelson, Jr., B. Coffin and S. R. Lavin (2020). "Practical Management of Iron Overload Disorder (IOD) in Black Rhinoceros (BR; Diceros bicornis)." Animals (Basel) 10(11).
